Police Chief Discusses Homeless, City Traffic Concerns

The following transcript includes excerpts from our live chat with . Selections have been edited in an order that makes questions and answers more readable. Text has not be changed except for grammatical and/or spelling errors.

To read the original May 4 chat, .

Questions that were not answered during the chat will be posted Monday for the sake of readability.

Salem's Homeless Population and Crime

Reader Comment from Nathanial: It seems like the homeless population is bigger than ever. Is there anything the police are doing to help/prevent crime etc.?

Chief of Police Paul F. T: We have established a tremendous relationship with the staff at LifeBridge. We have truly formulated a partnership to work in the best interests of the City and the clients that they serve. There are some exciting initatives that LifeBridge has undertaken to assist the people they serve and work toward addressing the issue of homelessness. Anytime services can be deferred to LifeBridge we will, however, when a law enforcement response is necessary we ensure those steps are taken as well.

Salem Police and the St. Joe's Property

Reader Comment from Klassy Salem: Does the large vacant St. Joe's property create a law enforcement issue?

Chief of Police Paul F. T: Anytime there is a vacant property in a city it creates concern for public safety. Specifically at St. Joesph's this site has been the subject of many calls for service including trespassing, public drinking and a variety of other offenses. I am quite concerned the longer the situation exists the more crime may continue to take place.

SalemPatch: Is that the Community Impact Unit that monitors the area by St. Joe's?

Chief of Police Paul F. T: The CIU has made the St.Joe's property a priority to ensure the safety of the densely populated neighborhood as well as the physical structures.

Intersection of New Derby, Washington and Norman Streets

Reader Comment from Ran With Dunsky: Is there anything in the works to address the intersection at New Derby, Washington, and Norman streets? It can be a regular slow motion rodeo on summer afternoons.

Chief of Police Paul F. T: That has been a challenge for the police department and Traffic Division to address. I agree that is a problem area. It is part of a larger issue with traffic back-ups downtown. We have tried officers directing traffic at key times. We also have monitored the area for motorists blocking the interesctions. As you probably know, given the volume of traffic and our existing street layouts, it is difficult to maintain continuous flow. It is an area that we are constantly looking to improve.

Reader Comment from Deb: Wouldn't it be possible to station an officer at that intersection now and again to ticket those who block the intersection? It wouldn't have to be often once the word got out!

Chief of Police Paul F. T: We have the Traffic Division monitoring that intersection as well as other problem areas. Currently, we assign an officer to Town House Square weekdays/midday. When manpower allows, we have officers on-site to facilitate traffic flow as well as to take appropriate enforcement action. For the past year, we have increased the Traffic Divsion from one officer to three officers and a lieutenant. They have done an outstanding job in enforcement and keeping our streets safer.

On Other Difficult Intersections and Red Lights

Reader Comment from Lisa: Another frustrating location is the intersection of Broad and Margin Streets (Where Steve's Market is located). Drivers blow that stop sign all the time. Can you start ticketing at that location more?

Reader Comment from Guest: my question is about stop sign and red light scoflaws. A light goes red and six cars still go through and do not stop.

Chief of Police Paul F. T: We compile a list of our problem intersections and streets and then we have three ways to address the issues. One is through the traffic division monitoring and enforcing. Second is on each shift we assign one patrol car on an alternating basis for an hour at a time to carry out what we refer to as selective enforcement. Third, we have been the recipient of a number of grants from the State to put out specific enforcement patrols.

Issues in the Point Neighborhood

Reader Comment from Misty: Hi Chief. I have two questions — One, is if there's a plan to staff the Point appropriately for the week of the 4th of July this year (thinking about it early)! My second is around the number of stray dogs in the area lately and what can be done about it. Lately, there seems to be a number of unleashed, uncollared dogs running around Harbor Street. Oftentimes, the dog officer is unavailable or off duty when I call. Is there something else I should be doing? I am afraid the dogs will get hit. There's a real problem with people not taking care of their animals in the point lately.

Chief of Police Paul F. T: Last year there were clearly unacceptable acts that took place in the Point Neighborhood. Immediately after the 4th of July, and my Command staff and from that we have divised a two-pronged approach to this year's festivities. First, we plan to develop a number of activities for the Point area youth through the CIU using our On-Point location at the Palmer Cove playground. Also, we have already begun planning for the law enforcement response to any anticipated issues this year. to that end, we are putting together a plan similar to our Haunted Happenings. This will include a variety of uniform and plain clothes officer and a zero tolerance policy for fireworks and public drinking.

Chief of Police Paul F. T: Our Animal Control Officer, Don Famico works on a part-time basis, but he is very diligent in carrying out his duties. If there are particular dog owners in your neighborhood that are not responsible, then the ACO will follow-up and take appropriate action. In terms of loose and stray dogs, the police department will take every action that we can in the absence of the ACO.

Reader Comment from Misty: A zero tolerance policy for fireworks makes me happy, thank you.

On Hiring

Reader Comment from Candy: Is the Salem Police department going to be hiring anytime in 2012?

Chief of Police Paul F. T: We currently have four officers in the Police Academy. The Mayor and I are working on a plan to add more officers beginning in July, 2012. We are currently down 12 positions and we are working to reach full complement within the next two to three years.

Challenges Facing the Department

Reader Comment from Stephen - new resident: Thank you for your service Chief – can you tell us some of the challenges facing your Department at this time?

Chief of Police Paul F. T: The first and biggest challenge we face is continuing to deliver a high degree of service to the community given the current tough budget times. We also face the struggle of keeping up with the technology and legal requirements that are changing at a fast pace. I also have some priorities for the department that I will be looking to implement including a Domestic Violence Unit, an Information Technology Manager and maintaining the high standards that the people of Salem have come to and should expect from our department.

The Environment of the Salem Police Department

Comment From Hannah: What is your vision for Salem? Is there a particular environment your department strives for? Salem is a hybrid of an up-and-coming city with a small town feel, I was just wondering how difficult it is for the police with this balance?

Chief of Police Paul F. T: First and foremost, we need to create an atmosphere where people feel safe — not only for the residents but for the thousands of tourists that come here as a destination. You are right that Salem has so much to offer and that is one of the reasons that people come here. Salem is also great place but sometimes a challenge to be a police officer. We have the tourism, a major university, a major medical center and many other things that sometimes present challenges to public safety. One issue that we have been working on is the balance downtown between the businesses, the nightlife and the many residences that have grown over the past few years.

Areas of Improvement

Reader Comment from Ran With Dunsky: The PD reputation in Salem is very solid and well earned over the years. Are there any specific areas of improvement that you are focusing on?

Chief of Police Paul F. T: Thank you for your comment. It is appreciated. I constantly work with every member of this department to make sure that we serve our citizens' well. In terms of areas of improvement two that we are currently working on is to increase our level of training. We have developed a combination of in-house instructors and taken advantage of a number of specialized offerings that we feel will assist us in our mission. We have also worked very hard on attaining Massachusetts State Accreditation. I anticipate meeting the first goal of having our department certified and then shortly thereafter fully accredited by the Massachusetts State Commission.

On the Department's Relationship with the Community

Reader Comment from Deb: I'd just like to say I have the highest regard for SPD, and have had for decades. In my rare interactions with them, I have always found the officers professional, and yes, empathetic — and not "full of themselves" like they are in some other communities. Just my .02. I credit Chief St. Pierre for much of this, and I'm sure you, Chief Tucker, are carrying on the high standards. Thank you (and yours) for your service!

Chief of Police Paul F. T: Thank you for your kind words. I often receive nice messages and words on the street from appreciative citizens. I welcome comments and suggestions whether positive or constructive criticism if we can do something better. I would like the people to know that we have a survey and welcome input from residents. I can't let pass your reference to Chief St.Pierre. He left this department in great standing and we can only hope to keep maintaining what he built.

SalemPatch: Thanks Chief! If you are looking for the survey the chief mentioned, .

SalemPatch: Also just to let you know the survey will be offered regularly.