A city in Connecticut has recently decided to allow lawful permanent residents and DACA recipients to join its police force, following a decisive vote of 18-2 by the city council. This move, however, has sparked dissent from one of its members.
“I really don’t think this will make our city feel any safer,” said Danbury City Council member Candace Fay, a Republican, during an appearance on “Fox & Friends First.” She expressed her belief that the vote lacked any substantial public policy reasoning, arguing there isn’t a pressing demand for this change, which she views as a mere political gesture that deepens divides in the community.
Fay’s comments come in light of the council’s recent amendment to the police hiring ordinance in Danbury, which now permits lawful permanent residents and DACA recipients to apply for positions as police officers. This adjustment aligns local rules with those set by Connecticut’s Police Officer Standards and Training Council, which had already expanded eligibility to permanent residents in 2020 and to DACA recipients by 2025.
While neither the city council nor Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour provided comments before a segment aired on Fox News, it has been reported that Ridenhour discussed police recruitment challenges in an earlier meeting, indicating a desire to attract qualified candidates.
Danbury’s Mayor Roberto Alves, a Democrat, has presented the amendment as a way to eliminate barriers for capable residents eager to serve their city. He emphasized that the decision was about enabling those already part of the community to take on roles that benefit everyone.
Additionally, City Council member Joe Britton, also a Democrat, supported the decision, stating that Danbury is a city of immigrants and that lawful residents committed to their community should have the opportunity to serve in protective roles.
On the other side, Fay maintains that being a U.S. citizen should still be a requirement for officers who have the authority to make arrests and exert force. She defined her stance as an appeal for an objective standard—simply that police officers ought to be citizens, devoid of prejudice regarding one’s origin or background.
Fay also addressed accusations of racism directed at her due to her opposition, asserting that her position strictly revolves around the principle of citizenship in relation to police duty.
