HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-10-04 Public Safety Committee Minuteseublic Safety Counittee
October 4, 1985 at 3:30 p.m.
Minutes
Prevent Councilor Larry Willey, Chairman
councilor Edgar Brown
Councilor Arthur Tilley
Capt. Richard Stockford, police Department
Lt. Mike Thurston, Police Department
Pat Blanchette
Greg Sooner
1. Update on Criminal Activity.
Using the monsoons expressed by the Neighlorh ssj Watch Committeo, the
Police Department used "directed patrol" during an eleven week period during
the sumar. It involves separating people frau the normal patrol function
and concentrating on specific areas. The areas which wee concentrated on
were complaints of Criminal mischief in the downtown area, complaints of
intoxicated people in the downtown area and at bars, and omplaints of
criminal mischief to parks, public property, schools. The same time period
was compared to the previous years - robberies went from 5 to 0; aggravated
assaults went from 1 to 0; laroany went from 53 t0 40; assault went from 22
to 16; arson went from 1 to 0; criminal mischief went from 45 to 35;
hazrassment went from 10 to 6; suspicious person complaints in general went
from fib to 43. Stockford indicated the comperieon shows directed patrol ro
to effective as well as shaving the crime level within downtown Bangor is
net overly excessive.
In reference to the draft of the Anti -Crime Task Force Report, Capt.
SteckfoM indicated that under •Reoomendations" the report suggested there
W more beat patrolmen between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The directed patrol
was done between the huts of 6:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. Also, there was a
eecomenda[ion within the repast which suggested a local report card o
crime be published. Stockford felt it was a good idea and suggested it be
published on a quarterly basis. He didn't agree with the re commendation to
polish mg sigts as contained in the Report.
Steekford was asked about the clearance rate involved with crime and he
indicated that ma gor ry r the 68 national average for clearance rate.
He had no cleace ranrate data concerning the downtown crimes he cited. He
.indicated information is available on indexed crimes only.
2. Anti -Crime Task Force.
The Committee agreed that there was no need for an ordinance foaling
with criminal activity. Committee went through the rewmmendations outlined
in the draft report. Under Major Policy Issues, the Public Safety Committee
agreed with the areas listed. Willey mentioned statistical information on
crimes should be included within She report pier public information (rot
public education as the report states). Pat Blanchette suggested a mass
meeting be scheduled at City Hall re: the Neighharhpad Watch program and the
possibility of setting up this watch program in other areas of the City.
Willey suggested this could be done through a City Council Neighborhood
meeting.
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Councilor Brown asked if theCommittee agreed that the two major
geographical areas for crime being old Capehart and downtam. Blanchette
did cot agree with old Capehart being categorized in this area of vandalism.
Lt. Thurston agreed there is not any higher rate of vandalism in the
Capehaxt area than any other part of the City. The Committee agreed there
should be a total community, concept Involved with the Nelghorheod Watt
Program in order for it to be effective.
The estimated cost involved for vandalism in City park areas was
discussed and it was stated that such information could be obtained from the
Police Department. Willey suggested this report could be attached as an
eppendiX to the Task Force's final report. Blanchatte indicated she would
like a report £ran the school principals, through the Superintendent of
Sclxols, regarding vandalim rate at the schools. Willey suggested that
Councilor Tilley request this information from Dr. Pierce as wall as the
information requested earlier from Capt. Stockford on clearance rate.
The Committee didn't agree with a guardian angel program for the City.
Committee agreed with curfew laws covering school property. The Committee.
discussed vandalism of parking meters. Committee agreed to recommend that
all parking meters be eliminated.
Councilor Willey suggested the Coaitee make a strong recwmmdation
W enact a 911 emergency number. This will he incorporated into the
communications section of the Task Force report.
Ctmnittee agreed that Chuck Gobeil report regarding the Neighborhood
Watch Program could be attached as an appendix, and further agreed time watch
program should be expanded throughout the City.
Councilor Bram indicated ho Would revise the draft report toinclude
what has been reviewed at this meeting and will distribute the copies.
13� Taxi Can Stands.
Representatives from the three cab companies Were in attendance, Mr.
Baron suggested the stands be left open on a first core first serve basis
with the stipulation that no one mpany xomop>lize any one stand. Lt.
Thurston agreed this should be applied to the domtom area taxi cab
stznds,and the Chief of Police agrees. The Committee was given a list of
the spaces and their location as attached, and agreed to eliminate the cab
stand on Main Street by Broad Street and the stand on Main Street by Water
Street. Councilor Willey opposed the latter. The City Schedules will be
updated to reflect this information.
Regarding the deregulation of the stands, with representation from all
throe can companies, Wuncilor Willey made a recomendation that there will
be no "hogging" of those stands. Tt will be nrnitorad with any complaints
directed to Lt. Thurston who will in turn inform the Public Safety Crnmittee
and City Manager. Afters mmoths of enactment,a
this will be revhnl by
the Public Safety Committee. The Committee unaoimmusly agreed.
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Traffic Patterns. in Downtown Sanger.
Councilor Willey discussed Several problem areas in the downtown area a
well as the intersection of Somerset and Essex. Lt. Thmrston indicated this
intersection is net as bed as suggested and indicated he would provide an
accident report W the Committee. A 'stop ahead" sign has bean placed at
the site and reale to have helped the situation. Willey asked if the
question of doing away with one-way Streets in the downtown area could be
studied. Lt. Thurston indicated it could he but would require detailed
study. Willey felt it would eliminate confusion and would help the traffic
flow problem in downtown. Lt. Thurston indicated the State controls the
intersection of Oak and Hancock Streets. He indicated he would direct tne
oamplaint to the State Department of Transportation.
CS. All Terrain vehicles.
Councilor Tilley received a complaint of all terrain vehicles crossing
Ewen Street, particularly in the Holiday Trailer Park Seen, and creating
safety hazards for the traveling public. Lt. Thurston indicated it was
legal if the driver is over 15 years of age. There are m City Ordirences.
It is controlled by the Inland Fish and Some Department.
& ha est for Crossing Guard at hcaenead Blvd. and Fort Kmx Avenue.
This request was received by Curtis Pratt, Principal at Downeast
Elementary School. Willey recommended approval indicating, he would write
Mrs. Pratt a letter stating Hot tM committee will recommend Nis to the
Council. The guide will be at the location from 0:30 - 9:00 a.m. and again
at 3:00 to 3:30 p.m on a trial basis. Ile fiammittee agreed.
Committee adjourned at 5:45 P.M.