I found myself involved in an internal debate regarding the professionalism of publishing a rumor, and after nearly 6 minutes of deliberation, I have determined that publishing rumors is acceptable for the following reasons:
1. I offer a disclaimer and do not claim such rumors to be facts.
2. Publishing a rumor offers the readership of this blog a chance to research the rumor to see if it's true, and if it is true, we have contributed to the body of knowledge. In other words, if I publish a rumor about something crazy going on, then like 8 people keep their eyes peeled for crazy goings on, we are more likely to find out the craziness if it is really happening.
3. 'Professionalism' implies a profession--i.e. a money making exercise--and seeing that this blog is a consuming asset rather than a producing asset--i.e. I don't get a red cent for doing this--I can be as professional or unprofessional as I want.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Monday, September 17, 2007
Mayor Crime Bickering
Mayor's crime plan turns to bickering : Police, housing authority officials not sure how to implement ideas
By SCOTT DAUGHERTY, Staff Writer
Published September 16, 2007
It started with a plan to fight crime in Annapolis.
Responding to citizen concerns, Mayor Ellen O. Moyer announced a series of public safety initiatives last month to make Annapolis safer.
One month later, however, police and housing authority officials say they haven't received guidance on how to implement her ideas.
And questions about her initiatives have met with quick barbs from the mayor.
"We need to sit down," said Police Chief Joseph S. Johnson, explaining he has several questions for the mayor.
He said Friday he doesn't know how to pay for the four Segways and horse that are part of the mayor's plan, let alone when Ms. Moyer expects them to be on the streets.
"How do we put this in the budget, secure these things, train these people ... It's not something we can run out and do in the next month," Chief Johnson said. "What timeline is she expecting?
"And Annapolis Housing Authority President Eric Brown wrote Ms. Moyer a letter on Wednesday asking for "additional direction" on what she wants in a new agreement of understanding to address crime in the city's public housing communities.
"This is the kind of disconnect we really don't need," said Alderman David Cordle, R-Ward 5. Mr. Cordle is head of the city's Public Safety Committee and a possible mayoral candidate in 2010.
Ms. Moyer said Friday she's still upbeat about her plans, and that her staff already is working to recruit new officers to fill 23 open positions and change the number of shifts officers work from five to three.
Still, she said most of the purchases she called for are a year away.
"He (Chief Johnson) needs to advise me on the budgetary issues," she said.
As for the housing authority agreement, Ms. Moyer said she's sent two letters to Mr. Brown about what she wants.
"I guess he doesn't know how to read," she said.
A short news release put out by the city Tuesday revealed the first cracks in Ms. Moyer's public safety plan.
Ray Weaver, a city spokesman, said the city Police Department was preparing to implement a key element of her new public safety plan - teaming with the Drug Enforcement Administration to fight the drug trade in Annapolis.
Mr. Weaver said the mayor was confident that this new membership in a DEA task force would let the city's police officers double the 275 drug arrests they made in 2006.
The announcement, however, was a decade late and in the eyes of Chief Johnson, overly optimistic.Local and federal officials confirmed this week the city joined the DEA's State and Local High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force at least 10 years ago.
And Chief Johnson said Friday the task force will not accomplish what the mayor wants."It's not going to double the arrest rate," he said.
"It's going to enhance the quality of investigations."
Ms. Moyer backed off her spokesman's statements Friday, saying she always knew the department worked with the DEA task force. She said last week's news release, as well as another Aug. 23 release asking police to initiate a "new illegal drugs and illegal guns task force" - were about the city ramping up their old "liason" relationship with the DEA and the chief signing a new two-year agreement with the federal authorities. She said the new agreement will bring a "renewed emphasis" to Annapolis and take down the city's larger drug dealers.
"I want a more vigorous dedication to undercover activities," she said Friday, noting federal authorities haven't had a large scale drug bust in the city for about four years.
City police Lt. Brian Della said the city is asking the DEA to put more of an emphasis on Annapolis, but stressed there is no guarantee.
Chief Johnson said an officer has been detailed to the task force for a "majority" of the past several years and that to an outside observer, little will change under the "new" agreement.
"They (the DEA) have always been a good partner to us," Chief Johnson said.
Special Agent Ed Marcinko, a DEA spokesman, reiterated the task force is not changing how it investigates drugs and identifies drug dealers.
"It's business as usual," he said.
As for the city doubling the number of drug arrests - and the chief's skepticism - Ms. Moyer remained upbeat it will happen.
"Is that practical? I don't know. I think it is practical," she said.
Critics say Ms. Moyer's gaffe in announcing a task force 10 years late illustrates how out of touch she is with what is happening at her police department.
"It (the task force) has been happening and everyone seems to know it besides her," said Mr. Cordle, echoing the private comments of several other local officials.Mr. Weaver and Ms. Moyer blamed Chief Johnson for the flub. They said the chief forwarded Ms. Moyer a copy of the DEA agreement last week, along with a hand-written note.
"In keeping with the objectives of your 5-pt plan in fighting crime, I've already established a federal and state drug task force with our narcotics people," he wrote.
Chief Johnson said Friday he never intended to mislead the mayor into thinking this was a new task force. He said he used the word "already" last week to imply this was in place before she asked for it.Chief Johnson agreed with Mr. Cordle that Ms. Moyer doesn't always know how the department works, but said "it's not her place to know."
That said, Chief Johnson said he doesn't always know what the mayor wants when she issues orders and launches public safety initiatives.
He said when Ms. Moyer returned from Europe in August, she proposed a five-point public safety plan, called for a new agreement with the City's Housing Authority, asked him to join the task force and to form a special police recruitment committee. The orders, he said, were short on guidance.
For example, Chief Johnson said he met with Mr. Brown and City Attorney Shaem C. Spencer Tuesday about the new agreement Ms. Moyer wants with the housing authority. When they got in the room together, no one understood what they were really supposed to be doing, he said.
Ms. Moyer said she's not yet heard what happened at that meeting, but said she's been clear and quipped about Mr. Brown not knowing how to read.
Mr. Brown said such comments are "beneath the dignity of her office."
"I consider it offensive and insulting," he said.Mr. Brown added he's tried to meet face-to-face with the mayor for the past month, but been unable to schedule a meeting.
Ms. Moyer's public safety plan itself isn't getting the warmest reception either.
Chief Johnson said he's not sure about the horse, although he can see some use around City Dock and for community relations.
And Mr. Cordle said he flat out opposes her proposed Segways and mounted unit.
"It (a horse) is ridiculous from a cost stand point," he said, proposing that money would be better spent raising the entry level salaries of city police officers.
"I think we need to get to the basic root of the problem by getting more officers on the streets."
"Detective Jim Lee, the president of the city police union, likes that the mayor is focusing on crime and "applauds" the city's continued dedication to working with the DEA.
"We are certainly glad that everyone has jumped on the crime wagon," he said.
He said the key to success is in more feet on the street though - not "new" task forces, Segways, and horses.
"The way to really change is by filling the (23) vacancies," he said.
By SCOTT DAUGHERTY, Staff Writer
Published September 16, 2007
It started with a plan to fight crime in Annapolis.
Responding to citizen concerns, Mayor Ellen O. Moyer announced a series of public safety initiatives last month to make Annapolis safer.
One month later, however, police and housing authority officials say they haven't received guidance on how to implement her ideas.
And questions about her initiatives have met with quick barbs from the mayor.
"We need to sit down," said Police Chief Joseph S. Johnson, explaining he has several questions for the mayor.
He said Friday he doesn't know how to pay for the four Segways and horse that are part of the mayor's plan, let alone when Ms. Moyer expects them to be on the streets.
"How do we put this in the budget, secure these things, train these people ... It's not something we can run out and do in the next month," Chief Johnson said. "What timeline is she expecting?
"And Annapolis Housing Authority President Eric Brown wrote Ms. Moyer a letter on Wednesday asking for "additional direction" on what she wants in a new agreement of understanding to address crime in the city's public housing communities.
"This is the kind of disconnect we really don't need," said Alderman David Cordle, R-Ward 5. Mr. Cordle is head of the city's Public Safety Committee and a possible mayoral candidate in 2010.
Ms. Moyer said Friday she's still upbeat about her plans, and that her staff already is working to recruit new officers to fill 23 open positions and change the number of shifts officers work from five to three.
Still, she said most of the purchases she called for are a year away.
"He (Chief Johnson) needs to advise me on the budgetary issues," she said.
As for the housing authority agreement, Ms. Moyer said she's sent two letters to Mr. Brown about what she wants.
"I guess he doesn't know how to read," she said.
A short news release put out by the city Tuesday revealed the first cracks in Ms. Moyer's public safety plan.
Ray Weaver, a city spokesman, said the city Police Department was preparing to implement a key element of her new public safety plan - teaming with the Drug Enforcement Administration to fight the drug trade in Annapolis.
Mr. Weaver said the mayor was confident that this new membership in a DEA task force would let the city's police officers double the 275 drug arrests they made in 2006.
The announcement, however, was a decade late and in the eyes of Chief Johnson, overly optimistic.Local and federal officials confirmed this week the city joined the DEA's State and Local High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force at least 10 years ago.
And Chief Johnson said Friday the task force will not accomplish what the mayor wants."It's not going to double the arrest rate," he said.
"It's going to enhance the quality of investigations."
Ms. Moyer backed off her spokesman's statements Friday, saying she always knew the department worked with the DEA task force. She said last week's news release, as well as another Aug. 23 release asking police to initiate a "new illegal drugs and illegal guns task force" - were about the city ramping up their old "liason" relationship with the DEA and the chief signing a new two-year agreement with the federal authorities. She said the new agreement will bring a "renewed emphasis" to Annapolis and take down the city's larger drug dealers.
"I want a more vigorous dedication to undercover activities," she said Friday, noting federal authorities haven't had a large scale drug bust in the city for about four years.
City police Lt. Brian Della said the city is asking the DEA to put more of an emphasis on Annapolis, but stressed there is no guarantee.
Chief Johnson said an officer has been detailed to the task force for a "majority" of the past several years and that to an outside observer, little will change under the "new" agreement.
"They (the DEA) have always been a good partner to us," Chief Johnson said.
Special Agent Ed Marcinko, a DEA spokesman, reiterated the task force is not changing how it investigates drugs and identifies drug dealers.
"It's business as usual," he said.
As for the city doubling the number of drug arrests - and the chief's skepticism - Ms. Moyer remained upbeat it will happen.
"Is that practical? I don't know. I think it is practical," she said.
Critics say Ms. Moyer's gaffe in announcing a task force 10 years late illustrates how out of touch she is with what is happening at her police department.
"It (the task force) has been happening and everyone seems to know it besides her," said Mr. Cordle, echoing the private comments of several other local officials.Mr. Weaver and Ms. Moyer blamed Chief Johnson for the flub. They said the chief forwarded Ms. Moyer a copy of the DEA agreement last week, along with a hand-written note.
"In keeping with the objectives of your 5-pt plan in fighting crime, I've already established a federal and state drug task force with our narcotics people," he wrote.
Chief Johnson said Friday he never intended to mislead the mayor into thinking this was a new task force. He said he used the word "already" last week to imply this was in place before she asked for it.Chief Johnson agreed with Mr. Cordle that Ms. Moyer doesn't always know how the department works, but said "it's not her place to know."
That said, Chief Johnson said he doesn't always know what the mayor wants when she issues orders and launches public safety initiatives.
He said when Ms. Moyer returned from Europe in August, she proposed a five-point public safety plan, called for a new agreement with the City's Housing Authority, asked him to join the task force and to form a special police recruitment committee. The orders, he said, were short on guidance.
For example, Chief Johnson said he met with Mr. Brown and City Attorney Shaem C. Spencer Tuesday about the new agreement Ms. Moyer wants with the housing authority. When they got in the room together, no one understood what they were really supposed to be doing, he said.
Ms. Moyer said she's not yet heard what happened at that meeting, but said she's been clear and quipped about Mr. Brown not knowing how to read.
Mr. Brown said such comments are "beneath the dignity of her office."
"I consider it offensive and insulting," he said.Mr. Brown added he's tried to meet face-to-face with the mayor for the past month, but been unable to schedule a meeting.
Ms. Moyer's public safety plan itself isn't getting the warmest reception either.
Chief Johnson said he's not sure about the horse, although he can see some use around City Dock and for community relations.
And Mr. Cordle said he flat out opposes her proposed Segways and mounted unit.
"It (a horse) is ridiculous from a cost stand point," he said, proposing that money would be better spent raising the entry level salaries of city police officers.
"I think we need to get to the basic root of the problem by getting more officers on the streets."
"Detective Jim Lee, the president of the city police union, likes that the mayor is focusing on crime and "applauds" the city's continued dedication to working with the DEA.
"We are certainly glad that everyone has jumped on the crime wagon," he said.
He said the key to success is in more feet on the street though - not "new" task forces, Segways, and horses.
"The way to really change is by filling the (23) vacancies," he said.
Monday, September 10, 2007
9/10/07 Homicide Press Release
For immediate release
Annapolis Police Chief Joseph Johnson has high praise for the Bay Ridge Gardens Resident Council Association and Management Team for working closely with the Annapolis Police Department.
"They are directly responsible for the quick arrests made in the two latest homicides in Annapolis," said the Chief.
The two homicides occurred on the same block and involved people who did not live in the community. Five residents of Bay Ridge Gardens were witnesses to both homicides and all five immediately identified themselves as potential witnesses. They assisted police investigators, identified the crime scene to technicians and helped with recovery of additional evidence. Many of the witnesses to the first homicide testified before the Grand Jury regarding the case.
"These actions were unprecedented," said Chief Johnson. "And I hope they continue."
"Greater citizen involvement can greatly reduce the potential for criminal activity," the Chief continued. "Citizen involvement sends a clear message that communities will not tolerate illegal activity within their boundaries."
Chief Johnson went on to discuss the challenges his Department faces policing the Public Housing Communities in Annapolis.
"A review of recent crime statistics indicates that 4 of the 6 homicides that have occurred in the City during 2007 happened on or near public housing. Many secondary and regular duty police officers responded to these incidents. The large number of officers working in and around public housing has resulted in a decrease in violent crimes on those properties. Both the victim and the suspect the latest homicide had previously been arrested for drug offenses and were banned from public housing properties. However, criminals from those areas are spilling into surrounding areas and Bay Ridge Gardens seems to be one of the communities being affected. The Annapolis Police Department is aware of, and working on, the problem. Once again, we want to make it clear that we applaud the sacrifices the citizens of Bay Ridge Gardens made in coming forward to assist their police department and we hope it becomes an epidemic."
Members of the Annapolis Public Safety Committee-a standing committee appointed by the Mayor to review legislation and make specific recommendation on ordinances that effect public safety-also praised the community action. The current committee is made up of the Chairman, Alderman Dave Cordle, along with Aldermen Ross Arnett and Sheila Finlayson. Chairman Cordle said that he encourages citizen involvement on all levels within the public safety arena, particularly violent crime and quality of life issue crimes. Alderman Finlayson recently attended a public meeting at Bay Ridge Gardens and congratulated the citizens for their efforts and listened to their concerns.
Mayor Moyer also applauded the citizens of Bay Ridge Gardens efforts and said,
"It takes all of us- the public, elected officials and the police department- working as partners to make our community safe. These quick arrests reflect the excellent work of the Annapolis Police Department and the success of our continuing Neighborhood Watch efforts. They are a real-world example of how people getting involved can help make our City a safer place to be."
Ray Weaver
Public Information Officer
City of Annapolis
Annapolis Police Chief Joseph Johnson has high praise for the Bay Ridge Gardens Resident Council Association and Management Team for working closely with the Annapolis Police Department.
"They are directly responsible for the quick arrests made in the two latest homicides in Annapolis," said the Chief.
The two homicides occurred on the same block and involved people who did not live in the community. Five residents of Bay Ridge Gardens were witnesses to both homicides and all five immediately identified themselves as potential witnesses. They assisted police investigators, identified the crime scene to technicians and helped with recovery of additional evidence. Many of the witnesses to the first homicide testified before the Grand Jury regarding the case.
"These actions were unprecedented," said Chief Johnson. "And I hope they continue."
"Greater citizen involvement can greatly reduce the potential for criminal activity," the Chief continued. "Citizen involvement sends a clear message that communities will not tolerate illegal activity within their boundaries."
Chief Johnson went on to discuss the challenges his Department faces policing the Public Housing Communities in Annapolis.
"A review of recent crime statistics indicates that 4 of the 6 homicides that have occurred in the City during 2007 happened on or near public housing. Many secondary and regular duty police officers responded to these incidents. The large number of officers working in and around public housing has resulted in a decrease in violent crimes on those properties. Both the victim and the suspect the latest homicide had previously been arrested for drug offenses and were banned from public housing properties. However, criminals from those areas are spilling into surrounding areas and Bay Ridge Gardens seems to be one of the communities being affected. The Annapolis Police Department is aware of, and working on, the problem. Once again, we want to make it clear that we applaud the sacrifices the citizens of Bay Ridge Gardens made in coming forward to assist their police department and we hope it becomes an epidemic."
Members of the Annapolis Public Safety Committee-a standing committee appointed by the Mayor to review legislation and make specific recommendation on ordinances that effect public safety-also praised the community action. The current committee is made up of the Chairman, Alderman Dave Cordle, along with Aldermen Ross Arnett and Sheila Finlayson. Chairman Cordle said that he encourages citizen involvement on all levels within the public safety arena, particularly violent crime and quality of life issue crimes. Alderman Finlayson recently attended a public meeting at Bay Ridge Gardens and congratulated the citizens for their efforts and listened to their concerns.
Mayor Moyer also applauded the citizens of Bay Ridge Gardens efforts and said,
"It takes all of us- the public, elected officials and the police department- working as partners to make our community safe. These quick arrests reflect the excellent work of the Annapolis Police Department and the success of our continuing Neighborhood Watch efforts. They are a real-world example of how people getting involved can help make our City a safer place to be."
Ray Weaver
Public Information Officer
City of Annapolis
Monday, August 27, 2007
Press Release 8/27/07
For immediate release
Mayor Ellen Moyer is asking Annapolis Police Chief Joseph Johnson to expand hisDepartment's recruiting efforts. She is requesting that he augment currentdepartment-based recruiting efforts with a committee that will act asambassadors and positive advocates for the police department."
The most effective tool for recruiting is personal advocacy," said the Mayor."I am asking the Chief to enhance his officers' ongoing efforts with a team thatwill include Director of Human Resources Kimla Milburn, Public InformationOfficer Ray Weaver and the members of the City's Public SafetyCommittee-Aldermen Ross Arnett, Dave Cordle and Alderwoman Sheila Findlayson. Iam calling on this committee to meet within the next two weeks."
Ms. Milburn recently returned from a National personnel conference where sheobserved,
"In speaking with my colleagues from around the country, it is evident that weare all facing a tremendous challenge in recruiting police officers," she said."Positive statements about the department will go a long way in encouragingpeople to consider a career with the APD. Negative articles and Letters to theEditor bashing the Department simply do not help. We need to work together toincrease the level of interest in working for the Annapolis Police Department."
The Annapolis Police Department currently maintains a ratio of 3 officers per1000 residents. The national average is 1 officer per 1000 residents
Mayor Ellen Moyer is asking Annapolis Police Chief Joseph Johnson to expand hisDepartment's recruiting efforts. She is requesting that he augment currentdepartment-based recruiting efforts with a committee that will act asambassadors and positive advocates for the police department."
The most effective tool for recruiting is personal advocacy," said the Mayor."I am asking the Chief to enhance his officers' ongoing efforts with a team thatwill include Director of Human Resources Kimla Milburn, Public InformationOfficer Ray Weaver and the members of the City's Public SafetyCommittee-Aldermen Ross Arnett, Dave Cordle and Alderwoman Sheila Findlayson. Iam calling on this committee to meet within the next two weeks."
Ms. Milburn recently returned from a National personnel conference where sheobserved,
"In speaking with my colleagues from around the country, it is evident that weare all facing a tremendous challenge in recruiting police officers," she said."Positive statements about the department will go a long way in encouragingpeople to consider a career with the APD. Negative articles and Letters to theEditor bashing the Department simply do not help. We need to work together toincrease the level of interest in working for the Annapolis Police Department."
The Annapolis Police Department currently maintains a ratio of 3 officers per1000 residents. The national average is 1 officer per 1000 residents
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Capital Articles Re: Mayor's HACA plan
Moyer targets public housing
By NICOLE YOUNG, Staff Writer
Published August 23, 2007
Mayor Ellen O. Moyer said she wants to work with the Annapolis Housing Authority to beef up security efforts at the 10 public housing properties around the city and put more police officers in each community.
Ms. Moyer announced the plan yesterday to install surveillance cameras, create a police substation and assign undercover police in each public housing neighborhood. She also wants to make sure a community service program for residents, as required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, is enforced.
She said that for this to happen, the housing authority will have to handle the majority of the costs, sharing the camera and substation costs with the city Police Department.
It's the latest of several recent efforts by Ms. Moyer to address escalating fears of crime and violence in the city. But the plan isn't all that new.
Housing authority leaders had requested the same things last year, only to be rebuffed by the mayor.
"We proposed this to the mayor and she rejected it," said Eric Brown, executive director of the housing authority. "But personally, I'm elated that she's come around to our way of thinking. I just wish she would have done this earlier."
The city has provided the housing authority with $200,000 since 2004 to hire Annapolis police to work as off-duty security, Ms. Moyer said. But she now contends that the authority hasn't used the city's contribution and has been unsuccessful in recruiting officers for the program, calling it "sketchy at best."
Mr. Brown said that although the mayor claims the housing authority needs to manage public safety and money itself, the city didn't simply give it a lump sum of $200,000.
"They would reimburse us for the money we put out, up to $200,000," he said. "It actually ends up costing us money with that kind of arrangement."
Police Chief Joseph S. Johnson said he supports any efforts Ms. Moyer wants to put in place, and said she's right to challenge the housing authority to pay a portion of the substation costs.
"We already co-op secondary employment to them, but we need more manpower," he said.
The housing authority also has the space for police substations in the property management offices and community centers, Mr. Brown said.
In May, HUD called the housing authority "troubled," citing problems with its record-keeping and safety hazards in its dwellings, and gave it a score of only 38 out of a possible 100 points during an evaluation.
Mr. Brown said the authority has worked to fix those problems and announced plans to redevelop four of its most troubled properties - College Creek Terrace, Obery Court, Bowman Court and Annapolis Gardens - as well as appointing a new chairman for the board of directors, Howard Pinskey. Mr. Pinskey replaced Trudy McFall, who resigned in July.
One of the mayor's requests - placing the housing authority in accordance with HUD community service guidelines requiring residents to complete eight hours of community service each month was already in place, although it hadn't previously been enforced.
Mr. Brown said he and the housing authority are willing to go forward on these measures, but it will take time and money to put them in place.
He also would like to see a special detachment of Annapolis police officers specifically assigned to the housing authority, as well as a bigger push on the Neighborhood Watch program, which he said would be a more immediate solution.
He said he's hoping to meet with Ms. Moyer as soon as possible, but has yet to hear from her.
"It's been on the table, and if it is something that they want to explore, we are certainly open to it, as we have proposed this before," Mr. Brown said. "This is something that is viable and we are elated."
Eric Hartley:Mayor's crime focus welcome, if overdue
Published August 23, 2007
Eric Brown, who runs the Annapolis Housing Authority, seemed a bit surprised when he heard Mayor Ellen Moyer's latest suggestions for tackling crime in public housing.
It wasn't that the ideas were so odd or revolutionary; rather, it was that they sounded awfully familiar.
Police substations, surveillance cameras, more undercover officers assigned to the communities - weren't some of these the same steps Ms. Moyer's police chief, Joseph Johnson, dismissed as "garbage" earlier this year when Mr. Brown's agency proposed them?
Choosing his words carefully, Mr. Brown said: "Many of the things that from what you tell me are being proposed are things that we have placed on the table before, and they up to this point have been rejected by the city."
Still, Mr. Brown - executive director of the housing authority, which is mostly independent of city government - said he was glad to hear the suggestions and added, "I think those are things we could embrace."
So why does Ms. Moyer, fresh off her six-week summer vacation jaunt through Annapolis' sister cities in Europe, suddenly seem so focused on crime? Was there something in the water in Dumfries, Scotland?
"The first thing I get hit with when I get back in town after meeting with sister cities is, 'We've got a crime problem. We've got a crime problem. We've got a crime problem,' " the mayor said.
So first, there was a five-point plan on general public safety issues; next, a four-point plan on public housing specifically; and a forthcoming proposal (alas, no word on the number of points) to beef up partnerships with federal and state authorities on gun and drug prosecutions.
It's hard to keep it all straight, and I'm not even going to talk about the horse the mayor wants the police department to buy. The ideas are a mixture of the small and concrete (better lighting in dark areas, more Segways so officers can zip around downtown faster, juggling police work schedules) and the ambitious (more money for drug treatment, enhanced neighborhood-watch training).
Ms. Moyer acknowledged that many of the ideas aren't new. But she said, "It's a way to focus and get everybody talking and working together."
A nice thought, but why now? Ms. Moyer has been mayor for nearly six years, and while she has talked about crime many times, little seems to have changed.
Accurate or not, there's a perception that her administration has been more interested in talking about tourism, sailing and the city's 300th anniversary bash than wading into thornier problems like crime and drugs.
Ms. Moyer called that charge unfair and said she's been working with residents on crime issues for 20 years, going back to her 14 years as an alderman from Eastport.
Of course, just about every elected official in America is expected to "solve" some crime problem, even though there's only so much one city's politicians and police can do to combat national societal trends.
It's not fair to blame Ms. Moyer for not solving a problem that can probably never be solved. But it is fair to ask whether her latest plans will accomplish very much, or just make it look like she tried.
Let's hope we're not in for another round of all talk and no action.
As they're doing now, housing authority and city officials pledged to work together earlier this year. But when the housing authority offered its ideas in March, including a substation and foot patrols in Robinwood and license plate scanners, Chief Johnson sent a clear message: Leave police work to the professionals.
As Ray Weaver, a city spokesman, said at the time: "We have to get by our own turf wars we all seem to be having if we're going to help people having problems on theirs."
Elected Official and Moyer Administration Quotes
After the meeting, Mayor Ellen O. Moyer criticized the group's strategy, saying that instead of acting as "problem solvers," they were acting as "rhetorical bomb throwers." "What I don't get from them is an indication that they want to partner in any way," she said. "To assert that we're ignoring the issue is plain folly." Baltimore Sun article, 1/16/08, regarding Mayor Moyer's reaction to citizen concerns over crime.
We do not want the capital city to be a drug haven. This is an 18-year-old man whose life is over. Another (17-year-old) man whose life is ruined. Public Information Officer Ray Weaver, Capital article, 11/3.
Can we afford (a drug program)? I say we cannot afford not to have one. We're calling to help prevent deaths in our community. Classie Hoyle, 11/3 Capital article
Hopefully it will be successful. Mayor Moyer, 10/6/07, holding high hopes for a proposed open air market.
While much has been made recently of the numbers of police officers that are currently employed by the City, the fact is that the APD maintains a ratio of 3 police officers to every 1000 citizens-the national average is only 1 officer per thousand. Mayor Moyer, 8/16/07 press release
The war in Iraq and retirement have both greatly impacted the number of qualified people that are available for and interested in police work. Jurisdictions nationwide are drawing from the same talent pool and facing the same challenges. Mayor Moyer, 8/16/07 press release
As I outlined in the plan for Robinwood that the City submitted to the County Executive some months ago, I believe a comprehensive drug treatment and prevention program to be an important long term solution to reducing crime in the City. Mayor Moyer, 8/16/07 press release
It's easy for people to talk about the fear of crime, but I have yet to hear any solutions using the resources we have. This begins the process of looking at solutions rather than rhetoric. 8/17/07 article
Our goal, with the unified effort I am requesting, is to double the number of arrests and to make it crystal clear that the Capital City is not a Drug Capital. Mayor Moyer, 8/23/2007
Surveillance for some nuisance crimes may have to be reduced, but available personnel must be utilized to deal directly with serious crime. Mayor Moyer, 8/23/07
We already co-op secondary employment to them, but we need more manpower. Chief Johnson, 8/23/07
The first thing I get hit with when I get back in town after meeting with our sister cities is "We've got a crime problem. We've got a crime problem. We've got a crime problem. Mayor Moyer, 8/23/07
While she said she doesn't use a computer herself, Ms. Moyer acknowledged the popularity of Wi-Fi, noting that some hotels offered it on her recent trip to Europe. "It's the technology of today, that and Podcasts and iPods. Mayor Moyer, 8/26/07
The most effective tool for recruiting is personal advocacy. Mayor Moyer, 8/27/07
Negative articles and Letters to theEditor bashing the Department simply do not help. We need to work together toincrease the level of interest in working for the Annapolis Police Department. Mayor Moyer, 8/27/07
In speaking with my colleagues from around the country, it is evident that weare all facing a tremendous challenge in recruiting police officers. Kimla Milburn, 8/27/07
We need to sit down. Chief Johnson, regarding confusion over orders from the mayor, 9/16/07.
"How do we put this in the budget, secure these things, train these people ... It's not something we can run out and do in the next month," Chief Johnson said. "What timeline is she expecting? Chief Johnson, on the mayor's crime plan, 9/16/07.
I guess he doesn't know how to read. Mayor Moyer, speculating as to why HACA president Eric Brown didn't understand what she wanted, 9/16/07.
It's not going to double the arrest rate. Chief Johnson, dismissing the mayor's expectations of her new crime plan, 9/16/07.
Is that practical? I don't know. I think it is practical. Mayor Moyer, doing her best to defend her confidence that drug arrests will double, 9/16/07.
Chief Johnson said he doesn't always know what the mayor wants when she issues orders and launches public safety initiatives.He said when Ms. Moyer returned from Europe in August, she proposed a five-point public safety plan, called for a new agreement with the City's Housing Authority, asked him to join the task force and to form a special police recruitment committee. The orders, he said, were short on guidance. From The Capital, 9/16/07.
I learned early on, we (police) couldn't make a community safe by ourself. You will never hear me say no to a community group. Chief Johnson, 9/28/07
We don't have enough eyes and ears to make you safe. Chief Johnson, 9/28/07
We do not want the capital city to be a drug haven. This is an 18-year-old man whose life is over. Another (17-year-old) man whose life is ruined. Public Information Officer Ray Weaver, Capital article, 11/3.
Can we afford (a drug program)? I say we cannot afford not to have one. We're calling to help prevent deaths in our community. Classie Hoyle, 11/3 Capital article
Hopefully it will be successful. Mayor Moyer, 10/6/07, holding high hopes for a proposed open air market.
While much has been made recently of the numbers of police officers that are currently employed by the City, the fact is that the APD maintains a ratio of 3 police officers to every 1000 citizens-the national average is only 1 officer per thousand. Mayor Moyer, 8/16/07 press release
The war in Iraq and retirement have both greatly impacted the number of qualified people that are available for and interested in police work. Jurisdictions nationwide are drawing from the same talent pool and facing the same challenges. Mayor Moyer, 8/16/07 press release
As I outlined in the plan for Robinwood that the City submitted to the County Executive some months ago, I believe a comprehensive drug treatment and prevention program to be an important long term solution to reducing crime in the City. Mayor Moyer, 8/16/07 press release
It's easy for people to talk about the fear of crime, but I have yet to hear any solutions using the resources we have. This begins the process of looking at solutions rather than rhetoric. 8/17/07 article
Our goal, with the unified effort I am requesting, is to double the number of arrests and to make it crystal clear that the Capital City is not a Drug Capital. Mayor Moyer, 8/23/2007
Surveillance for some nuisance crimes may have to be reduced, but available personnel must be utilized to deal directly with serious crime. Mayor Moyer, 8/23/07
We already co-op secondary employment to them, but we need more manpower. Chief Johnson, 8/23/07
The first thing I get hit with when I get back in town after meeting with our sister cities is "We've got a crime problem. We've got a crime problem. We've got a crime problem. Mayor Moyer, 8/23/07
While she said she doesn't use a computer herself, Ms. Moyer acknowledged the popularity of Wi-Fi, noting that some hotels offered it on her recent trip to Europe. "It's the technology of today, that and Podcasts and iPods. Mayor Moyer, 8/26/07
The most effective tool for recruiting is personal advocacy. Mayor Moyer, 8/27/07
Negative articles and Letters to theEditor bashing the Department simply do not help. We need to work together toincrease the level of interest in working for the Annapolis Police Department. Mayor Moyer, 8/27/07
In speaking with my colleagues from around the country, it is evident that weare all facing a tremendous challenge in recruiting police officers. Kimla Milburn, 8/27/07
We need to sit down. Chief Johnson, regarding confusion over orders from the mayor, 9/16/07.
"How do we put this in the budget, secure these things, train these people ... It's not something we can run out and do in the next month," Chief Johnson said. "What timeline is she expecting? Chief Johnson, on the mayor's crime plan, 9/16/07.
I guess he doesn't know how to read. Mayor Moyer, speculating as to why HACA president Eric Brown didn't understand what she wanted, 9/16/07.
It's not going to double the arrest rate. Chief Johnson, dismissing the mayor's expectations of her new crime plan, 9/16/07.
Is that practical? I don't know. I think it is practical. Mayor Moyer, doing her best to defend her confidence that drug arrests will double, 9/16/07.
Chief Johnson said he doesn't always know what the mayor wants when she issues orders and launches public safety initiatives.He said when Ms. Moyer returned from Europe in August, she proposed a five-point public safety plan, called for a new agreement with the City's Housing Authority, asked him to join the task force and to form a special police recruitment committee. The orders, he said, were short on guidance. From The Capital, 9/16/07.
I learned early on, we (police) couldn't make a community safe by ourself. You will never hear me say no to a community group. Chief Johnson, 9/28/07
We don't have enough eyes and ears to make you safe. Chief Johnson, 9/28/07
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
The Mayor Proposes Changes to HACA Crime Fighting
To continue to address public safety concerns in the City of Annapolis, Mayor Ellen Moyer is requesting changes be made to the current agreement between the City and the Housing Authority.
"Since 2004 Annapolis has provided the Housing Authority with $200,000to employ police officers to work as off duty security," said Mayor Moyer. " This money was to be matched with HACA funds for a $400,000 public safety program. HACA has not utilized all of the City's contribution. It has also been unsuccessful in recruiting from other law enforcement agencies. Accountability for public safety expenditures on a $400,000 program is sketchy at best.
I am, therefore, requesting that the City change its grant commitment and manage its own resources dedicated to HACA.
Recognizing that HACA is federal property and that their consent is needed for partnership, I propose a new and separate agreement of understanding be negotiated to do the following:
1. The Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis and the Annapolis Police Department share to outfit each HACA neighborhood with surveillance cameras.
2. HACA and APD share costs for a sub-station program.
3. APD, if HACA agrees, assign undercover police to the area and enhance neighborhood watch training.
4. HACA to implement the community service program for all residents as required by HUD.
This program will clarify accountability for services and clarify roles and responsibility. The goal is to enhance public safety.
Additionally, I am requesting the City's Community and Housing Board to review successful housing programs in other jurisdictions, research opportunities for home ownership and social service needs, and to recommend changes in our federal housing program required to enhance public safety. Some changes may require federal or state legislation.
Money will be allocated for a staff consultant to assist in the task." Mayor Moyer is requesting a meeting with HACA Executive Director Eric Brown to discuss the changes.
"Since 2004 Annapolis has provided the Housing Authority with $200,000to employ police officers to work as off duty security," said Mayor Moyer. " This money was to be matched with HACA funds for a $400,000 public safety program. HACA has not utilized all of the City's contribution. It has also been unsuccessful in recruiting from other law enforcement agencies. Accountability for public safety expenditures on a $400,000 program is sketchy at best.
I am, therefore, requesting that the City change its grant commitment and manage its own resources dedicated to HACA.
Recognizing that HACA is federal property and that their consent is needed for partnership, I propose a new and separate agreement of understanding be negotiated to do the following:
1. The Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis and the Annapolis Police Department share to outfit each HACA neighborhood with surveillance cameras.
2. HACA and APD share costs for a sub-station program.
3. APD, if HACA agrees, assign undercover police to the area and enhance neighborhood watch training.
4. HACA to implement the community service program for all residents as required by HUD.
This program will clarify accountability for services and clarify roles and responsibility. The goal is to enhance public safety.
Additionally, I am requesting the City's Community and Housing Board to review successful housing programs in other jurisdictions, research opportunities for home ownership and social service needs, and to recommend changes in our federal housing program required to enhance public safety. Some changes may require federal or state legislation.
Money will be allocated for a staff consultant to assist in the task." Mayor Moyer is requesting a meeting with HACA Executive Director Eric Brown to discuss the changes.
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