Keeping Crime Down: How Other Cities Did It
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Despite the recession, three other New England cities have kept crime rates down, according to FBI data.
When asked how they did it, law enforcement authorities in Hartford, Conn. as well as Springfield and Worcester, Mass. said a community-focused approach made all the difference.
Hartford: Focus on NeighborhoodsGET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
“We held the commanders accountable to the community, I think that’s the greatest thing we have done,” said Hartford police Sgt. Christine Mertes.
Hartford police have divided the city up into four districts, each with its own deputy chief. Each district, in turn, is subdivided into eight zones, with a lieutenant in charge of each one, according to Mertes. “Their area is much smaller, but they’re getting held accountable for what is happening in their area,” Mertes said.
In addition, she said the department has focused on fighting truancy and small crimes. Hartford police have special officers, known as conditions officers, who patrol the streets enforcing laws against everything from littering to prostitution. “If you deal with the smaller issues, our philosophy is the bigger issues will be resolved,” Mertes said.
To view the 2007 crime data, click here and scroll down to Hartford. To view the 2008 data click here.
Springfield: Officers Out of Cruisers, in the Community
The Springfield Police Department has combated crime by putting more officers out in the community and holding regular neighborhood meetings, according to Charles Youmans, a community police advocate for the department.
He said officers are spending less time in cruisers and more time patrolling out on bikes and three-wheel motorcycles. “We have more officers who are more readily available and out in the neighborhoods,” Youmans said.
Working more closely with residents, he said, has helped to build trust. At one time, he said residents shied away from cops, but now they are becoming involved in the effort to make their neighborhoods safer. “It’s working,” Youmans said. “People are talking and people want to be involved again.”
To view the 2007 crime data, click here and scroll down to Springfield. To view the 2008 data click here.
Worcester: Summer Program Is Key
In Worcester, police have poured resources into fighting crime during the summer months—when activity is typically higher, regardless of the economy, according to Sgt. Kerry Hazelhurst, the public information officer.
In 2004, he said the department launched a new initiative, known as the Summer Impact Program, putting more officers out on the streets between 6 in the evening and 2 in the morning. He said those officers target “quality of life” issues in neighborhoods, such as prostitution and open drug dealing.
He said that program, plus weekly meetings among the leaders of the various divisions of the departments, have sharpened Worcester’s ability to fight crime. Between 2007 and 2008, serious crime was down 44.4 percent—and that was achieved even though the department had to lay off about 30 officers, according to Hazelhurst.
“We’ve been very fortunate over the years that crime rates have been low,” Hazelhurst said. “We’re very pleased with the results. It’s based on the hard work of men and women in uniform.”
To view the 2007 crime data, click here and scroll down to Worcester. To view the 2008 data click here.
Related Articles
- Crime on the Rise in Providence
- It’s the Corruption, Stupid!
- Keeping Crime Down: How Other Cities Did It
- Police Chief: Providence Was Doing Well, Then Recession Hit
- Bill Would Soften ‘Harshest Probation Law’ in the Country
- Campus Violence: Time to Stand Up
