CT EnCon Police
Eastern District Highlights
March 2020

COVID-19 Response
In mid-March 2020 Eastern District officers, along with all EnCon Police around the state, began adjusting their work to social distancing and minimum group numbers following directives and executive orders from Federal and state government sources in response to the emerging coronavirus situation. Officers continued to interact with our park, recreational and fishing constituents and responded to calls for service but with a greater emphasis on public safety and health. Numerous state parks, wildlife management areas and recreation areas saw increased use as officers responded to park areas closed due to full vehicle parking capacities and spent extra time to ensure social distancing and public health per the Governor’s executive orders.

Public Safety Incident
On the afternoon of March 1st, 2020, Officers Moon, Vroman, Landry, Scatena, and Sergeant Chemacki responded to Meshomasic State Forest, Glastonbury, for a report of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident with injuries. Officers discovered a 25 year old male had been thrown from his ATV and was unconscious prior to arrival of emergency services. He was transported to Hartford Hospital where he was treated and released later that day. EnCon Police investigated the incident and both the victim and a friend were issued citations for illegal operation of unregistered ATVs.

Recreational / ATV Enforcement / Fishing Incidents
Eastern District officers continued to be busy as the public sought relief from staying safe at home by visiting state parks, facilities, and with the early opening of the fishing season. District officers issued 35 fishing, 20 ATV, 11 park, 6 boating, and 2 littering violations during March 2020.

Public Outreach
All outreach activities, meetings and officer training were cancelled for the month due to COVID-19 concerns and executive orders.

CT EnCon Police
Marine District Highlights
March 2020


During the beginning of March 2020 Marine District EnCon Officers handled several complaints of illegal pre-season fishing, after Hours Park & forest trespass issues along with motor vehicle violations within our state parks. Since the coronavirus outbreak, Marine District EnCon Officers have been tasked with monitoring social distancing recommendations set by Governor Lamont in our state parks.

CT EnCon Police
Western District Highlights
March 2020

PUBLIC SAFETY

With the declaration of a state of emergency announced due to the Covid-19 outbreak in the state, officers patrol activity drastically increased in relation to the state parks. Officers were assigned daily to state parks and educated the patrons on the restrictions set forth in the Governor’s Executive Order.

ENFORCE FISHING

With the Agency decision to open the fishing season early, activity increased as did complaints. Officers responded as available to any illegal fishing complaints and took appropriate action in relation to the current declaration of a state of emergency.

NUISANCE BEARS
During the month of March Western District officers were dispatched and responded to 12 nuisance bear complaints.
On 3/30/20 officers responded to a bear complaint where a bear had killed a pet pig in the town of Burlington. The first responding officer attempted to the haze the bear, but the bear continued to advance on the officer and was therefore shot. The injured bear ultimately succumbed to its injuries and was located deceased on the morning of 3/31/20 approximately a half mile from the residence.
K-9 CALLS FOR SERVICE
Off. Flockhart and K-9 Ellie were dispatched to two SEARCH & RESCUE (SAR) incidents but in both situations the party was located prior to arrival. In the beginning of March they conducted public outreach at a Girl Scout event.