neighborhood_watch.jpg
A neighborhood watch group hands out literature and whistles to residents in the 1500 block of Green Street, Harrisburg.
(Michael Fernandez/The Patriot-News)
On Tuesday, I chatted with PennLive readers about community policing in Harrisburg.
Community policing is residents and businesses proactively fighting crime in their neighborhoods. Will it work in Harrisburg, not only to decrease crime, but also to help the city shed its negative stigma?
Here are highlights from our conversation:
Tara Leo Auchey: Greetings everyone! Such a full conversation already happening.
David Botero is with me. He's the Community Public Safety Advisor for the City of Harrisburg. He'll be joining in on this chat, answering questions & offering perspective.
David Botero, City of Harrisburg Community Public Safety Advisor: Hola, PennLivers!
Great coffee on the Hill, hangin' with our bud TLA, at home with friends at Tri-County Community Action.
Todd Lawson: The concept of "community policing" is often tossed out as a moniker to appease the public. I think it is well intended but cannot be simply an exercise of "walking around." The crime of today is far more serious and if you are going to have an effective "community policing" program, it must be formal. It must be facilitated with proper training and a documented and published so all the can monitor and measure the effectiveness ... Too much distrust currently exists to simply announce a program. It is not only operational but administrative as well. (Mission, Training, Public Awareness, measuring).
DLightEn: Not only is the "Mission" important, if the community was not part of creating that mission statement, why should they be interested. It is apparent to any reasonable person that for some reason, the community is not buying it. Ones would think that the mission is arrived at by both entities, not dictated by one over the other. Why should the community have to be trained on something that they were a part of creating?
TLA: Todd -- Agreed. It will be interesting what David says about his position's purpose, policy, & practice. I know he is deliberate about what he does, especially coming from Dauphin County.
I appreciate your point about trust...I have felt it, too. So, what are ways to overcome this distrust in Harrisburg?
Diane -- we do have to find out what the mission statement is & how it was created. That's vital. But I do think training is important...it just depends how it is offered.
Jack Cash: In order to have community policing be truly effective, you would have to have a community that doesn't place so much mistrust in the actual police. It cracks me up to hear about someone that gets arrested for drug possession when getting pulled over for a routine traffic stop and everyone cries they were just DWB. No one pays attention to the fact that they were probably in a high crime area, the cop had a legit reason (tail light, registration, etc) to pull them over, and they actually were in possession of drugs.
DLightEn: When the whole community has been targeted and labeled a high crime area and the policies are written in such a way as to violate the rights of law-abiding citizens, who just happen to live in the area there is a problem. If police are not even willing to discuss the problems associated with "racial profiling" without trying to demonize those who bring up the issue there is a problem. When people refuse to pay attention to the fact that the courts are making deals with criminals and politicians are stealing money from the taxpayers there is a problem.
People are dying in the streets, not only at the hands of the so-called criminals, but also at the hands of over zealous police who may even be suffering from PTSD and the community is supposed to just look the other way. Now that's a problem.
And the same people keep using the same ole lame excuses. Excuses are tools of incompetence, in case anyone didn't know.
TLA: You're right.
In principle, do you think community policing can balance out the extreme wrong doings, each on each side?
DLightEn: Tara - "Operationally Define" "Community Policing". Unless ones can agree on the definition ones are merely going around in circles. Aren't ones tired of playing games? All those so-called professionals and yet ones still can't figure this out. Or is it that ones don't want to or can't get honest?
TLA: I don't disagree with you on the idea setting a common definition of "community policing in Harrisburg. "
But I do believe there are general elements of it out there -- watching one's own block, talking to neighbors, keeping porch lights on & streets free of litter, sharing information with the police, and paying attention to enforcement policies & practices and offering constructive feedback.
I think we can begin to implement some of these components as citizens and then effectively influence the definition.
Cynthia Watkins: I believe that community policing could be a good idea, but I agree with Todd Lawson that too much distrust exists (on both sides) for such a program to be effective without proper training. What I find with Harrisburg police officers (and police offers in general) is that they are rather "guarded" (maybe one must be if he or she is a law enforcement officer), and they seem rather suspicious of "people of color"...whether they are young, old, male, or female. If officer want residents to talk to them, they have to talk to us, and get to know who we are as individuals, and not view all of us as "suspects." The majority of citizens in Harrisburg are not living lives filled with criminal activity and subterfuge, as so many "suburbanites" would believe.
TLA: I think this is a common and real complaint in the city -- no matter what neighborhood, no matter culture or ethnicity. Very many residents feel a disconnect from the police.
Last year I attended a Community Policing Workshop for residents & police. Through our conversations, we all discovered that the police didn't know. They didn't realize they weren't smiling, waving, talking to residents. They were focused on their jobs.
Not only that, but the officers explained that when the go from one incident to another, it's challenging not to just fall into triage mode. They have their "police face" on.
Not excusing the friction...just offering POV.
BadPenny: Hello, They're cops. I've had to deal with the city police a few times and while they may not be smiling, they are police. If I want smiling, I'll call the candy stripers. I've always found the police to be respectful and act professionally, but then I respect them.
TLA: Fair enough, but as a citizen I get a bit frustrated when I'm sitting out on my front stoop and a cop cruises by (clearly not en route to an incident) and doesn't wave, nod, or acknowledge. Smile is bonus, but I want to feel a connection, a relationship with my public safety officers.
It makes me feel more secure.
Plus, those displays of congeniality help combat the distrust we're talking about above.
DLightEn: Cindy, the police officers act that way because they have been trained to act that way in communities that have been designated "high crime" area. Justice is supposed to be "blind," but it is not. The same laws do not apply to those who don't live in areas designated as high crime. The same individual would be treated differently depending on which community that individual is in.
There is an old truism to the effect that if one keeps calling a cat a dog, and treating it like a dog, it will begin to think its a dog and begin to bark.
TLA: "The police officers act that way because they have been trained to act that way in communities that have been designated "high crime" area."
I don't know if there is an overt training to be disengaged, but I think there has not been standard training for the opposite -- training to be community engaged.
I think we need more deliberate of that.
I also think we need community training on how to engage with our public safety officers.
Diana Robinson (PennLive): Is there training available for city residents who want to start neighborhood watches?
David Botero: We're certainly not calling it 'training', but we are actively partnering with existing community watch programs. in the past 2 months, we've seen an increase -- albeit small n' gradual -- of select citizens/neighbors that are joining the already-active groups.
it's not Training; but it certainly is an open and engaging and purposeful conversation about What's Really Going On Out Here: blight, criminal activity, gangs & alliances, public safety, .....and most importantly, how to get involved.
and guess what; we're listening, and we are very open to your concerns & collaborative solutions: dbotero@cityofhbg.com, 717.255.7326, hit 'meh!
Diana Robinson (PennLive): How is communication between community watch programs and law enforcement officers?
TLA: [This is] my POV from the "community group" angle from my own neighborhood.
It comes down to knowing who to contact.
It's no secret that over the past few years (especially with the move of 911 dispatch from the City to the County) that it's been a challenge to contact police, especially if the issue is "non-emergency."
Yet, once neighbors become acquainted with their district police officers, I think then it's like a door open. You know who to call, who to ask for. It's a connection not just to the Bureau of Police but also to the general public safety of your streets.
Information is exchanged that ordinarily wouldn't be.
It's kind of like knowing your mail person.
Diana Robinson (PennLive): How can neighbors become better acquainted with their district police officers so that they know who to contact in a crisis?
David Botero: 1. "It's on both of us." Meaning, there's lots of talk that the police "don't say hi" or don't engage with us on a regular basis. Well, let's take the first step...next time you catch yourself crossing the street in front of a patrol car, or a patrol car is cruising down your street...give 'em the "roll your windows down" and wave hello. Seriously, introduce yourself; tell 'em about your block. Trust me, they will not only remember that, but surely value it. Make a friend, period.
2. Seriously, get active in your local neighborhood watch program. Don't know where it is, who to contact, or when/where to meet? Call me, I'll fill you in: 255.7326
717.558.6900 is the number to call for non-emergency; 911 for a crisis/emergency
TLA: Thank you for the info, David! If anyone wants to know who your district officers are, now you know who to call.
I also add that for those of you computer savvy, see if your neighborhood has a Nextdoor>>> https://nextdoor.com
This is a great way to exchange community information...It's like a Facebook for neighborhoods but without the casual personal elements.
Even though not everyone in our neighborhoods have access to computers or the internet, for those that do, this helps build community & awareness, which inevitably trickles down to the streets through word of mouth & practice.
ree716: I live in a brick town house without a front porch and there is only one house on the entire block that has a front porch. All the neighbors are inside, watching TV, playing games, not on front porches, interacting with their neighbors. The fact that someone (or a group) is outside watching seems to send a simple message to would be criminals, that the opportunity is just not there.
TLA: This brings up an interesting point about urban culture.
I'm a front stoop sitter. I value being in front of my home, present to passers by, seeing neighbors going in & out, chatting with anyone & everyone.
However, I have had intriguing discussions with people about the notion that "front stoop sitting" is an urban thing. Some people prefer to sit in their backyards, which culturally is a more suburban thing.
I have pondered this often since living in the city, and I wonder what cultural friction is created because some people aren't comfortable with sitting out front because it's not their "normal" thing to do.
Jack Cash: Tara, I understand what you are saying, but you where you sit at home isn't the cause of any of the problems that exist. You are letting people off too easily.
TLA: I don't necessarily think it's the cause of problems, but building community (by sitting together with neighbors and passers by) helps establish trust & can lead to consensus building so we are developing solutions that are rooted & sustainable.
It also helps to build "definitions," agreed upon & generate together to help overcome some of the strife DLightEn points to.
David Botero: OK, so to address some inquisitive thoughts that you shared:
On the issue/philosophy/idea of "community policing"...
At any point of the day, and pretty much during any stage of our life...we are (or should be) always involved in some form of community policing; whether it's picking up trash, helping a neighbor, calling the cops/fire for a situation, etc. -- quite honestly, it's called Being Responsible; looking after our brothers and sisters. I'm talking to you elementary school Hall Monitors, impromptu Crossing Guards, Stranger that (battery) Jumped my Car, block party organizers, lemonade stand 'preneurs.
I'm in a very unique, fortunate, and blessed position. I'm actually employed {by YOU!} to get us motivated and organized and INFORMED to work effectively as a community. cool thing is -- there are several communities.
And while our busy patrol officers and detectives are busy with police work (law enforcement); I'm in the position to collaborate with YOU to address the preventative measures to strategically fight crime and negative behaviors.
TLA: I think what some people struggle with is this that I have heard, "Why should I 'community police' when that's what I pay taxes for?"
Without judgment I say this, there are residents & business owners who merely want to be safe, not establish safety. They do not want to worry about trash, litter, wrongdoing, etc.
They want to walk out of their front doors and enjoy a healthy, positive quality of life. And not do "the work" to make that happen because they feel that is the government's responsibility.
Diana Robinson (PennLive): David, this sounds like it fits under the "Our City, Our Concern" motto.
Is the kind of grassroots civic responsibility you're advocating something that should be taught in schools?
David Botero: [It] should be taught at schools, at home, by neighbors, by peers; and most importantly, demonstrated by our community leaders (organizations, public officials, churches, etc.)
TLA: I think you're right, Diana, about this embodying Our City, Our Concern.
I'd say this is precisely Our City, Our Concern practice, and to piggyback on what David said, it should be taught and modeled in all facets of community.
StellarRevolts: That's a pretty lousy attitude then, people not looking out for their own backyard and neighbors. Cops can't be everywhere all at once. They're not omniscient or even omnipotent. To look after one another is ALL our jobs. Just as long as they don't all go Zimmerman, who was a sociopath with imaginary authority.
TLA: "Lousy," some of us may think it, but it's a very real attitude in the city. And I'm sure outside of the city, too.
Diana Robinson (PennLive): Is there anything that can be done, either at the government or community level, to combat that attitude?
TLA: That's an important question...I know from my work at the community level that it's a hefty debate.
It's an ideological argument which are typically challenging to navigate.
You either believe you're responsible for part of the solution or you don't.
John Jones 0315: David, everyone says blight is an issue. Blight is in the community. Wouldn't the community be best served to do a "clean up" and then police a maintenance program that mirrors community policing practices?
David Botero: You're absolutely correct...blight is a huge n' nasty issue.
The "clean up" that you speak of is a behavior, and in order to change a behavior, the community is best served by adjusting people's attitudes...thus yielding to more positive/improved results.
We need to re-educate our families that it is not ok to throw chicken bones, soda cans & beer bottles, blunt wraps, baggies, ciggy cartons and everything in between on the floor. In the streets. In the staircases of the PJ's.
TLA: I think this also points to motivation.
How can community help motivate a change in attitude, an adjustment in behavior?
Unfortunately, in Harrisburg, there has been a great build up of apathy hindering movement towards more positive/improved results.
But I do see that being left behind more & more.
campinghill: Are there stats showing the impacts of community policing? I am hesitant to look at it as anything more than a PR campaign since it doesn't address the fundamental issues plaguing the city. Generational poverty has crippled the city and until more is done raise up the poorest of the poor, these 'initiatives' will be akin to painting a rotting fence.
How does the city get better? How about:
- Stabilize the city schools
- Better after-school programs to keep kids learning and out of trouble
- Improve access to quality groceries and educate people on how to eat properly
- Offer up community services that teach people to continue their education, find help (counseling and medical services) and develop tools for moving up in society
- Increase the number of police on the streets at any given time
- Implement data-driven policing schedules that allow the HPD to target high-crime areas
- Tougher standards for rentals and landlords. Run the slum lords out of town and improve the quality of life for all tenants
I get it, we all want to feel good about our actions, no matter how petty they really are. Real change that will improve the community takes lots of work, but that doesn't make for a great Facebook event or press release.
David Botero: Campinghill, you're dead-on right.
We have an issue here:
It's poverty, right?
(yes and no)
Actually, it's education.
Umm...nope, it's unemployment.
No, actually -- it's racism and classism.
But, it's really guns, grugs n gangs. It's violent crime and domestic violence. It's blight and littering. And it's definitely truancy in schools.
My friends, it's all of it.
But, honestly -- we have a communications Issue. Before we cant talk about building relationships in the community; we have to figure out what we're talking about, and we have to do a better job of talking about it. Openly, honestly. Positively.
TLA: Agreed...as a city resident, I see the first & foremost issue as a communications issue, and most else stems from that. Including education---formal & informal.
It's about empowerment, which can transcend income, race, level of education, and type of employment.
And I will also say that there is a significant PR component of community policing that is vital & necessary, too.
The perception versus reality of the "danger" of Harrisburg can be combatted some by the awareness that there are residents & businesses of Harrisburg who actively & proactively care about the city.
That attracts more "good" than "bad," and in fact, dissuades "bad."
The broken window theory.
David Botero: Ok, I'm getting pulled; here's the tip of my hat, sign-off...
As a representative of the Hbg Police Dept, tapped to employ strategic public safety measures, my mission is to ensure high quality public safety standards by being accessible, culturally relevant, responsive, and proactive to community concerns
We're here to work with you, and we're here to take back our streets, and do a better job of protecting our neighbors.
And what's a mission without a VISION???
MLK had a strategic plan; he had a mission...but we all know that it was best remembered by a "dream".
I'm having a blast working with so many resourceful & mindful community partners. They/You are helping me with my vision for effective community policing...and that is, to position the City of Harrisburg and our Public Safety Bureau as a recognized leader in structuring and delivering innovative community relations standards that yield to positive social norms in our neighborhoods.
TLA: Gracias, David Botero, for joining us today!
This is a necessary & significant ongoing conversation not just about public safety, but about social challenges that all communities face.
Thanks for all who participated today...we'll definitely revisit this topic in the future.
David Botero: This is what I roll with:
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only LOVE can do that." - MLK Jr.
Let's do this, baby!
Read the rest of the chat here and join me, Tara Leo Auchey, next Tuesday from 12-1 p.m. for another live Q&A.
Tara Leo Auchey is the creator and editor of the community-based online publication, today's the day Harrisburg, which focuses on the news, people, and projects of the City of Harrisburg. Follow on Twitter and on Facebook.