October "Street Watch" meeting

I attended the October Street watch meeting and below are some of the ‘highlights’ from that meeting. I hope that others who attended will add their corrections/observations as I could not hear all of what was said.

From Adam: the website is not functional at this time as the City wants their legal department to review it. Although Adam ‘owns’ the site, it’s not clear as to what type of information can be placed on it. 6 houses have been identified as drug houses. Adam has had discussions with attorney’s through legal aid.

From RPD Reps: Cmdr Ciminelli was introduced to the group by Lt. Dearcop. CPO Kristin Runyon and Lt. Joe Morabito also were present and participated in the discussion.
Recent Crime: very brief discussion of recent incidents related to Thurston Shootings and Trafalgar fire. No new information. Investigations are active and ongoing. Bar shooting was ‘alcohol related’. If public were ‘in danger’, we’d ‘be notified’.

BRIEF discussion re: bars on Thurston – I could not hear most of it but CPO Runyon said that ‘points are difficult to assess’ at bars. Some mention of having officers available at closing time for bars.

Crime rate: Lt Dearcop said that all crime statistics come from the Chief’s Office. He also said that the crime rate is lowest in 15 years – unclear as to whether this is specific to the 19th ward or the Greater Rochester area. We can request more specific crime rate information.

Drug Activity: CPO Runyon spoke of a few specific individuals who are very frequently arrested for drug activity. One arrested EIGHTEEN times in a year and another arrested NINE times since August!! Possession of marijuana is seen as a ‘minor’ crime. Catching dealers/sellers is more difficult. City Court tends to view possession charges as minor and most arrests result in ACD status (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal). Rosalind/Thurston is one ‘hot spot’ for drug activity.

Lt. Morabito and CPO Runyon spoke of the type of information needed for attacking drug issues (see city website for details). Lt Morabito asked that drug activity reports be sent to either 311 or the drug hotline vs. called into the NSC. Lt. Morabito also said that citizens should not call the Mayor’s or Chief’s office.
CPO Runyon confirmed that she has received recent reports of drug activity occurring in vehicles, especially in the Genesee Park Blvd. area. She is very interested in being kept apprised of this.

CPO Runyon also commented that she is not comfortable with the idea of citizens putting themselves in danger with drug dealers or drug houses. She clearly said that it is the job of the RPD to 'deal with the bad guys'.

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Permalink Reply by Dennis Smith on October 29, 2009 at 10:25am

I also was at last nights meeting and could not hear most of what was said. perhaps some sound amplification would help for future meetings.
Why are we concerned about another web site. what is wrong with simply using either Location19 or the community assn site

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Permalink Reply by Shawn on October 29, 2009 at 11:01am

"Bar shooting was ‘alcohol related’." Alcohol is a regulated drug, and should be treated as such. Before suggesting actions to close down bars on Thurston Road, I think that the City, 19th WCA, Thurston Village Business Association, need to intervene and try to work with them. They are tax paying members of the community. But I also feel they need to be working with the community, and respecting our needs and wants, just as much as they respect the needs and wants of their customers.

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Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Smith on October 29, 2009 at 11:59am

Thanks for your comments re last nights meeting, Margy. I found the brief comments regarding the Thurston/Enterprise shootings and the Trafalgar Street fires were basically the same as media reports. While they did say they would touch on all recent crime they failed to even mention the Salina/Chili shooting at all. I was so steamed from trying most of yesterday to get info that I thought I better keep my mouth shut instead of saying things I'd later regret. I hoped to speak to Kris Runyon following the meeting but she was surrounded. I found your comments last night after the meeting amusing when you referred to the comments about who NOT to phone. Yesterday I phoned the NSC office, called 311, was referred to David Moores office who referred me to someone she referred to as the "guru" of camera placement. I cannot confirm this status as he did not return my call; nor did Kris Runyon following my leaving a detailed voice message. Since it is now over 24 hours since I placed the calls I'm not waiting for my phone to ring.

There was quite a good turnout for the meeting though I noticed an abscence of several people from previous meetings and quite a showing of new attendees. Two people were their to promte their candidacy for next weeks elections.

For those who didn't hear the announcement in deference to the normal meeting dates for November and December conflicting with hoiday plans the next meeting will be held the first Wednesday of December, December 2... same time and location.

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Permalink Reply by Shawn on October 29, 2009 at 1:10pm

Thanks Elizabeth! I have class on Wednesdays til 8pm fr several more weeks, then I will be there in full force :)

As to contacting Kris, she works like 3pm to 11pm, so the best way to reach her is by email.
kr0615@cityofrochester.gov