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by Paul Bass | Jan 26, 2012 5:41 pm

(27) Comments | Commenting has been closed | E-mail the Author

Posted to: Legal Writes

Paul Bass Photo Three officers started walking a regular beat in Newhallville, as a grassroots crime-fighting “conversation” that put them there continued.

Officers Scott Shumway, Jeremie Elliott, and Ryan Pryzbylski, all members of the police academy Class of 2008, began their new permanent assignments Thursday patrolling the neighborhood’s streets without their cars.

They were also Exhibit A Thursday morning at a press conference outside the Newhallville substation.

Exhibit B consisted of a phalanx of newly elected aldermen who attended the conference—and saw the message they conveyed from the streets during their anti-City Hall campaigns last year become official city policy. Concern over street violence helped the slate win 14 out of 15 races in the Democratic primary, then three more in the general election.

At the press conference, Mayor John DeStefano and Police Chief Dean Esserman announced that 21 officers have been transferred back to patrol duty from temporary assignments in the investigative services and major crimes units. The move will enable the department to assign permanent walking beats all over town. All 10 districts will have those beats within a month, officials said. (Click here for a story about the first assignments, downtown.) These will involve officers who walk the same turf every day and get to know neighbors (as opposed to a half-measure of temporary floating beats with out-of-district cops, that the mayor floated in the latter stages of the campaign.)

Mayor DeStefano also announced at Thursday’s press conference that he will ask the Board of Aldermen for approval to spend money to hire 40-45 new cops right away rather than wait for the next fiscal year. He promised to have the details—including cost, and where the money would come from—within a few weeks. New Haven has 484 approved police positions; only 425 are currently filled.

The news represented a dramatic policy turnaround for a mayor who presided over the gradual elimination of walking beats and dissolution of community policing during his tenure. Meanwhile the number of annual murders rose from eight to 34 in the last five years.

“This is what we were talking about on the doors” in the campaign, said new Beaver Hills Alderman Brian Wingate.

“This is a response to a conversation [that] was had in lots of wards in the campaign,” observed new East Rock Alderwoman Jessica Holmes, who attended with her 2-year-old daughter Evie. “The mayor understands the people of New Haven want community policing back.” She noted DeStefano’s hiring of Esserman as a direct response to that call.

The anti-City Hall slate’s role in the policy shift was tacitly acknowledged in the choice of introductory speaker for the official event: one of the anti-City Hall candidates elected last fall, Newhallville’s Delphine Clyburn (pictured).

DeStefano made the acknowledgement explicit in his official remarks.

“It was clear the city wanted to move back to a kind of policing we used to have” in the 1990s, DeStefano said. “It’s clear to me that’s what people want.” He called adding citywide regular walking beats “only a first step” toward broader changes.

After the press conference, the democratic back-and-forth continued, as the mayor discussed his plans Clyburn, Wingate, Holmes, and labor-slate allies Tyisha Walker (at left in photo) of West River and Frank Douglass of Dwight.

Walker pressed the mayor on why, basically, this didn’t happen sooner.

“I’m going to man up and say, ‘That was a mistake,’” DeStefano responded. “When you get 100 people in front of you screaming about the mill rate, that gets your attention, too.”

Walker turned to the question of how to pay for new cops.

“People want walking beats. People also don’t want this big budget gap,” she said. DeStefano noted that the cops on the new walking beats already belong to the force; positions are being shifted around. In his upcoming request for new positions, he’ll transfer money from other city accounts, as yet unidentified.

Wingate pressed the mayor to hire more local people for the upcoming 45 or so new positions. DeStefano responded that it takes a year to recruit for a class. Even after all that time it’s still hard to end up with 50 people who meet the criteria after background checks and other screening, he said.

Clyburn ushered one of her constituents, Mark Barrows of Butler Street, into the conversation with the mayor. He wanted to know how the news will affect the police department’s ability to solve murders. The shift of officers back to patrol will leave the investigative unit with 21 fewer bodies.

Walking cops develop the relationships with neighborhoods that produce information crucial to solving cases, DeStefano said. He also said the department is developing a new strategy for the recently reconstituted cold case unit, drawing in part on currently retired cops.

Comments

posted by: South West on January 26, 2012 9:29am

So there were 40 cops in ISU. Question what did they do to solve the crime solvability rate? Seeing the crime rate so high. I would say nothing, maybe they will do a better job walking the beat learning how to talk with people. That shouldn’t be to hard.

posted by: observor1 on January 26, 2012 9:33am

Can someone tell me why Johnny boy has to be at a news conference to announce something that is being done by the PD. The next thing we’ll hear is Esserman has to raise his hand for permission to go to the bathroom like we did in grammer school.
I was hoping to see the new chief be able to work on his own but more often than not we see who pulls his strings.

posted by: OMG why Destefano on January 26, 2012 9:45am

Prayers to all of the Great Officers @ NHPD going back to patrol…and all out there presently..you all Rock.

Why is Destefano again, INVOLVED with a press conference re: the NHPD ??? Oh, wait a minute, question answered, he controls it!!!

posted by: Anymouse on January 26, 2012 10:49am

Next Step: Ban cell phone use by officers on the clock. It improves efficiency in the private sector!

posted by: anon on January 26, 2012 12:23pm

Violence prevention is not rocket science. Unfortunately the city is not willing to think hard about what will actually reduce crime.

In addition to putting out walking beats, why not hire parasecurity professionals to serve as the eyes and ears of the force.

This is exactly what Yale does throughout East Rock, Howe Street, and its campus. The “Downtown Ambassadors” also serve this role throughout parts of Downtown. More than half of Yale’s security force does not consists of sworn police officers. Relative to activity, that’s why it is the safest part of the city by far.

For the price of one beat cop, you could put 3-5 paraprofessionals on walking beats.

Many other cities have done this too. In areas where it is done, crime plummets by 40 to 80%.

Of course, this creates major union issues because the need for cops then declines.

The other issue here is that no police officers actually live in the neighborhoods with high crime. 30 years ago, officers lived in Dixwell and other neighborhoods. Now the fact is that they all live in Hamden, Orange, or East Haven. Walking beats and patrols do little and mostly just push crime around - ultimately, neighborhoods are only as safe as the number of officers who actually live within them.

Apparently, the city and the unions aren’t interested in actually reducing crime. The business community, public schools, and low income neighborhoods need to step up and demand real change (rather than press conferences) because they are the ones most impacted by the high crime rate.

posted by: Observer on January 26, 2012 5:54pm

Considering the results of the recent primary and elections, it should also be clear to Johnny D that New Haven residents no longer want him as Mayor.

posted by: anon on January 26, 2012 6:18pm

“In his upcoming request for new positions, he’ll transfer money from other city accounts”

AKA sending more money to the suburban unions, primarily courtesy of our lowest-income city renters (who currently pay well over 50% of their incomes in rent). That rent is also known as the city’s property tax.

Almost all patrol cops live in the suburbs, including most of the folks who fill new positions.

“When you get 100 people in front of you screaming about the mill rate, that gets your attention, too.”

How many residents have lost their homes or had to pull their kids out of summer programs, due to the housing costs, high rents, and taxes?

People are worried about the mill rate because the higher it goes (and by extension the more $$ exported to suburbs), the worse the crime and disorder gets.

posted by: Threefifths on January 26, 2012 6:41pm

“This is what we were talking about on the doors” in the campaign, said new Beaver Hills Alderman Brian Wingate.

Politicians are the craftiest and most cunning of all con artists and salesmen. They can manipulate even the most cherished beliefs and intellectual arguments to convince you to give them immense coercive power over other people and eventually, even over you. They’re so good at it that they can even convince many to become fanatic supporters, and themselves to believe their own B.S.”—Rick Gaber

posted by: @insider98 on January 26, 2012 6:52pm

This is to all of those individuals who think just because you have manipulated the chief into deploying walking beats they are going to curtail the crime rate in the city. Did we forget that we just came off of a post apocalyptic crisis where there were 34 homicides within the city during 2011? I guess by placing walking beats back in the neighborhoods the 34 murders will be forgotten. I suppose the mentality of the brother and sisterhood who are citizens and you know who I am talking about. All Johnny has to do is throw another crumb to them and now they are happy. “Master”/“Willie Lynch” has done it again!!!! Again, my hat is off to the Latino’s for their achievement in managing to be a cohesive group. Hey! Brothers you should maybe talk with Reverend Manship instead of then maybe you might be taken serious!

posted by: timmy on January 26, 2012 7:21pm

Did the mayor just lay off 21 officers? Why is trying to hire more now? Remember you voted him back

posted by: HhE on January 26, 2012 7:21pm

Anon, can you cite a study or article in a peer reviewed journal where you got “Many other cities have done this too. In areas where it is done, crime plummets by 40 to 80%.”?

How many of the 40 to 45 new cops will be laid off as soon as their training is complete?

posted by: Noteworthy on January 26, 2012 7:49pm

Having more cops than anybody in the state does not insure our safety. DeStefano should know this as he should also know that spending money for positions that are unbudgeted is equally untenable. Where is the balance?

Moreover, how sad is it that all those people had to die last year because calls for a higher level of intervention by police were ignored?

posted by: Curious on January 26, 2012 9:17pm

1. How many cops on the walking beat in Dwight?

2. Cold cops for cold cases.

3. Wait for DeStefano to claim walking beats as his achievement.

4. HhE don’t hold your breath - anon never backs ANYTHING up.

posted by: new haven pol on January 26, 2012 11:55pm

Congrats to the community for electing aldermen who press for what we want. And then actually get it. This is how the political system is supposed to work.

posted by: WHO DAT on January 27, 2012 6:22am

How many cops are still in these special “units?”...

Make your cops and detectives accountable and that will improve productivity and reduce crime

posted by: Stephen Harris on January 27, 2012 7:53am

Here’s paper on crime hot-spotting. This type of approach seems to work.

http://www.pnas.org/content/107/9/3961.full.pdf?with-ds=yes

posted by: anon on January 27, 2012 8:45am

HhE - Read Injury Prevention (a top journal) on The effect of business improvement districts on the incidence of violent crimes, among many other papers. When you isolate the specific areas that have patrols rather than an entire geographic area that’s where the 40-80% drop is seen. Typically 40% of crimes happen on 1% of street corners and the same is true in New Haven. In term of beat practices, in many NYC areas after patrols and cleanup activities were added total crime dipped by 60%+ over wider areas.

posted by: JIMMYJIMBO on January 27, 2012 9:32am

And we wonder why cops are retiring left and right…God bless them, get out while the gettin’ is good.

posted by: Support Our Cops on January 27, 2012 11:18am

I commend the police officers. It’s not an easy job. Its the best thing. Law enforcement and the community need to work together to keep our streets safe. Yet noone is ever happy. So much negativity, and yet you dare criticize those who put their life on the line. You should be ashamed of yourselves and support those with courage. My hats off to those who serve the community, they have my respect.

posted by: PLEASE SUPPORT THE OFFICERS on January 27, 2012 1:09pm

Ditto to Support our Cops.

ANON…Again, first kBtunote.
The Offehrs who put pittinglives on the line each day & night when they step into their cars,motorcycles and or walking their beat, are out there simply trying to protect and enforce the LAW within the neighborhoods.
Miracle Mireilles they are NOT.

At insider98,Thank you & Ditto as well.

To “ANON” again, your wisdom oh boy !!
Respectfully, I personally know of numerous officers who do indeed live in the “hoods” and at this very second you are likely assuassuming Cove or “white” stable “hoods” well, no!
BTW & additionally, white they are,so, such close minded comments, simply, do not make sense.

Does one actually believe in their heart these officers are responsible for the crime that takes place in the city of New Haven because of the lack of manpower or because of where they choose to live.??????

The continued references that the more officers residing in the areas, the less crime in New Haven. Sounds like some prejudging from that end.

Certainly any job that has more staffing the productivity positively increases.
We all experience it at every job, the
overload of duties with less manpower that is not rocket science to figure out.

Does that mean I am responsible for patients who are becoming ill with Bone Cancer or Broken limbs?? I would say not.. We do the best with what we have.

I am amazed and saddened at the comments of forumwho seem to want to place the blame ONLY on the NHPD and it’s officers for this city of homicides,guns and crimes.

Respectfully, how about if you ANON & others so very quick to point the fingers, group together & take a stance within these crime and drug infested communities with all of the citizens who live and experience it against each other and take back your own streets and neighborhoods while also trying to protect yourself from the weapons and drugs over and over 24/7 every single day.

Try to make the traffic stops on your own and take the loaded guns from kids who have no remorse whatsoever for anyone let alone themselves. All the while, as you try to tell someone to put their hands behind their back over and over as they fight,threaten,spit and curse you, and all with a loaded gun hidden.

Lastly, BTW and if they do not adhere to your request, then, remember DO NOT USE YOUR TASER!!!

Stop Blaming the very people who are doing their best to Protect you, as one day you may need their assistance.

NHI Thank you once again for allowing this great venue for all to comment and try to understand. Your articles shed lots of light on the happenings of our city.

posted by: anon on January 27, 2012 3:17pm

“Does one actually believe in their heart these officers are responsible for the crime that takes place in the city of New Haven because of the lack of manpower or because of where they choose to live.??????”

The officers aren’t responsible. We, as a society, are responsible by allowing this inequitable situation to happen. Until people speak up and demand major changes, crime will get worse. Simple fact. A handful of patrols do nothing.

posted by: PLEASE SUPPORT THE OFFICERS on January 27, 2012 4:14pm

Thank you ANON, however,I only QUOTE you.
“Neighborhoods are only as safe as the number of officers who actually live within them” your words not mine.

I also QUOTE you as “Relative to activity that’s why it is the safest part of the city” as you referenced to YALE.

Respectfully, I beg to differ, as that I work everyday in the “hood” @ Yale University and at least twice per week we get emails from our Chief of Police informing all employees of crimes that day and or prior that took place on or about the Yale campus and surrounding Hospital neighboring areas and to be aware of where we walk and to always ask for security assistance after hours.
Did you know this ???? hmmmmm..you would be shocked at what occurs.

And there is indeed security on corners where I park, and scattered, as well, as walking officers, including NHPD & Yale NHH Police parked at different periods on corners which always alerts us that something has occurred and to be alert.

They all make their presence known.
I see it on a daily basis. Feeling a bit safer when walking yet, still in fear.

So, with that said again, you are not correct that a higher presence of officers and ESPECIALLY in the neighborhoods that you think would be better with the occupancy of Officers, just is not correct.

Lastly, again not directed at you soley, but my shock and dismay is at the comments of the many who blame the NHPD for the crime rate.

There is police presence and the crime takes place right outside of my door where I walk each and everyday. It is nearly impossible to prevent crimes no matter the number of officers so, lets just agree to disagree.

Peace and Safety to all…Especially NHPD..

posted by: HhE on January 27, 2012 10:25pm

At a community meeting at Celentano School recently, when someone suggested that rather than raise taxes, the budget could be cut, the Mayor said, “We could lay off some Police Officers.”

posted by: Resident of this City on January 28, 2012 10:34am

Alderman please think of our Mill Rate, I can’t afford to pay my mortgage now with the taxes so high. Please think of us first, we don’t need more cops we just need them to do their jobs and get out of the vehicles.

posted by: FacChec on January 28, 2012 5:20pm

“At the press conference, Mayor John DeStefano and Police Chief Dean Esserman announced that 21 officers have been transferred back to patrol duty from temporary assignments in the investigative services and major crimes units. The move will enable the department to assign permanent walking beats all over town. All 10 districts will have those beats within a month, officials said”.

Fine, but I hope Chief Esserman will also detail how success of this plan will be measured, what are the goals objectives and bench mark standards, and how will they be measured monthly by district, in order to deal with the following NHI crime log Map…..found here…

http://www.newhavencrimelog.org/cl/daily-report/2012-01-12/

posted by: anon on January 30, 2012 7:38am

A huge proportion of homeowners are underwater on their mortgage and in danger of losing their home. Raising the mill rate is probably not the best idea unless the Aldermen wish to further disadvantage minority populations.

posted by: Hmmmm on January 30, 2012 11:48am

http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/chief_to_cops_walk_the_beat/

Sounds familiar…..

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