Last week, flanked by blue behemoths from local police departments, NorCo DA Terry Houck announced the establishment of a major crimes task force. Manned by 42 of the "best and brightest" cops in the county, this squadron would be tapped to respond to catastrophic crime (e.g. mass shootings), complex crime (a drug gang operating in several municipalities) and serious crime occurring in smaller jurisdictions. Because Houck is seeking re-election, I reached out to his primary opponent, Steve Baratta, for his perspective on this idea. He called yesterday to let me know what he thinks.
Baratta agreed that announcements like these "look good in the paper," but has questions about specifics. He noted that the Pennsylvania State Police already has an emergency response unit trained to deal with standoffs and mass shootings. He also indicated that different police departments have never had a problem working together. Finally, he questioned what types of resources would be used. He would like to know more.
16 comments:
Why are you chasing him Serpico ?.
Would this be comparable to Lehigh County's Municipal Emergency Response Team (MERT) that has been active since 2002? Maybe that is a suitable blue print?
It's a good idea if you're operating from the premise that PSP are not competent or trustworthy to the point that you'll spend extra money to take care of yourself. PSP has fans and detractors. Houck clearly ain't a fan. Or, this is all political and he's using our money to campaign.
Let me 1st. add ,I’m not an expert in anything. I have seen from my time in the military ,where operations are conducted and there was a lot of movement- it got harder to really playback (assessment)to see if your efforts were completed with the right impacts, end result. Now add people that don’t know each other’s personalities (real well) in close quarters,armed. . On the other side of this - if it’s done and works properly , there’s nothing like “picking up the phone” and calling your buddy across town to get on a problem that needs immediate attention. Politics should stay out of the “decision making process “ .
The County already has a major crimes task force....The first and finest, The Pennsylvania State Police has been investigating major crimes forever.
There's a reason why all the County Detectives (actually like 90%) are retired Troopers
The task force is a good idea. It is easy for an opposing candidate to attempt to poke holes in your plan and that is exactly what we are seeing. He didn't answer your question. Stating that he will wait for more information is not an answer.
Speaking of crime, a while back you reported that Allentown was giving $1.5 Million to Hasshan Batts, but I hear that's been reduced because of public outcry. Is that true.
When are people going to realize that law enforcement, as we know it, is useless and that we should abolish all task force and the such because statistically speaking they do little at thwarting violent crimes and overall police do not solve major crimes. The police’s sole purpose is to protect CAPITAL. In other worlds, the wealthy’s capital, not yours.
Even the federal courts have ruled that police have no official duty to protect you, so why do they even exist?
This new group is purely political, despite Houck’s claims. I haven’t been impressed with him since he brought in a PR person (guess he had to have one since Lehigh County has one) and started handed out stuff at festivals. The DA and the office shouldn’t be about self-promotion, but it seems that is Terry’s MO.
I'll disagree with your distaste for an information officer. It is not about self-promotion, but is instead raising awareness about issues like fentanyl and opioid addiction. Given the decline in coverage by local newspapers, these positions are vital in educating the public and reducing crime. John Morganelli did not need one bc his skill set included numerous news conferences and he loved interacting with everyone. But most prosecutors are more focused on the cases they handle. Also, it is dangerous for a prosecutor to speak about specific cases in any great detail. A public information officer performs a vital role in both education as well as informing the public about trends or matters of public interest. Jim Martin was ahead of his time.
Redundant. Wasteful. Unnecessary.
I have rejected a comment from a reader who is noting a place where you can find ridiculous memes about Baratta and then condemning them. I'd rather not refer readers to that dark hole in social media or the author of those lies, and I support Houck.
I commend Houck for doing this. Look at other PA counties and also NJ. It is not a new phenomenon, it is smart resource allocation and enhancement of public safety/law enf. initiative. PSP will respond and can still respond but they are busy too and response times can vary depending upon other needs in the state for PSP. NJ Prosecutor's Offices lend many resources to smaller municipalities in times of need too. This is nothing new; it is long past due in NorCo. I commend Houck for his results thus far and his progressiveness. The DA has put in his time and has given a hell of a return. Go Houck!
If PSP is too busy, that's a state problem and tiny, little, cowardly Josh will deal with it. I suspect the real issue is that locals don't trust PSP as far as they can throw the overweight ones. PSP is despised by local municipalities and especially by local cops. Even cowardly, hiding, tiny Josh can't fix that. It's a poisonous relationship that's been nurtured over decades.
" tiny, little, cowardly Josh"
If you're so upset by this guy, perhaps your tribe should have fielded a better candidate than you did instead of someone who appeals only to right wing lunatics like yourself.
The only reason Staties are "despised" by local jokals is jealousy. the old adage is true ie; they hate us 'cause they aint us...
most took the test and didn't pass
Ask any ADA or PD whose reports/ investigations are more thorough and professional...
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