Norwalk police report: staffing short two officers, stolen-car reports down 29% year over year

Chief James Walsh presented the department's March executive report to the Police Commission, saying the department finished the month with 181 sworn personnel — "so that means we're down two budgeted spots currently," he said.

The chief told commissioners the department recorded 15 stolen vehicles in the first quarter of 2026 versus 21 in the same period in 2025, a 29% reduction. He attributed improvements to investigative work by the Detective Bureau and targeted patrols. The department also reported 191 arrests in March and 6,550 calls for service for the patrol division.

Chief Walsh said the department is recruiting an opioid recovery coach to join the behavior health unit; the role will be grant-funded and provided by an outside vendor rather than as a City of Norwalk employee. "They work within a community care team," he said, describing follow-up on overdose incidents and referrals to services.

Capital projects were also highlighted: the department will replace 21-year-old fuel pumps and renovate the front plaza beginning in May and June 2026 as planned capital improvements.

Deputy Chief White described an escalating number of abandoned vehicles across the city and said the abandoned-car unit has been proactive in locating owners and removing vehicles for public safety. "There's kind of an epidemic of abandoned cars throughout our city," the deputy chief said; he explained that when no owner is found, state law allows the vehicle to be turned over to a junkyard.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about funding for removals and departmental capacity; the meeting set the next commission meeting for May 18.