A predominantly Black neighborhood in Hartford, Connecticut, facing concerns over violent crime, has established a group of armed citizens known as the “Self-Defense Brigade” to patrol the streets both on foot and by air. Consisting of approximately 40 legally armed volunteers, the brigade, led by founder Cornell Lewis, patrols Hartford’s North End mainly during nights and weekends. The volunteers wear body cameras while on patrol and also monitor video feeds from drones and home surveillance cameras in the neighborhood when they are not physically present. Lewis stated that the group was formed due to the failure of the city’s Democratic leadership to effectively address the issue of crime, with the volunteers aiming to provide self-defense for the community.
Hartford’s Democratic Mayor, Arunan Arulampalam, has criticized the Self-Defense Brigade, expressing concerns that the group may end up taking the law into their own hands and enforcing vigilante justice. In response, Lewis emphasized that the volunteers are not vigilantes and are trained in legal security practices, holding permits to carry concealed weapons for self-defense purposes. The group was initially established following a shooting incident near Archbishop Dexter Burke’s church, prompting him to take action against crime in the neighborhood. Burke noted that having community members actively involved in patrolling the streets can help combat the anti-snitch culture prevalent in Black neighborhoods, with the use of cameras serving to provide evidence of crimes while also ensuring the safety of the volunteer members.
Despite objections from some local officials, such as New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, who opposes the idea of armed patrols in his city, Burke and Lewis maintain that the Self-Defense Brigade has been effective in reducing crime in their neighborhood. Burke highlighted the importance of taking tangible actions alongside prayers to address the community’s safety concerns, emphasizing the need for proactive measures. The deployment of body-worn cameras and drones by the group not only serves to gather evidence of criminal activities but also safeguards the volunteer members. Burke and Lewis have received inquiries from residents of other neighborhoods in Hartford and New Haven about extending the patrol services, indicating potential interest in expanding the initiative to other areas.
Despite facing criticism and opposition from some local officials, the Self-Defense Brigade continues its patrols in Hartford’s North End, with no intention of backing down. Archbishop Burke emphasized that relying solely on prayers will not solve the issue of crime, stressing the importance of taking practical steps to enhance safety in the community. While concerns about vigilantism and an increase in firearms on the streets have been raised, the group maintains that their primary objective is self-defense and ensuring the well-being of residents. The success of the patrol initiative in reducing crime rates and addressing safety concerns in the neighborhood has led to inquiries from other communities, indicating a potential interest in implementing similar measures to improve public safety.
