Earlier this week, I linked to a LVCI story about an attractive young Allentown woman, who was abducted outside her Allentown apartment, beaten and left for dead. She actually has no memory of the incident. Police arrested her assailant - identified via DNA - on unrelated charges, then cut him loose without even bothering to question him. He roamed the streets until this woman went to the press ... in Philly.All this points to a manpower shortage in the APD, who unwittingly let a violent criminal remain on the streets, and in the local media, which has failed its duty to inform. It prompted me to repeat a story I posted two years ago, about an elderly Allentown news carrier who was mugged outside Sam Bennett's home. He actually saw his assailant. Police refused to lift their fingers. The Morning Call ignored his story, too.
Enter Allentown cheerleader Jeff Pooley.
Allentown just received a grant for 10 additional police officers, which will supposedly bring the department to pre-Afflerbach levels of around 200 officers. Instead of being concerned about ignored violent crime victims, Jeff wants to know when the hell I'm going to update my blog to report this "great news."
Two years ago, when Mike Welsh ran against Jenn Mann for State Representative, he argued Allentown needs more cops, not hockey rinks. "I will work to make sure Allentown’s police department reaches 300 officers. This would represent a 30% increase. It would also more accurately reflect the number of officer’s 2006 FBI statistics show that communities our size should possess in the Northeast and Middle Atlantic United States."
So Allentown is still 100 cops short. Jeff, consider my post updated.
48 comments:
Bernie,
Three caught in downtown Allentown drug bust. Check out today's Call.
Bernie Why was the rapist allowed to be set free? What was the reason?
Horrible similar case took place two nights ago in downtown Philly. Almost killed the young mother.
How did Jeff Pooley get hold of this news? Was there a press release issued? Shouldn't you too have been informed?
If a candidate said that the *only* thing he or she would concentrate on during their term would be eradicating the drug and crime problem, and pledge to hire as many police officers as it takes...
He or she would be elected in a landslide.
"How did Jeff Pooley get hold of this news?"
It was in both local newspapers.
Anonymous said...
If a candidate said that the *only* thing he or she would concentrate on during their term would be eradicating the drug and crime problem, and pledge to hire as many police officers as it takes...
He or she would be elected in a landslide.
12:27 PM
Amen!
While the city's mayor enjoys photo opps in Washington, not one but two killings took place in downtown Allentown. Why hasn't the mayor taken to the streets to call for citizen protest to
crime? He's supposedly the city's leader. He ignores the crime and focuses on fancy restaurants while century-old businesses such as Allentown Metal Works are forced to close their doors. Why hasn't he and his highly paid newly appointed economic development director focused on helping longtime Allentown industries keep their doors open and provide good jobs for city residents?
We know too many who refused to enter Allentown after dark.
To eradicate the crime, the city needs a leader willing to call in
uniformed troops to stand guard at every corner in the downtown district.
Bernie O'Hare said...
"How did Jeff Pooley get hold of this news?"
It was in both local newspapers.
12:40 PM
thanks.
Bernie
Did the Morning Call completely eliminate its switchboard? Called
(610) 820-6500, goes directly to some type of message that makes no sense at all.
Don't let it go to your head.
Noticed your new formal portrait.
TMC switchboard as confused me for over a year, but I'm not too smart.
"Don't let it go to your head.
Noticed your new formal portrait."
My photograher does excellent work!
Bernie, Did you see this? Can't believe anyone would strike with thousands of Lehigh Valley residents desperate to find work as they risk losing their homes.
"Workers are looking for good jobs," said Matt Painter, a spokesman for local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union. "They want decent pay, affordable health care coverage and respect and dignity at work. And they also want a fair process to form a union."
This grant money is all fine and dandy, but it's a one shot deal... seed money. It does not provide for long term financing. While it's great in the short term to get a bunch of new cops.. when the grant dries up the city then is committed, in the long term, to continue paying their salaries and pensions. Will these then be left go?
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate it.. BUT.. it's difficult for me to get excited about it because this only increases the street patrols. It does not provide the heavy lifting monies that require long expensive investigations by detectives. Crime stats in Allentown do not tell us, nor do we have any idea how many outstanding unsolved investigations are currently on the books.
Police work doesn't end after the foot patrols turn in the paper work. The paperwork then is transferred to the detectives in order solve the crimes. While street patrol is unquestionably the most dangerous part of police work, the more difficult, time consuming and expensive component requires follow-up detective work.
Generally after a years on the street, cops used to be promoted to detectives. Is it possible because we don't have enough cops on the street, that fewer have been promoted to detectives then in years past? We all know Allentown is short on funding. This is why I'm not pointing fingers at the chief.
But this does raise the question, how many more Jessica[s] and news carrier cases remain unsolved?
100 more cops would equal $22 million dollars in costs (doing the math of 10 cops equalling 2.2 million). Would the total costs for all civilian employees working at city hall even equal this number? Let's pretend it does and we eliminate 1/2 of the city hall civilian work force. Which services go? Water? Sewer? Fire protection? Health department? Even if we eliminate 60 political appointees at 70k a person, where will the balance.
What you are proposing is the highest tax incease in city history. Why do you want to raise Allentown's property taxes by more than $20 million?
We want safe streets too. Now, tell us where the money will come from?
1) There are numerous white collar jobs in Allentown - as many as 30 - that need to be eliminated. Mnay are patronage positions depending on politis as opposed to need. For example, an ass't Cty Solicitor was just appointed to a job, when the money for that could have gone to a police officer.
2) Stop handing out grants to restaurants. That's another thirty slots.
3) As 30-60 new cops hit th streets, the safer city attracts mor and better business, driving up the tax base. Home values go up, increasing the tax base. With the extra money from that, hire more cops.
It can be done. There may be a need for a tax hike at some point after recovery, but the City could put 30 more cops on the street right now w/o it making a dent in its budget, if it eliminated those patrnage jobs.
Anonymous (1:17 PM), " Now, tell us where the money will come from?"
Wrong question. The question should be "where's the money going to go". At one time Allentown had 300 cops. The reason we don't now isn't just because of revenues. When the city screws up negations and hands out $50,000 to $92,000 pensions + healthcare benefits one just has to ask themselves., WTF were they doing! It's not where the money is going to come from.. it's where is it going to go?.
I don't expect any mayor to be an expert at negotiating with unions. What I do expect is a mayor to hire experts who deal with these kind of things all the time. Leaders come to office with the attitude they're experts on every thing. It's time they get off their fat egos and employ outside folks who are experts in their field and know what their doing. Screw the studies. Studies are recommendations to city leaders who obviously don't know what their doing in the 1st place.
A mayor should be a coordinator. One who coordinates experts who have proven track records and know what their doing. A local leader never should micromanage things that he/she isn't capable of doing. If I want my car repaired I hire a mechanic. Why is it local leaders think they can tackle any job on their own, from handling unions, to multi-million dollar budgets?
Companies hire outside firms who are experts in dealing with unions. They hire experts when their mechanics can't handle the big installations. They don't do their own advertising or PR either? Isn't it about time a city runs like a company. No one person is simply that talented!
Allentown needs 500 cops daylight hours and 1000 at night. Then the crime wave would stop or move elsewhere.
Bernie -
The talk within City Hall is that a tax hike is in the works for this coming year (2011).
This will allow Pawlowski to continue to feed the machine and pad the city payroll with political positions.
I'm sure he will state that part of the need for the tax increase is for more police, but Allentown taxpayers should be wary. We were told that increased tax revenues would mean more cops when Pawlowski raised the EMS tax to $52. That didn't exactly happen.
By the way, I think the city had 226 officers when Afflerbach was there. That means were still behind.
We'll find the money! Enough with that stupid mantra that leaves residents no where but in danger. Grants, corporate and residential donations. We'll find the money!
The city needs to legally void the police retirement pension payout. Apparently other cities across the country also were "caught" off guard by similar huge police pensions and legal proceedings are underway to call into question these agreements. Perhaps those findings will allow Allentown to join in some kind of
public safety law suit. As long as the city is required to pay into what some say will be $100M pension fund, the city cannot move forward.
This past spring Allentown hired a new economic development officer at an enormous salary. Don't tell us an Allentown professional out of work wouldn't have taken that job
at $50K and done an excellent job at that. Why did Pawlowski go out of town to hire someone at nearly twice that sum.
I'm sure he will state that part of the need for the tax increase is for more police, but Allentown taxpayers should be wary. We were told that increased tax revenues would mean more cops when Pawlowski raised the EMS tax to $52. That didn't exactly happen.
Good Point!
Who honestly thinks the Cosmopolitan will bring in high rollers? Wasn't this most recent tragic shooting at the corner of Walnut near 9th where the hotel parking deck is located.
Imagine if hotel patrons were walking back into the hotel and heard the gun shot. What kind of image is this city leaving with tourists? Where is the mayor? Why doesn't he come out and speak at the corner where this crime took place?
"I don't expect any mayor to be an expert at negotiating with unions. "
And this is precisely why D'Amore should never be elected Mayor. He is so pro-union that I don't think he's interested in engotiating. He will give them what they want, which is sometimes against the City's best interests.
"The city needs to legally void the police retirement pension payout. Apparently other cities across the country also were "caught" off guard by similar huge police pensions and legal proceedings are underway"
I'd like to know more about any legal proceeding to vitiate these unconscionable pension deals.
Looks like I answered my own question! This ought to scare the crap out of ya.
June 21, 2009-TMC "In Allentown, more than half of the homicides in the past three years have gone unsolved, a disturbingly high number authorities attribute to fewer investigators... Since 2000, Allentown has cleared 67 percent of all killings, a rate less than that of Philadelphia, the homicide capital of the state... The department has about a third fewer detectives in the criminal investigations unit, which handles homicides, than it did in 2005, when a generous pension plan prompted many experienced officers to retire... Before the retirements, 18 worked in the criminal investigations unit, which now has 11, city officials say."
THOSE WERE THE MURDERS!
I guess when detectives were prioritizing.. Jessica's case didn't come in at the top of the pile on the detectives desk, eh?
Bernie
We don't know actual towns but this week a business broadcast mentioned these high priced police pensions and how locals are trying to have them declared void.
So are you going to support the tax increases necessary to support all those new cops? Suppose Pawlowski did it tomorrow. Would you cheer him on for reelection, or would you demagogue the tax increase in the run-up to the election?
1) "There are numerous white collar jobs in Allentown - as many as 30 - that need to be eliminated." Okay... pick the 30 highest paying and eliminate them. It appears that for every two white collar position you eliminate, you might get a cop (health, pension, equipment costs are higher for cops than white collars). So you have 15 cops. Good.
2) "Stop handing out grants to restaurants. That's another thirty slots." That money came from some gimmic related to the water fund and from what any reports show, it cannot be used to pay for the costs of city personnel. Nice idea, but it isn't available as you suggest. It is dedicated money that would require council to jump at it. Let's assume they do and the mayor doesn't veto it, there was maybe 500k left. that's maybe 5 cops. Tally: 20 cops.
3) "As 30-60 new cops hit th streets, the safer city attracts mor and better business, driving up the tax base. Home values go up, increasing the tax base. With the extra money from that, hire more cops." Tax revenue is not tied to home values when property tax assessments don't change, so this only happens if there are a ton of real estate transactions to kick in more real estate transfer taxes (but thank you for thinking of the value of my home). You want to bank on a depressed regional real estate market to balance the city's budget. Pawlowski has been doing that for the past 3 years. Great results (wait, deficits are bad).
"It can be done. There may be a need for a tax hike at some point after recovery, but the City could put 30 more cops on the street right now w/o it making a dent in its budget, if it eliminated those patrnage jobs."
You have shown that we might be able to squeeze another 20 cops right now. Maybe. That's great, but it's still short of 100 cops. One way or another, it appears that the cost of another 100 cops is 20 million dollars. You may have squeezed 5 million. Give me specific areas to cut/transfer funds to free up another 15 million dollars. Here's a hint: it will require massive property tax increases.
For what it's worth, I'm willing to pay higher taxes if we redo how the city levy's real estate taxes to building value rather than land value. But I would ask anybody who feels the need to comment on raising allentown property taxes as part of the solution to move into the city to enjoy some of the medicine.
LVCI... yeah, bad negociations have created this mess. Ain't hindsight grand.
I honestly think Allentown is about 5 years from the fate of Reading. The best course of action NOW is to Act 47 with realistic consideration of bankruptcy in the next 5 years. It is the ownly way to shed the pension obligations that the city carries.
Jon Geeting,
Look, I believe I laid out a way the City could increase its force now. I believe 30-50 cops could be added w/o a tax hike, and the ncrease in the tax base would fund more. But yes, I certainly would support a tax hike for more officers once the economy is really in recovery. I have maintined this position for several years. There is no demagoguery here. A woman really was beaten and left for dead. An elderly news carrier was beaten and mugged and police refused to pick the guy up. And I have not even mentioned Kari's story.
The only demagoguery omes from Pawlowski, who claims thngs are great, and cheerleaders like you.
Facts, Facts, Facts, always with those silly, pesky things called Facts. C'mon Bernie, everything's fine, just put on these nice rose colored shades and get with the program (and be happy you're not living here).
Anonymous said...
If a candidate said that the *only* thing he or she would concentrate on during their term would be eradicating the drug and crime problem, and pledge to hire as many police officers as it takes...
He or she would be elected in a landslide.
12:27 PM
Anon - Mike Welsh proposed this basic premis when he ran against Mann in 2008. In fact Welsh took her to task on this issue in the only "debate" they had. But, Allentown is so pro-democrat that he didn't have a chance. Add the fact that it 2008 was also the Obama election and you could have dressed a dog up in a democrat suit and the dog would win. Mann, Pawlowski, the entire City Council have had the opportunity to increase the APD force but have failed to do so. They have all known that that the APD is dramatically understaffed. Did you know that there is only one (1) unit covering the entiring West End of Allentown? If and when that unit has to respond to anything that may happen in the West End - remember that includes Mehlenberg College - then school is out (no pun intended) for criminal activity. Yes, political officials, who could make a difference, have known about the inderstaffed APD but have done basically nothing to help resolve the issue... Mann would rather act as a "consultant", Pawlowski just wanted his man cave, and city council - well, you tell me, what have they done for the city?
And, a note to Mr. Geeting, yes, the tax paying citizens of Allentown would be willing to pay a little more in taxes in order to feel and be safe.
Again... and how do we pay for these Police. All services in the City have been cut to bare bones. I can not pay anymore taxes and neither can most in this City. Simply, we can not afford more Police but, should have less! At some point, government becomes too expensive. Additionally, if those in the city do not want to behave or police themselves, all is lost.
"Again... and how do we pay for these Police."
This question has been asked and answered.
What i dont understand is why the detective division cant be a mix of civilian and experienced uniformed officers involved in investigations.Civilians who never leave city hall and whose existance would wind up at a lower overall cost.This would allow for more street ready experienced officers on patrol.Experienced ranking officers on the street partnered with rookies would seem to be the best training a rookie could get.There has got to be a way to get more on the street and lower overall cost.
Solution:
National guard.
Crime is part of Allentowns culture now. 200 police will not change it.
Soon they will gate elitist row ( the first block north of Hamilton ) on 6th.
There are plenty of qualified qualified people who live in Allentown who could turn things around. Personally, I like Vic Mazziotti, Finance Director in Northampton County. You also have Hammer, Varkony, and a bunch of others who would run if the Republican party in the city would ever get its act together.
Anonymous said:
"All services in the City have been cut to bare bones."
*********************************
If you believe that, you're either Pawlowski, delusional, or both.
It is not that residents can't pay anymore taxes, why should they?
What do residents get out of it, most nothing, a select few a lot.
It may be a poor city but it supports a thriving underground economy. Untouchable to Palwoski and his pals.
Tell me why certain city officials have started attending a large church in Wescoesville? Political motivation ? Expanding the power and influence base?
You know some how it has to either power or money.
Sure it is not to benefit the citizens of Allentown.
What ever happened to the Guardian Angels? Were they run out of town by thugs as well?
So here is a local hospitals solution to the issues in Allentown:
Community Health Specialist 5936L
Job Number: 27431549
Under the direction of the Division's senior administrative team and in collaboration with clinical departments, provides support in identifying critical health issues for the community. Conceptualizes, develops, recommends, and evaluates interventions for identified problems to improve the measurable health status of community members. Designs work plans and time lines to insure proper implementation of initiatives engages work teams to implement plans, supervises programmatic activities to insure
progress toward intended outcomes. Partners with research specialists to conduct community participatory and other types of research for the Unit. Develops manuscripts and reports that articulate findings for a wide variety of audiences.
1. Advanced degree in a clinical specialty such as medicine, nursing, or public health, doctorate preferred.
2. Five or more years of relevant work experience in community program development and implementation.
3. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to use good judgment in decision making.
4. Ability to develop and maintain collaborative and supportive relationships with clinical departments, public and private health and human service providers, not-for-profit organizations and grassroots groups. Ability to demonstrate skills of working with and being accepted by diverse populations.
5. Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively as part of a team in both internal and external program activities.
6. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
7. Excellent organizational skills to manage the progress of multiple programs and initiatives toward intended goals. Ability to work under the pressure of competing demands and deadlines.
Now I would say that is just what this city needs. No need for the police when we have a couple of these community health superheros on board.
Wonder how long it will take them to get down and dirty with the local flora and fauna.
That is if they ever step foot into Allentown.
I wonder if anyone thinks crime and violence are important community health issues in this town?
Link for all who would like to apply: http://www.healthcarejobsite.com/job.asp?id=27431549&aff=925A0F9A-7C85-4AAD-A3D2-5E5C81892E2F&utm_source=Indeed&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Indeed
So here is a local hospitals solution to the issues in Allentown:
Community Health Specialist 5936L
Job Number: 27431549
Under the direction of the Division's senior administrative team and in collaboration with clinical departments, provides support in identifying critical health issues for the community. Conceptualizes, develops, recommends, and evaluates interventions for identified problems to improve the measurable health status of community members. Designs work plans and time lines to insure proper implementation of initiatives engages work teams to implement plans, supervises programmatic activities to insure
progress toward intended outcomes. Partners with research specialists to conduct community participatory and other types of research for the Unit. Develops manuscripts and reports that articulate findings for a wide variety of audiences.
1. Advanced degree in a clinical specialty such as medicine, nursing, or public health, doctorate preferred.
2. Five or more years of relevant work experience in community program development and implementation.
3. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to use good judgment in decision making.
4. Ability to develop and maintain collaborative and supportive relationships with clinical departments, public and private health and human service providers, not-for-profit organizations and grassroots groups. Ability to demonstrate skills of working with and being accepted by diverse populations.
5. Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively as part of a team in both internal and external program activities.
6. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
7. Excellent organizational skills to manage the progress of multiple programs and initiatives toward intended goals. Ability to work under the pressure of competing demands and deadlines.
Now I would say that is just what this city needs. No need for the police when we have a couple of these community health superheros on board.
Wonder how long it will take them to get down and dirty with the local flora and fauna.
That is if they ever step foot into Allentown.
I wonder if anyone thinks crime and violence are important community health issues in this town?
Link for all who would like to apply: http://tiny.cc/rvadh
Someone told me this is where they go for training:
http://www.shambhalamountain.org/programs/866
Good Luck.
Maybe Allentown wouldn't need another 100 officers if the ones we had DID THEIR JOBS and didn't turn a blind eye to crime.
The stories about the woman who was beaten and left for dead and the news carrier who was mugged are chilling. If Allentown really has become a safe haven for criminals - promoted and condoned by the local government - adding 100 or even 10,000 officers won't change anything (except higher taxes).
So what am I missing?
9;24 am ,Yes their are qualified people but few would want to go through all the nonsense.Like you almost have to find a proctoligist willing to run. Seriously the republicans would do well to recruit Eric Weiss.Eminently qualified,strong values,and a good sence of balance.
I cannot believe we spent $2.3M on Allentowns 7th Street with new sidewalks and period lighting to jump start the area. Now we see businesses decided to paint their facades bright green, red, and blue. What a complete waste of our money when Planning allows that to occur. I have to wander if thy got one of those facade grants to purchase the bright blue paint.
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