By Peter Goonan
The Republican
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Police Sgt. John M. Delaney told residents of the Forest Park Manor public housing complex yesterday that police are intent on keeping the area safe, and that they benefit when a neighborhood is alert and communicates with them.
Delaney was the guest speaker at a neighborhood watch meeting in the complex’s community room on Barney Lane. About 25 residents were briefed on crime prevention efforts and strategies.
The complex located off Trafton Road and Barney Lane is managed by the city’s Housing Authority.
“You’re our eyes,” Delaney told the residents. “We encourage you. You have to talk to these cops. Tell them what is going on.”
Delaney is an aide to Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet and a supervisor of the Police Department’s street crime unit.
Crime statistics since April 1 in the immediate area of Forest Park Manor reflect a safe neighborhood, said Delaney. Since that date, he said, there has been one domestic call, one warrant service, and 11 ambulance calls.
In addition, statistics show that police are giving added attention to the complex, with more than 100 cases of police getting out of their cruisers for spot patrols since April, he said. And officers are working with the Housing Authority to resurrect a practice of occasionally parking a sector cruiser at the complex and having lock-key access to the community room, he said.
Several residents said they were pleased with the increased attention.
“We feel much safer with them here,” said Lee M. Jasmin, a resident of almost 10 years.
“I see police around a lot,” said resident Barbara J. Hill, adding that she is glad that officers also walk the area.
Delaney advised the residents to keep watch for suspicious activity, such as strangers who go back and forth into the complex and seem to be looking inside cars or homes. This could be a prelude to a housebreak or car theft.
People should not worry about calling 911 if they believe trouble is brewing, he said.
He urged the residents to be alert and to use common sense, such as staying in lighted areas.
Last year, the Housing Authority sponsored similar meetings at its complexes around the city, and reported significant reductions in crime-related incidents.
Rosa Lebron, the Housing Authority’s crime prevention manager, joined Delaney at the meeting.
“We know that watch groups create a feeling of community and pride by forming a unified group of people who are dedicated to improving their neighborhood,” said Lebron. “By partnering with police, residents become their eyes and ears.”
Copyright 2008 The Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts)