Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy made a stop in Bridgeport to assess the progress of a new program called Project Longevity. The program’s basis is the theory that 90% of the violent crimes are committed by less than 5% of the population. Those who commit the most serious crimes are taken off the street and minor offenders are offered help to get their lives in order. Bridgeport got involved in the program in October of 2013 and as of July 2014 almost 80 people have sought services from the program, such as help finding a job or place to live.
The city offers the help to participants for free, but they have to abide by the conditions and only a few participants have left because they can’t adhere to guidelines.
Officials say that the murder rate has decreased by a third since the city began participating in this and other similar programs. Overall, Connecticut’s crime rate has plunged to its lowest rate in years. The Governor noted that helping people to obtain services can counteract crime and programs like Project Longevity should be a continuing focus as part of any major city’s crime reduction plan. Governor Malloy also mentioned the benefit to the groups that arrange for housing and job services for program participants, they have been paid over a half million dollars by the state in 2014.
Even though Bridgeport has experienced a marked drop in violent crime, murder rates remain a problem. Former Governor Tom Foley, who is seeking re-election in 2014, has a different strategy for combatting crime, but still sees the benefit of providing opportunities to people teetering between lives of crime and being productive members of society. If elected, he will focus on rejuvenating blighted areas.