Amherst Police Receive Grant From the Executive Office of Public Safety

The Amherst Police Department has been awarded an $18,945 grant by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, Office of Grants and Research, Highway Safety Division. This grant program will fund the purchase of one Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) which will be installed on a police department vehicle.

.

An ALPR can recognize over 1,000 license plates an hour when installed on a moving vehicle. The license plate reader will be utilized to identify unregistered vehicles or motorists with revoked licenses, such as revocations for operating under the influence of alcohol, and it can also be very useful in AMBER alerts or when a Be-on-the-Lookout (BOLO) alert is issued. In Amherst, this technology could have been helpful in identifying pattern vehicles during the recent rash of residential burglaries.

.

“As this was a very competitive grant process, with very few western Massachusetts communities acquiring this equipment, I am very pleased that the Town of Amherst was chosen,” said Chief of Police, Scott P. Livingstone. “Sergeant Gabriel Ting, who researched this technology and wrote our grant proposal, did an excellent job articulating our need for this emerging technology.”

.

It is anticipated that this equipment will be purchased and put into service by July 1, 2011. Questions regarding this initiative can be forwarded to Lieutenant Robert J. O’Connor at 413-259-3208 or via email.

Increase in Education and Enforcement, Spring 2011

In an effort to educate the college community of the Amherst bylaws pertaining to alcohol and noise, Amherst Police Sector Officers will be going door to door distributing handouts that explain the bylaws, as well as the associated fines or arrest options when enforcing the bylaws. Officers will be disseminating information and speaking with residents regarding open containers of alcohol in public, minors in possession of alcohol, keg possession and complaints of excessive noise and riotous behavior. In addition, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst Police Department will have their Community Policing Unit out in full force this weekend, distributing flyers and engaging students to discuss expected behavior, both on and off campus. With both police agencies working concurrently to educate the community, our shared goal is to deter unlawful behavior that disrupts the campus and Amherst community.

A review of activity levels from September to March of this year, as compared to the same period in 2009 to 2010, has found that the instances of open container of alcohol violations has decreased by 16%, which is evidence that the message is getting out to the campus community. However, during the same time period there has been a 35% increase in noise complaints from Amherst community members, which is concerning.

In addition, the Amherst Police Department will have additional Police Officers on duty starting this weekend and continuing through graduation. Amherst Police Officers and UMass Police Officers will also be conducting joint patrols during these periods. This increased staffing and enforcement is to properly address and deter destructive behavior that is so problematic in the later part of spring.

Please see the attached bylaw handout. Questions regarding this Educational and Enforcement Initiative can be forwarded to Captain Christopher G. Pronovost at 413-259-3216 or via email.

The Amherst Police Department Receives $10,000 Underage Alcohol Enforcement Award

Chief Scott P. Livingstone is pleased to announce that the Amherst Police Department was awarded $10,000 in grant funding as part of the 2011 Underage Alcohol Enforcement Grant Program from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS). This program provides overtime funds for enforcement of underage alcohol laws through activities such as compliance checks, reverse stings, party patrols, surveillance patrols, and Cops in Shops.

The Amherst Police Department intends to use this funding to assign extra patrols through the spring to enforce the open container of alcohol bylaw and underage drinking laws. The University of Massachusetts Police Department at Amherst has also received funding under this grant program. The Amherst Police Department and University of Massachusetts Police Department will be conducting joint patrols both on campus and in town in those areas that have historically experienced a high concentration of student activity.

During Fiscal Year 2010, Amherst Police Officers charged 282 persons with being minors in possession of alcohol, and 16 persons were charged with providing alcohol to a person under 21. The Amherst Police Department has found that strict enforcement of liquor law violations has greatly increased the quality of living for those who reside in the center business district and those in the vicinity of the University of Massachusetts.

For more information on these increased enforcement efforts, please contact Lieutenant Robert J. O’Connor at (413) 259-3208 or via email.

For additional information on impaired driving or this grant program, go to the Highway Safety Division web page.

New Sector Map Link on the Amherst Police Department Website

Chief of Police Scott P. Livingstone is pleased to introduce the District and Sector Map section of the Amherst Police Department website. In 2009 the Amherst Police Department redistricted the community into 6 sector areas, and instituted consistent geographical assignments to personnel. Prior to this redistricting, Officers were assigned to different sectors every shift.

The goal of consistent assignments was to enable Officers to become better acquainted with their sectors and to provide Officers with the opportunity to intimately understand the unique challenges facing the citizens in their areas. The permanent assignments, most importantly, afford Officers with ample time to problem solve with community members. In addition, this patrol method provides residents the opportunity to become acquainted with their Police Officers, as there will be the same small group of Officers assigned to their neighborhood region.

The new District and Sector Map section of the website allows community members to determine their sector by simply entering their street address. Information provided on the website will include the names of the sector Officers and their email addresses so residents can contact them with any concerns, comments or questions. This interactive page was developed by GIS Administrator Michael Olkin of the Amherst Information Technology Department.

Please go to the Amherst Police web page and browse to the District and Sector Map link. Questions can be forwarded to Captain Jennifer A. Gundersen at 413-259-3012 or via email.

New Mission Statement

Chief of Police Scott P. Livingstone is pleased to announce the new Mission Statement of the Amherst Police Department. Written by Sergeant Jesus Arocho and Patrolman Yvonne Molin, the updated statement replaces one that was written in the 1990's. The new statement emphasizes the importance of our relationship with the community to ensure our success. Great job Sgt. Arocho and Ptlm. Molin!

The Amherst Police Department values the dedication and integrity of each member of our department. We value the diversity of our community and are grateful for the confidence they have in us. We strive to protect the safety, rights and property of every person within the town of Amherst. We are committed to the enforcement of laws, preservation of order and improving the quality of life within our community. We do so in partnership with our community while holding ourselves to the highest professional and ethical standards.

2010 Community Policing Partnership Award

In recognition of his significant contribution to the Amherst Police Department and to the Amherst community through his participation and leadership of the Amherst Seniors and Law Enforcement Together Council (SALT), Mr. Robert Joy has been chosen as the recipient of the department’s 2010 Community Policing Partnership Award.

The Amherst SALT Council, the Amherst Police Department’s longest-standing community partnership, strives to identify methods to protect the physical and financial well-being of Amherst elders. Since volunteering as president in 2005, Mr. Joy has been responsible for increased SALT Council membership and for the success of many SALT Council programs, trainings and initiatives.

Born and raised in Amherst, Mr. Joy’s commitment and dedication to his community have been evident throughout his lifetime. For the past 35 years, he has been an active and contributing Town Meeting member. A veteran of the United States Air Force, Mr. Joy continues to organize local American Legion and VFW events to honor all military members. Mr. Joy has been tireless in his outreach efforts for the elder community by representing and promoting the SALT Council and its programs at many community events. His support of the SALT Council’s continued partnership and ongoing collaboration with the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office and the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office has been vital to the success of our shared goal to deter crime against elders.

For additional information regarding our programs for elders please go to our website or contact Officer Jamie Reardon at 413-259-3000 or via email.

Child Passenger Car Seat Installations

The Amherst Police Department is committed to the safety of our children. Motor vehicle crashes pose a tremendous risk for children. When properly installed, child safety seats reduce the risk of death in a motor vehicle crash by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers. Safety belts reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a motor vehicle crash by up to 50%. This is where the Amherst Police Department can help.
.
The Amherst Police Department conducts Child Passenger Car Seat Inspections on the 3rd Saturday of each month. The next scheduled inspection day is Saturday, March 19, 2011, by appointment only. Open to Amherst residents only, our certified technicians will thoroughly inspect child passenger car seats for wear and effectiveness and install them properly to assure the safest ride for our children. To schedule a 30-minute appointment either e-mail the Amherst Police Department or call 413-259-3355.
.
The Amherst Police Department has received funding from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Highway Safety Division for the equipment necessary to complete the inspections and installations. Questions regarding this program can be forwarded to Officer Felipe Feliciano via email or call (413) 259-3000.

New Officers Appointed

Chief of Police Scott P. Livingstone announced the appointment of three new patrol officers to the Amherst Police Department. Jessica L. Damon, Johanlet Medrano, and Rudis R. Rodriguez were appointed after an extensive selection process which included a written examination, staff interview panel, physical and psychological testing, and interviews with the Chief of Police and Town Manager.

Jessica L. Damon, 26, is the daughter of Mark Drozdowski and Linda Drozdowski of Salisbury and Easthampton, Massachusetts. She is a 2003 graduate of Easthampton High School. She obtained her Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Holyoke Community College in 2006, and she is a 2009 graduate of Westfield State College where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Ms. Damon served as a Military Police Specialist in the Army National Guard from July 2002 through July 2010. She was deployed with her unit to Iraq from 2007 to 2008, and she was the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal during her years of service. Ms. Damon was previously employed as a reserve police officer for the Greenfield Police Department.

Johanlet Medrano, 29, is the son of Anselmo Medrano and Emiliana Fiallo of the Dominican Republic. He is a 1999 graduate of Haverhill High School and a 2010 graduate of Northern Essex Community College, also in Haverhill, where he obtained an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice. Mr. Medrano joined the Army National Guard in 2002 and currently holds the rank of Staff Sergeant. He has been deployed twice to Iraq. His first tour of duty in Iraq was from 2004 to 2005, and his second tour was from 2007 to 2008. Mr. Medrano was previously employed in the Transportation Security Administration Division at Logan Airport, Boston, MA.

Rudis R. Rodriguez, 24, is the son of Alejandrina Ramos and Rudis Rodriguez of Worcester, Massachusetts. He is a 2006 graduate of Dickinson High School, in Jersey City, New Jersey. After graduating from high school Mr. Rodriguez enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and currently holds the rank of Lance Corporal, E3. He was deployed with his unit for Operation Enduring Freedom, in Afghanistan. During his military service Mr. Rodriguez has been awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, Selective Marine Corps Reserve Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal and he received a Letter of Appreciation from his commanding officers. Mr. Rodriguez currently lives in Worcester with his fiancée, Yensie Minaya.

Ms. Damon, Mr. Medrano and Mr. Rodriguez are all currently enrolled in the Western Massachusetts Regional Police Academy, in Springfield, and will begin their basic recruitment training on March 7, 2011, with an anticipated graduation date of July 27, 2011.

Welcome to Mustache March

This year, many Amherst Police Officers have decided to shave their heads in an effort to raise money to fund research for a cure for childhood cancer.

On March 27, 2011, Officers will be at Rafters Sports Bar and Restaurant, on University Drive, in Amherst, to shave their heads in support of the St. Baldrick's Foundation. The St. Baldrick's Foundation currently funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government.

In addition to this, many Officers have also decided to bear mustaches throughout the month of March as a fun way to raise further awareness for the foundation.

For more information, contact the Amherst Police Department St. Baldrick's team captain, Officer Feliciano, or check out our team webpage.

Pictured above, Patrolman Josh Harris eagerly signs himself up for St. Baldrick's.