West Haven Police Department

09/15/2026

09/14/2026

A Bailey Middle School student has been arrested and charged in connection with the recent “Cat in the Hat” school threat posted on social media.

The West Haven Police Department worked swiftly and collaboratively with the West Haven Board of Education to investigate and resolve this matter and ensure the safety of our students, staff, and schools.

The West Haven Police Department takes any threat directed toward our schools, staff, or students extremely seriously. We will continue to investigate all threats thoroughly, utilize every available resource, and take appropriate enforcement action to hold those responsible accountable.

The student has been arrested and this matter has been forwarded to the Board of Education for further review.

We appreciate the cooperation of the school administration, staff, students, parents, and community members who assisted law enforcement in addressing this incident. The safety of our schools remains our highest priority.

09/11/2026

Twenty-five years ago today, our nation was forever changed.

On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 innocent lives were lost, including hundreds of first responders who ran toward danger while others ran to safety.

Today, the West Haven Police Department joins our community and our nation in remembering the lives taken too soon, honoring the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of our first responders, and standing with the families who continue to carry their loss.

As we mark a quarter-century since that tragic morning, we remember not only the unimaginable loss, but also the courage, compassion, unity, and strength that emerged in its aftermath.

Time moves forward, but our promise remains the same:

We will never forget. 🇺🇸

September 11, 2001 — September 11, 2026

09/10/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Haven of Rest Baptist Church for their incredibly thoughtful and generous donation in honor of September 11th. 🇺🇸

Our officers were grateful to receive gift baskets filled with goodies, and even our K-9s were remembered with special goodie bags of their own! 🐾💙

We truly appreciate your kindness, generosity, and continued support of our officers and K-9s. Thoughtful gestures like this mean more than you know, especially on a day that reminds us of the importance of community, service, and coming together.

Thank you, Haven of Rest Baptist Church, for continuously thinking of us and for supporting those who serve our community. 🇺🇸💙

09/09/2026

**Fi****ms Training***

There will be fi****ms training at the Helm Street range today and tomorrow.

Thank you,

WHPD

09/04/2026

🎖️HONORING 50 YEARS OF SERVICE 🎖️

Today, the West Haven Police Department proudly recognizes Master Patrol Officer Matteo as he concludes an extraordinary 50-year career in law enforcement and service to the City of West Haven.

Throughout five decades of dedicated service, MPO Matteo served the Department in numerous capacities, including assignments within the Investigative Services Division and Narcotics Division, before concluding his remarkable career in the Uniformed Services Division.

For 50 years, MPO Matteo dedicated himself to protecting and serving this community with honor, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the profession. His knowledge, experience, and genuine care for both the people of West Haven and his fellow officers have left an impact that cannot be measured simply in years.

Few can say they have devoted half a century of their lives to serving others. MPO Matteo leaves behind a legacy of service that has helped shape this Department and the community it serves. The West Haven Police Department and the City of West Haven are undoubtedly better because of his dedication and sacrifice.

While his presence, experience, and compassion for this job will be deeply missed by all who have had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him, the example he has set will remain with this Department for years to come.

Master Patrol Officer Matteo, thank you for an incredible 50 years of honorable and distinguished service to the West Haven Police Department and the City of West Haven.

Congratulations on your well-earned retirement, MPO Matteo. We wish you nothing but happiness and good health as you begin this next chapter. 💙

50 years. One remarkable career. A lasting legacy.

09/01/2026

Members of the West Haven Police Department, along with the Chief of Police, were honored to welcome Paulie to West Haven as he made a stop during his journey to Ground Zero.

WHPD officers, alongside WHFD, then had the privilege of escorting Paulie through our city as he continued his trek honoring the heroes we lost on September 11th.

Paulie’s journey is a powerful reminder that even as the years pass, we continue to remember the lives lost, the heroes who answered the call, and the sacrifices made that day.

We wish Paulie safe travels as he continues on to Ground Zero. West Haven is proud to have been a small part of such a meaningful journey. 🇺🇸

We remember. We honor. We will never forget. ❤️🤍💙

08/28/2026

📚✏️ SCHOOL’S BACK — SLOW IT DOWN! 🚌🍎

The backpacks are packed, the buses are rolling, and West Haven Public School students are officially heading back to school this Monday, August 31st 🎒📓

As everyone settles back into the school-year routine, the West Haven Police Department would like to remind drivers of a few important things:

🚌🚨Red lights on a school bus mean STOP. Not “slow down.” Not “sneak by real quick.” STOP. Our buses are equipped with cameras, and passing a stopped school bus is one back-to-school picture you definitely don’t want to be in. 📸😬

🚸 Watch for little pedestrians. Kids can be unpredictable, especially when they’re excited, running late, or just spotted their best friend across the street.

🚗 Give yourself some extra time. Yes, the bus in front of you may stop approximately 47 times 😂 Take a deep breath, enjoy your coffee, and remember there are some pretty important passengers getting on and off.

📱 That text can wait. The group chat, TikTok, Facebook — we promise, it’ll all still be there when you arrive.

And finally…

Slow down. Pay attention. Stop for the bus. Because explaining why you’re late is a lot easier than explaining why you got pulled over in a school zone. 😉🚔

Wishing all of our West Haven students, teachers, staff, and parents a safe, successful, and FUN 2026–2027 school year! 📚✏️🍎

- W. H. P. D

08/21/2026

On August 19, 2026, at approximately 5:42 a.m., West Haven Police responded to the area of Trumbull Street and Aimes Drive after a resident reported observing four masked individuals entering a parked vehicle.

Responding officers located a Kia Forte with a smashed window and damaged steering column. A short time later, officers observed four individuals matching the description provided by the complainant. All four fled when officers attempted to make contact.

Following multiple foot pursuits, the establishment of a perimeter, and an extensive search of the surrounding neighborhood, officers apprehended three suspects—one adult and two juveniles. The fourth individual was not located; however, investigators are actively pursuing leads to confirm that individual’s identity.

Officers recovered burglary tools, including a window-breaking device, as well as a wallet containing a driver’s license and multiple bank and credit cards that had been stolen from another vehicle in the immediate area.

The three suspects were charged with numerous offenses related to motor vehicle tampering, attempted motor vehicle theft, criminal mischief, possession of burglar’s tools, larceny, conspiracy, and interfering with officers. Their names are not being released at this time.

Investigators believe this group may be connected to additional motor vehicle break-ins and stolen motor vehicles reported in West Haven during the preceding days and nights. Those incidents remain under active investigation.

The West Haven Police Department is aware of the recent increase in motor vehicle tampering and thefts throughout the city. Officers are actively patrolling affected neighborhoods, reviewing surveillance footage, investigating reported incidents, and working to identify and apprehend those responsible.

Residents are reminded to lock their vehicles, remove valuables and key fobs, and immediately report suspicious activity. Anyone with surveillance footage that may assist with these investigations—or footage of future suspicious activity—is asked to preserve the footage and contact the West Haven Police Department.

08/06/2026

** Police Training**

The West Haven Police Department will be conducting training on Water Street today from 12:00-4:00 pm. Residents may notice an increased police presence and training-related activity during this time.

This is only a scheduled training exercise.

Thank you,

WHPD