New London Police Department

10/16/2026

NEW LONDON — WE'VE GOT EACH OTHER'S BACKS.

Recent violence in our community has been a hard reminder: behind every incident are families, friends, and neighbors who deserve to feel safe at home and on their streets.
A safer New London is something we build together — and here's one simple way you can help right now.

📹 Register your security cameras with Connect New London

Already have a doorbell cam, business security system, or home camera? Just register it. That's it. Takes less than a minute.

🔒 IMPORTANT — HERE'S HOW IT ACTUALLY WORKS:

Registering your cameras does NOT give police access to your video feed.

Police cannot watch your cameras — live or recorded.

If an incident happens nearby, investigators may simply contact you to ask whether your footage captured anything useful. The decision to share is always yours.

No new equipment. No live feeds. No surveillance. Just a faster way for investigators to know who to call when seconds matter.
Small steps. Stronger connections. A safer New London.

👉 Register today: https://connectnewlondon.org/

10/16/2026

Please Join Us In Welcoming Our Newest Officer!

The New London Police Department is proud to introduce Police Officer Candidate Jack Cooper who was officially sworn in today, October 16, 2026, at City Hall!

Police Officer Candidate Jack Cooper will begin the next chapter of his journey: 6 months at the New Haven Police Academy followed by 12–16 weeks of Field Training (FTO) with our department.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Candidate Jack Cooper and wishing him success as he trains to serve the New London community. We can't wait to have him on the road!

10/14/2026

NEWS RELEASE:

New London Police Department Investigating Fatal Shooting on Garfield Avenue

NEW LONDON, CT — The New London Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Wednesday afternoon in the parking lot of 153 Garfield Avenue.

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at approximately 12:04 p.m., officers responded to a report of shots fired and a possible gunshot wound victim at the location.

Upon arrival, officers located an adult male inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital for emergency medical treatment, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Preliminary investigation indicates this incident does not appear to be a random act.

The scene was immediately secured, and detectives from the New London Police Department's Investigative Services Section responded to initiate the investigation. The New London Judicial District State's Attorney's Office and the Connecticut State Police Major Crime Unit – Eastern District were notified and also responded to assist.

Victim Identification

Following notification of next of kin, the decedent has been identified as:

• Name: Richard Rowell, Jr.
• Date of Birth: April 15, 2008
• Residence: New London, CT

Ongoing Investigation

The New London Police Department's Investigative Services Section has assumed primary responsibility for the investigation, which remains active and ongoing. No additional details are being released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the New London Police Department’s Detective Bureau at 860-447-1481. Anonymous tips can be submitted via the New London Tips 411 system by texting NLPDTip plus the information to Tip411 (847411).

The New London Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Mr. Rowell during this difficult time.

Additional information will be released as the investigation progresses and as details become available for public dissemination.

10/12/2026

NEWS RELEASE:

Public Assistance Sought: Man Captured on Camera Tossing Dog Over 6-Foot Shelter Fence

NEW LONDON, CT — October 12, 2026 — The New London Police Department is asking for the public's help identifying a man accused of throwing a dog over a six-foot-high perimeter fence at the municipal animal shelter on Chester Street in the early morning hours of Monday, October 12, 2026.

Incident Summary

On 10/12/2026 at approximately 1:49 a.m., safety cameras at the New London Animal Control facility recorded an unidentified male lifting a dog over the shelter's six-foot perimeter fence and leaving the animal unattended on the property before fleeing the area.

The frightened dog was later discovered hiding behind a bush inside the shelter grounds. An Animal Control Officer patiently coaxed the animal out from its hiding place. The dog is now safe, has been evaluated, and is receiving care at the facility.
Suspect Information

Authorities have released a still image from the shelter's camera system showing the individual at the time of the incident. Investigators are seeking to identify and speak with this person regarding the circumstances surrounding the abandonment.
Abandoning an animal in this manner may constitute a violation of Connecticut's animal cruelty and abandonment statutes.
How the Public Can Help

Anyone who recognizes the man pictured, has information about the dog's owner, or witnessed any activity near the Chester Street shelter during the overnight hours is urged to contact: New London Animal Control at (860) 447-5231

All tips will be handled with discretion.

Message from the Shelter:

Shelter officials remind the community that New London Animal Control accepts surrendered animals through proper intake procedures during business hours, and emergency arrangements can be made by phone. There is never a need to abandon an animal in a way that puts it at risk of injury or trauma.

10/09/2026

NEWS RELEASE:

Shots Fired Investigation Underway in New London

NEW LONDON - On Thursday evening, 10/08/26, at approximately 9:52 p.m., New London Police responded to the area of Chappell St. and Griswold Ct. for the report of shots fired with a possible gunshot wound victim. Upon arrival in the area, officers located an adult male who appeared to have sustained gunshot wounds (GSWs). The male was subsequently transported to the hospital by ambulance. The area was immediately secured and members of Investigative Services responded to investigate the incident.

The investigation remains active.

Anyone with information concerning this incident is encouraged to contact the New London Police Department's Detective Bureau at 860-447-1481 or anonymous information can be submitted via the New London Tips 411 system by texting NLPDTip plus the information to Tip411 (847411)

10/07/2026

🚨 New London’s Emergency Communication Kiosks

The New London Police Department is proud to highlight our City’s emergency communication kiosks — often called "blue light" towers or emergency call boxes — at key locations throughout the city. These kiosks provide a critical safety link between the public and law enforcement, available 24/7.

Similar to the systems you may have seen on college campuses, each kiosk offers wireless emergency phone operation with voice connectivity, a flashing strobe light, and illumination to help responders quickly locate callers.

⚡ Rapid, High-Reliability Access

• Instant connection: A single button press immediately connects you to 911 dispatchers or local police — no need to unlock a phone or dial.

• Dead-zone backup: A reliable alternative when your cell phone fails due to a dead battery, poor reception, network congestion, or when you simply don't have it with you.

📍 Automated Precision Positioning

• Pinpoint location data: The moment the emergency button is pressed, dispatchers instantly receive the exact GPS and physical coordinates of the kiosk.

• Eliminates confusion: Callers in distress — or those unfamiliar with the area — don't have to struggle to identify cross-streets or landmarks, drastically reducing response times.

📹 Integrated Security Tools

• Live View: Each kiosk features a public safety camera that activates automatically and streams live to dispatchers when a call is placed.

📌 Emergency Call Box Locations

You can find a kiosk at the following locations:

# Location

1. Custom House Pier — just outside NLPD's Waterfront Substation

2. State St. & Eugene O'Neill Dr. — Northwest corner

3. State St. & Washington St. — Southwest corner

4. Parade Plaza — Corner of Water St. and Atlantic St.

5. Municipal Parking Lots (MPLs) — Southwest sidewalk of Pearl St.

6. City Pier — Behind the Visitor Center, across from the USCG Museum pedestrian construction access to the Ferry Terminals

Your safety is our priority. Please take a moment to note the kiosk closest to the areas you visit most. In an emergency, every second counts — and now help is never more than a button-press away.

10/07/2026

In Memoriam — Retired Sergeant Dominic Bonanno

The New London Police Department mourns the passing of retired Sergeant Dominic Bonanno, who passed away on October 4, 2026, at the age of 98.

Sgt. Bonanno came to the New London Police Department following service in the United States Army, where he attained the rank of Corporal. Appointed a Supernumerary Police Officer on July 15, 1954, he went on to serve New London for nearly 35 years, becoming a full-time Patrol Officer in 1962, Corporal in 1974, and Sergeant in 1978 before retiring on July 5, 1989.

Throughout his career, Sgt. Bonanno served New London in roles that extended well beyond "walking a beat." He represented his fellow officers as Vice President of the police union and led the Department's Traffic Division. Newspaper accounts document his extensive work with residents, the City Council, and other City departments on traffic patterns, intersections, parking, pedestrian safety, school crossing guards, and community events in New London.

Sgt. Bonanno was also a leader in the region's developing efforts to combat impaired driving. Beginning in the early 1980s, he coordinated a multi-agency DUI enforcement program, served as an Intoximeter instructor, and provided instruction through state programs. In 1987, his work earned him a citation from the Connecticut General Assembly for outstanding public achievement, along with recognition from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Remove Intoxicated Drivers (RID).

His career coincided with decades of change in both policing and the City he served. The historical record reflects a career marked by leadership, professional development, community involvement, and close working relationships with residents and City government. His work in traffic safety, in particular, placed him at the center of decisions that helped shape New London's streets for generations.

We extend our sincere condolences to Sgt. Bonanno's family and friends, and recognize with gratitude his nearly 35 years of dedicated service to the New London Police Department and the City of New London.

Rest in peace, Sergeant Bonanno.

10/06/2026

📢 PUBLIC NOTICE: Temporary Road Closure – Eugene O'Neill Drive

New London Police Department

🚧 Temporary Road Closure 🚧

Please be advised that Eugene O'Neill Drive, between Masonic Street and State Street, will be temporarily closed to accommodate scheduled crane work.

🗓️ When: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 📍
Where: Eugene O'Neill Drive (between Masonic St. & State St.)

🚗 Travel Advisory

If possible, please avoid the area during the closure period (8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) to help reduce traffic congestion.

If travel through the area is unavoidable, please allow additional travel time and follow the detour route below:

🔄 Detour Route

• At the stop sign at Eugene O'Neill Drive and Masonic Street, motorists may turn right onto Masonic Street

• Follow the posted detour signs to State Street to bypass the closure

⚠️ Reminder

Please obey all posted signage and follow the directions of traffic control personnel on scene.

We thank you for your patience and cooperation.

10/05/2026

“Coffee with Cops”

DATE: Wednesday, 10/07/2026

LOCATION: Muddy Waters Café, 40 Bank St., New London, CT

TIME: 8:30am – 9:45am

SUMMARY:

The New London Police Department would like to invite everyone in our New London community to attend our “Coffee with Cops” event at Muddy Waters Café, 40 Bank St., New London, CT, on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, between 8:30am – 9:45am.

Join members of the department for coffee, conversation and yes..…maybe a something good to eat. Meet the officers in your community, ask questions, voice concerns or just enjoy a cup of joe in a friendly, agenda-free environment.

We believe that effective police services are delivered in collaboration with an engaged and involved public, and that police must be available to the public that it serves.

Hope to see you there!

10/02/2026

REMINDER.....................

DATE: Saturday, October 3, 2026

TIME: 10 AM – 1 PM

LOCATION:
New London Police Department Lobby, 5 Gov. Winthrop Blvd., New London, CT

- Free gun safe (while supplies last)
- First-come, first-served
- Recipient must present a valid CT Pistol Permit
- One safe per address
- Brief survey at event

🔒 FREE GUN SAFE GIVEAWAY EVENT! 🔒

We're proud to join the 6th Annual CT Statewide Gun Safe Giveaway Day!

📅 Saturday, October 3, 2026
🕙 10 AM – 1 PM
📍 New London Police Department Lobby, 5 Governor Winthrop
Blvd., New London, CT

✅ Free gun safe (while supplies last)
✅ First-come, first-served
✅ Recipient must present a valid CT Pistol Permit
✅ One safe per address
✅ Brief survey at event

Secure storage saves lives. Let's keep fi****ms out of the wrong hands and our kids safe.

See you Saturday, October 3, 2026!