With neighborhood policing, maybe we'll soon recognize our officers
as quickly as we do the cast of HBO's The Wire
Posted by: Noel Jones
In the first Express Times article by Ed Sieger pasted below, the Easton Police Department reports an overall drop in crime to a point that is the lowest number of serious crimes in forty years!
Now while we know that this only measures reported crime, and that there is still a lot of work to do, still, this is a very encouraging figure. Even more encouraging is the language coming from the police department of late with regard to neighborhood policing and a more
comprehensive strategy, which residents have been pushing for, for a long time. A resident that attended a recent Block Watch meeting where Chief Palmer was in attendance, said that the Chief expressed how delighted he was with the results of coordinating more closely with residents in the neighborhood, and the addition of bike patrols last year. With regard to the West Ward, the article says:
"The West Ward, a neighborhood Palmer called the city's most challenging area, saw a 39 percent decrease in serious crimes from the previous year whereas the city overall saw a 24 percent drop."
The Chief expressed appreciation in the article for efforts in the community that helped coordinate with the EPD last year, and went on to say, "I think it would be arrogant of me to just say it was the police department."
Express Times Article by Ed Sieger on Lowest Crime Rate in 40 Years
Also see Michael Duck's Valley 610 blog article on this topic here.
In a separate Express Times article, the EPD announced that it has hired two new officers that will be devoted to neighborhood policing. Residents will have an opportunity to meet and welcome these new officers on Feb. 18th. The article reads simply:
Neighborhood policing
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Easton will introduce its neighborhood policing officers, Russell Demko and Matt Rush, to the community at Weed and Seed's safety committee meeting 7 p.m. Feb. 18.
-- The meeting will be held at the Salvation Army, 1110 Northampton St.
------------In a previous article I had read that the new neighborhood policing officers would be on foot, bike, and car patrols. Hopefully most of their time will be spent on foot, getting to know the community so that we can most effectively liaise with them and keep those crime statistics coming down even farther!
To read the full statistics yourself, click on the new link I have on the side bar entitled Downloadable Documents, where I will be posting a lot of interesting documents in the weeks and months ahead.
What have you noticed with regard to crime lately in your area? (and please let us know what general area that is)
Posts
17 comments:
First, let me compliment everyone for their hard work-the police, neighborhood groups and the community.
I am baffled by this sudden decrease. It seems that we are not the only community that enjoys a noticeable decrease. Communities throughout the country are showing significant decreases in crime.
The reports started last summer and homicides were down as well as assaults and thefts. Rapes were the only crimes that showed an increase.
In many communities, police professionals took credit for the decrease. Some even stated that they could not explain the decrease, but since they were always bashed when crime was increasing, why not take credit when figures were going the other way.
There are some who believe that crime goes down in an economic recession. They show proof that the Depression and other major economic recessions indicated a significant decrease in crime.
Bonnie and Clyde were the exception in a peace loving, poor country. Others doubt the corollary.
I don't know what is happening in Easton. We can only guess. I do know that we eliminated a major public housing project which exhausted a lot of police time and reported a lot of crime. Our population could have declined-only the census will tell. Efforts to improve communications between the public and police have been good. The police seem to react more. There are reports that turf wars between drug gangs have subsided. Maybe it's become like the "Godfather"-divvied up all the territory.
I don't know what is the reason. We need to investigate why so that we don't get lulled in to a false security. Until there is an answer, everyone, keep up the good work.
I know in our own nieghborhood that crime is down or at least getting better at hidding. On our block in large part this is due mostly to us and in other areas people like Dennis, Terry and Terry, Tim and Earl and others who just won't put up with it.
Even though my disabilty has been a lot more disabling of late, I still go out and take pictures of suspicious people or cars, I take down liscence plates and do what I did when we first moved in.
We don't call the police nearly as much as we had to in our first year here, but we don't have reason to...even hit and runs are down. I'll give the EPD thier due here and mention that of the last 4 hit and runs here, they caugh 4...100%, can't ask for more than that.
But to give the neighborhood it's due, more people here call the police now. Everyone comes out of their houses when they hear a loud crash now, and we're able to give the police much better info to work with.
As to the nieghborhood itself, the trouble makers have moved out and new ones aren't moving in. The neighborhood (WW over by saint anthony's) just isn't that kind of nieghborhood anymore. And while our local drug dealer probably hasn't stopped dealing she's not doing it openly or in front of her house anymore (we put in a camera and a flood light that covers her driveway and former place of bussiness), she has at least taken the hint. I sort of assume this is true for others who are doing the same thing around the west ward. We've helped creat a pocket of lawfulness-with a lot of help from the EPD, and a growing belief in the EPD among our nieghbors. It's alot nicer here than it was when we moved in and even with me a bit more off than ussual we stay vigilant. Hopefully if enough of these pockets of normalacy pop up the town will become a place where crime just isn't welcome. We thank the EPD and the other citizens of Easton who are all doing what they can to make Easton a better place, one house or one block at a time.
Thanks,
David
Today's New York Times (Sunday, February 7) has a front-page article about crime data: "Retired Officers Raise Questions on Crime Data." According to the article, "More than a hundred retired NY Police Dept Captains said in a survey that intense pressure to produce annual crime reductions led some supervisors and precinct commanders to manipulate crime statistices[.]" The article explains that stats were juked to downgrade crimes into lessor offenses. Anybody who was a fan of The Wire knows how this works. Not saying it happened in Easton, but police across the country are feeling the pressure to reduce crime, so these stats must be taken with a grain of salt.
Great news and I can see the results in my area. It is great to see the police not putting out their chests and taking all of the credit although I believe they are the biggest reason. Let's see, the number of drug raiss in the last few years has been remarkable and more importtantly when a crime does happen they catch the actors, arrest them, and they get off our streets./ Keep up the good work
Even if the stats were manipulated how is there a shift in the residents perception?
Anon 7:43 you pose some fascinating questions: 1. why has serious crime been going down all over the country at the same time, and 2. is it possible that drug dealers themselves are tired of everyone getting shot or thrown in jail, and have devised a means of divvy-ing up territory to minimize that?
David--Like you, I have noticed a drop in the arrogant, out-in-the-open activity. We still see suspicious characters walking around, but less of the open-air or through-the-window hand-offs lately. I had noticed it and wondered if it was simply because this winter has been so much colder than the last few years. I also agree that some of the drop is probably due to the fact that more and more residents are beginning to trust the EPD again after a long history of grievances, and now that they are getting good responses, that has helped residents to be a little bolder about making it clear to dealers (and disruptive sorts in general) that such activity will not be tolerated anymore by good residents.
Anon 9:28 --As for the NYT article, this is a major cause for concern, and should make us all wonder whether in fact this could be an answer to Anon 7:43's question--are statistics going down all over the country because there is a uniform pressure on officers all around the country to bring the stats down? Here is the link to the article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/nyregion/07crime.html?scp=1&sq=crime%20statistics&st=cse
And yes, as a huge fan of HBO's "The Wire" (which everyone should watch on Netflix because it's not only the best crime show ever written, but is based on a true story in Baltimore, that traces drug dealer activity connected through unions, the mafia and local politicians all the way up through federal officials) I am learning some of the unique invisible pressures on local police departments. I'm currently on Season 3).
Anon 9:30 Raids are great, but also add to the problem if we don't have a comprehensive strategy that is actually reducing the amount of crime committed at the same time. Arresting crime is not necessarily the same as reducing crime. We cannot arrest our way out of this situation, and thinking that we can, puts an unfair pressure on our police department. Our jail is over-crowded already, so whenever there's a raid, we have to release many other inmates early to make room for them, and we have a 70% recidivism rate. Then comes jail expansion in the middle of our neighborhood to try to accommodate the increase in arrests. What we really want is a reduction in crime so that there are less reasons to arrest people in the first place, and that requires a comprehensive strategy that involves outreach, rehab, job training, positive youth programs, young parent counseling, etc.
There is a great article by Terrence Miller in the new tri-annual West Ward publication, "THE WEST WORD," that has just been released and is available for free around town on the concept of a comprehensive strategy as opposed to the enforcement-only strategy that we currently employ, which puts an unrealistic burden on our police department. This kind of strategy has enjoyed great success in other cities around the country (which Terrence cites) and it's time for Easton to let go of an outdated model and try something new, that brings down unreported crime, as well as reported crime statistics.
The most important thing to remember about crime statistics is that they only assess reported crime, and much crime that goes on is unreported. So Anon 10:08 makes a good point--regardless of the statistics, is neighbors' perception is that there is less activity than they have seen in past years, that is the most positive sign of all.
I know that when the gangs first came to my old home town in any numbers, there was a huge outcry for a decrease in "Juvenile Crime" stats and the local response was to charge younger and younger kids as adults, thereby producing a marked temporary drop in "juvenile crime", So I'm not really one to trust statistics (that and the fact that my college statistics Prof. always refered to his class as "how to lie with numbers".)
None the less we have percieved a very real and noticable drop in crime, loudness and general rudeness in our nieghborhood. And I think it is a mixture of factors. And it's been a slow steady drop... alittle here and there, a little more each month over the last two years.
I agree that we can't arrest our way out of this but I'll also support any efforts to do so, crime has to have ramifications or how do we teach young people that it's wrong, dangerous, self destructive?
I'll also pause here to say a quiuck thank you to the Guardian Angels who, while not being active in our nieghborhood are often mentioned and very possitively. I think that there is a lot of good going on here in easton, that we have an impetous for positive change and I think it's ground level and to some degree very interconnected.
Well, let's see what the future brings,
Thanks,
David
I would agree with David in that we can talk and preach all we want about a "gang strategy" but the most effective forst step has to be police enforcement. It is only through active and successful police enforcement that individuals will listen to "alternate" opportunities. I also agree with Anon 9:30 that the raids are fantastic. There is nothing iliked better than to see the police bust down a door at 5 inthe morning and getting these vile individuals that pollute our kids and our neighborhood. The message is out there that Easton is not a place to do crime.
I read the article posted on the new paper and this individual may be successful in his mind for saving a few young people and that is great. But the main effort has to come from the polcie enforcement first. And that's what i want to see from my city.
Now, if the county wants to get involved in some of the programs to reduce their recividism rate -- that's great. But let's face it, the city is doing their job of enforcement but these "alternate programs" individuals write about need to be handled and initiated at the county level. It is their responsibility. They have the social programs, the juvenile programs and the judges who can waive a sentence for participation in an alternate program.
But let's keep the police pressure on and thank the mayor for giving that department more money, technology and officers rather than saying it can be better spent. Notr in my mind.
Anon 12:59 the problem I have with your comments is they reflect a resident with a very passive approach to community. Where is your place in this? Let the police do it. Let the county do it. So our taxes go up and the prison gets bigger? The reason "we" need to take back our country is because individuals do not take personal responsibility for anything! Citizens spend most of their lives working away from their homes and communities in offices for corporations and spend at least two hours daily of their personal lives watching TV. They have insurance through their jobs which handles the issues that arise from their obesity and they fund the corporations for providing them with toxic food. For any real life problem just inside or outside their doors they rely on "professionals" and "officers" and "representatives" who end up regulating and controling all of our lives. This is not the path of freedom, which requires more of a personal effort than just picking up the phone. People used to be outside on their porches, walking and making eye contact - the old timers in Easton are still. Life as you have presented in your comments is not what our forefathers envisioned and is not worthy of their efforts.
darkesthour~I was having a very similar conversation last night with some neighbors--about what consumers Americans have become, with so little independence anymore, needing everything to handled and fed to us. It's like we're a nation of giant babies--when you think of the ultimate consumer, it IS a baby, lying flat on its back, consuming a bottle, relying on greater powers to move or do anything, unable to initiate anything for himself.
did you see the animation film called "Walle"? it depicted this idea brilliantly. it was hilarious--and disturbing, because it hit home. the people are all obese, and ride on little saucers that fly them around safely because they can no longer walk themselves. they drink all of their meals from a slurpee cup an have little TVs suspended right in front of their faces.
terrence's article on crime-reduction in The West Word is a call to the community to show some agency so that each person figures out what he/she personally can do to help with regard to outreach. outreach doesn't just mean outreach to gang youth, it can mean simply reaching out to get to know your neighbors so that they don't feel isolated or powerless to take their community back.
i'm not sure why anyone would want to resist the progressive crime-reduction strategies that terrence describes in his West Word article, when have had such great success in other cities with troubles like ours.
to expect our police department to solve an addiction and recidivism problem is completely unfair and unrealistic. we have to take some responsibility ourselves. a comprehensive strategy requires cooperation between all players--the county, the city, nonprofits orgs, faith-based orgs, and the neighbors in the community. and there are two very important ways that the city and county can help residents to achieve this: 1. to not obstruct a new strategy while trying to hold on to an outdated model, and 2. to actually embrace the new strategy.
we, as taxpayers, cannot keep paying for an ever-expanding jail, and we as neighbors cannot tolerate an ever-expanding jail in the middle of our neighborhood. we, as independent Americans, cannot expect the police department to solve all our community's problems and need to take some of the responsibility for ourselves. the city and county need to a) let us do it, and b) work in collaboration with us.
the police are already doing their part.
Yes,compliments are due to the many individuals who have contributed to the vast efforts by too many groups and people to note,I would clog the Server.I was at the BlockWatch meeting but left to attend the first attempt at"Neighbors" to get the EASD's attention and Kudo's again to all of the folks who raised the awareness level of a Community watchdog. Great work!!!!!
Knowing chief Palmer for many years,He too, was actually surprised by the statistics and spoke glowingly about a young force dedicated to implementing "Community Policing" and with the monies from the PCCD to pay for the overtime,I am sure these efforts will continue to flourish.
But as was stated,do not take the stats for granted and stay vigilant.It is winter folks and as the Spring returns I think it is IMPERATIVE to repeat the drill all over again.It seems we all like HBO's "The Wire",well it is based on factual police work and much can be applied to "our" City.
EAPD has gained the trust and support of residents,this was a huge change from days of old and the street officers and detectives have definitely put in the hours in being as effective as they have.
Time will tell and we must continue to forge ahead through the politics and apathy that is still out there.Change does not happen overnight and there still is much work to be done.Although I grant write for a profession and I tend to use stats to make my case,I often shake my head to myself and wonder how the data was compiled and by whom.Now please note I an NOT stating that the crime stats are right or wrong are you kidding,I see the world through rose colored John Lennon glasses.I want what we all want,a better community for my grandchildren and the children I see on a day to day basis.But I also know that everyone needs to stay on the same page because if the page becomes divisive,we all loose.And then my "Neighbors" there are no winners.
Sandy~you're on 11th & Ferry, right? Have you notice a difference in the activity level (especially open-air drug hand-offs) in the last several months?
Just some quick takes...
Statistics...can never be trusted unless you gathered them yourself and understand the basis for their use.
Criminal activity...perceived as being down by some. I can't tell if it's a seasonal adjustment for winter yet. Time will tell.
Police presence...I see more patrols in general and an obvious but quiet coordination between officers on the streets. Personally, I haven't seen the force acting and performing this professionally in my lifetime in Easton. Somebody is doing something right.
Enforcement...My credo - If you are guilty you will be caught and you will be punished. Then, if you show the initiative to change, everything in the community's power should be done to offer alternatives to further incarceration. We will never be able to build enough cells under present policy.
The American Dream...we have let corporate ad agencies redefine what a "life well spent" means. Civic engagement is the glue holding our cities together - not commercial zombification. I gave up cable TV in 1997. That time has been spent engaging friends, family and neighbors in physical activities, community events and intellectual disourse, which has made my life fuller and more impactful on my little corner of the world than all the TV ever could.
DRL
I want to echo one thing Dennis said in that making time to invite neighbors over for lunch, dinner, coffee, whatever, is a really important precursor to building political will. This also happens in cafes and pubs, so meeting up with neighbors at Terra Cafe downtown (owned by WW residents) or Porters is really important to developing a sense of community, sharing news, thinking aloud, debating and brainstorming AND having fun simply enjoying a nice time together.
This blog is an on line version of that, but it's even more powerful in person when people hang out in the same space and put their heads together on how to improve the community. It's great to be an active citizen and make friends along the way...
Who is this guy Terrence? Of course it only includes reported crime --- it has always included only reported crime. So you are still comparing apples to apples and the reported crimes are down. Let's be happy and just tout this good news so that we can start attracting good families back to the West Ward. Some of you would find fault if taxes were lowered 25%!
Anon 9:24--the importance of pointing out the difference is because the statistics often get translated into "crime is down" which is not necessarily true, just because reported crime is down. What matters is the reality that residents live daily, which is why I say that the most encouraging sign is that residents themselves seem to be noticing a difference, as they witness both unreported and reported crime.
Also, your question doesn't really make sense in light of the NYTimes article--the clear question is whether or not police department feel pressured to lower the reported crime statistics each year, as it seems to be happening simultaneously all across the nation.
We are not the types here to brush things under the rug, if that's what you mean. That's a good thing, because the reality on the ground will not change unless we're addressing it.
As for your question as to who Terrence is, he is the head of a local gang youth outreach nonprofit, who was formerly on the mayor's anti-gang task force for three years and traveled to North Carolina with Chief Palmer to study how more progressive programming there has helped troubled communities like Easton.
Read the article--you might find it interesting.
Also, see my most recent post to continue this conversation--it's the one with the photo that says "You Are Beautiful."
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