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Putnam Police Chief Rick L. Hayes announced a community initiative aimed at maintaining Putnam as a “Safe and Friendly Community.” The program that is being promoted as “the first of its kind to be unveiled in Connecticut” reflects a partnerships between the Putnam Police Department, the Putnam Business Association and Putnam Partnership to Reduce the Influence of Drugs for Everyone (PRIDE).
The effort, which has been agreed to by the business association and PRIDE, is focused on working to make Putnam a drug-free community. In addition to programs that the Police Department has already initiated, such as its foot and bike patrol, this initiative is an open door encouraging businesses to work cooperatively with the Putnam police.
“We’re encouraging all businesses, but especially those who sell alcohol and tobacco products to work closely with us to maintain Putnam as a safe community. By being cooperative, alert and vigilant, local businesses working hand in hand with our department can help to prevent potential problems before they arise,” said Hayes.
In this program that is free to businesses, they are asked to agree to serve alcohol responsibly only to those individuals 21 years of age and older; notify the police of any criminal act or suspicious activity they may observe; avoid selling or publicly endorsing products commonly associated with illegal drug use; and to generally promote a safe, friendly and drug-free community.
As part of the program, businesses that participate in partnering in the program will sign an agreement and receive a decal to be displayed prominently at their business location.
Putnam PRIDE is a program with similar objectives. The group works to diminish the influence of substance use and abuse in Putnam.
“The mission of our program is to achieve ‘PRIDE’ in our community, our leaders, our schools, our parents, our friends and families by making informed decisions when it comes to the use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco,” said Romeo Blackmar, Putnam PRIDE coordinator.
Cumberland Farms in Putnam is the location where the program will be unveiled at 11 a.m. Feb. 24. Chief Hayes will be on hand with Blackmar, Ronald P. Coderre, President of the Putnam Business Association and representatives of Cumberland Farms. Putnam business owners and members of the community are also urged to attend the brief program.