Pastors to Patrol with Police


Today's Rochester Democrat and Chronicle says Police Chief David Moore is planning to pair clergy with officers on the street, particularly in hard hit areas like mine in the Chili/Thurston neighborhood, home to two gangs, the "Mafia Associates" and the Thurston Zoo.


From today's Democrat and Chronicle:


Brian Sharp
Staff writer


(November 29, 2006) — Police Chief David Moore said Tuesday that he wants to pair pastors with foot patrol officers, hoping residents unwilling to call the law with information will call the clergy instead.

Moore met with several ministers Tuesday evening and said the goal was to announce a plan and start the team patrols later this week in southwest Rochester. He said the effort would bolster an already intensified focus on Jefferson and Chili avenues, Thurston Road and Genesee Street from Frost Avenue to Melrose Street.

More here: <http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061129/NEWS01/611290378/1003>

I think the pastors walking patrol in this area is is a terrific idea. I can vouch from my excellent vantage point that the police have been overwhelmingly visibly present in the Chili/Thurston area. I don’t think I have ever seen so many police present in my life. And it has had a definite effect (with a few notable exceptions) on the peace and tranquility of the neighborhood. And I think also this would help with another matter, and that is how this intensive police presence might be misinterpreted.

in addition, we have the upcoming community forums on violence. Encourage your neighbors to come. If they don’t have transportation, offer a ride.

These are:

Thursday, November 30, 7-9 p.m.
Antioch Baptist Church
304 Joseph Avenue (just south of Upper Falls Blvd.)

Saturday December 16, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Sacred Heart Cathedral
296 Flower City Park
One block south of Kodak Park, off of Lake Ave.

Thursday, January 11 7-9 p.m.
Lake Avenue Baptist Church
57 Ambrose St.
(three blocks north of Lyell, off of Lake)

Thursday, January 25 (likely 7-9 p.m.)
Third Presbyterian Church
4 Meigs St. (Intersection East Ave. and Meigs)

Genesee Baptist Church (date to be announced)
149 Brooks Ave. (corner of Millbank & Brooks, three blocks from Genesee St.)

For more information:

http://www.grcc.org/grccdir/forums.pdf

Georgia

Posted: Wed - November 29, 2006 at 02:36 PM          

©