Due to the forecasted winter storm, the City of Hartford offices are CLOSED on Monday, February 23rd, 2026. Essential staff will report for their regular shifts as scheduled. Trash and Recycling pick-up will proceed on a delayed schedule this week.
Snow parking ban for the City of Hartford is in effect Monday February 23rd until Tuesday February 24th at 7am. All vehicles must be removed from City and Blue Light Lots by 10am tomorrow. Traffic along main corridors and downtown will be restricted to one-way in certain areas. Â Additionally, SEVERE COLD WEATHER ACTIVATION is in effect. Please read below for more information on warming centers.
James C. Rovella is a veteran law enforcement professional with over four decades of experience in public safety. Rovella began his policing career with the Hartford Police Department, serving in various capacities, including patrol and detective roles. His investigative expertise led him to the position of the Chief Inspector at the Office of the States Attorney, where he specialized in cold case investigations, developing innovative approaches to solving long-unsolved crimes.
In 2012, Rovella returned to the Hartford Police Department as Chief, where he focused on reducing violent crime, improving community relations, and emphasizing transparency in policing. His leadership contributed to notable reductions in gun violence, strengthened community trust in the department and the development of the Capitol Center Command Center (C4).
Following his tenure as Chief, Rovella was appointed Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) in 2019. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 2023.
Now stepping in as Hartford’s Acting Police Chief, Rovella brings extensive leadership experience and a deep understanding of the city's challenges as city leaders continue the search for the next permanent Chief of Police.