This week, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut hosted a Community Policing Awards Ceremony that recognized 15 law enforcement officers and community members from cities and towns across the state.
“Today we honor the very best in community policing in Connecticut,” said U.S. Attorney John H. Durham. “These deserving law enforcement officers understand that community policing is an effective way to prevent crime, solve neighborhood problems and keep our cities and towns safe and secure. They know that it is critically important to engage with members of the community in positive, friendly and constructive ways, long before a call for service. My sincere congratulations to each of these award recipients. I thank them for their invaluable work, which continues to strengthen the communities they serve."
Among those honored was New Canaan Police Department Officer Ron Bentley.
Officer Ron Bentley has been a member of the New Canaan Police Department since 2005.
Following a brazen daytime violent robbery of a local jewelry store, the New Canaan business community was terrified that this type of crime might happen again. It was at that time, the New Canaan Police Department decided to create the position of Community Impact Officer. Officer Bentley was appointed to that position and is responsible for the New Canaan business district. He has built strong relationships with business owners and residents and has created a sense of safety and community in the center of town.
In addition to his work downtown, Officer Bentley has worked with the town’s youth through his role as baseball coach for the New Canaan High School Varsity Baseball Team and was a previous School Resource Officer at New Canaan High School.
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