For those who have ever entertained the urge to study criminology, here are 25 free classes on the subject.For those who have ever entertained the urge to study criminology, here are 25 free... more
From the article...>The Colorado House of Representatives has voted by the narrowest of margins to abolish the death penalty, using the savings to fund cold case investigations.
The measure must still pass the state Senate, The Denver Post reported Wednesday. Gov. Bill Ritter, a Democrat and former prosecutor, has not said he would sign it.
Rep. Edward Vigil, a Democrat, cast the vote Tuesday that put the bill over the top 33-32. He delayed almost a minute before deciding to approve the measure.
"Hopefully this will make us a better society in Colorado by not having a death penalty, though I have my reservations," Vigil said, explaining his vote.
Since the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the death penalty in 1976 while throwing out all existing laws, the majority of states have passed new legislation. Only one, New Jersey, has repealed its capital punishment law.
House Majority Leader Paul Weissmann, a Democrat, argued that Colorado has executed only one person under its modern death penalty law while spending millions of dollars on appeals. Opponents of repeal argued that some crimes are so heinous that death is the only option.
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
February 17, 2009
“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”
Captain’s Comments
Happy Presidents Day! With the short week, comes the short newsletter. The weather has certainly been a factor in crime and events being very low key. Protests in the district were very manageable. Officers at the Valentines Day Pillow Fight in Justin Herman Plaza on Saturday saw no problems. A protest at a religious organization on Columbus was equally non-eventful. Broadway was certainly dampened and subdued as the numbers reflect below. The hot spot of the weekend was indeed volatile, with a shooting occurring at a nightclub on the 600 block of Jackson Street, on 2/16/09 at 1:27 AM, leaving one 21 year old from Oakland with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. A 17 year old from San Francisco was arrested and a handgun was recovered near the shooting.
Join us for the Central Station Community Meeting on February 19, 2009 at 6 PM at the Tel-Hi Center at 660 Lombard. Call or write me if you’d like to add something to the agenda. I plan to speak on Crime Stats from 2008 and how they compare with 2007. I will also talk about staffing of personnel and plans for 2009. Everyone is welcome to attend.
***
The Police Commission is currently engaged in a search for candidates for the next Chief of the San Francisco Police Department and is about to retain an executive search firm to assist in that effort. The Commission will be conducting a series of special "Town Hall" style community meetings to receive suggestions and comments regarding the Commission's search for Police Chief candidates. The meetings currently scheduled are as follows:
Thursday, February 19, 2009, South Beach Harbor Community Room , Pier 40A at the Embarcadero, (behind ATT Park) 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Monday, February 23, 2009, Richmond Recreation Center, 252 -18th Avenue, (Richmond District) 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009, Southeast Community Center, 1800 Oakdale Avenue, Alex Pitcher Community Room, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
The Commission will hold its usual monthly community meeting on Wednesday, February 25th, 2009, St. Mary's Cathedral Center, 1111 Gough Street, beginning at 6 p.m. A special invitation has been extended to members of San Francisco faith based communities to attend.
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SFGOV Public Safety Blog: A new website about the SFPD is now up and running. The website includes information about the whole department and includes highlights and contact information for all ten district stations. The blog, launched by the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, can be accessed at: www.SFPublicSafety.comCentral District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
February 17, 2009
“Arm... more
Captain James Dudley is at training this week. The following is submitted by Officer Fred Crisp.
Halloween has come and gone and as you can see by the Broadway statistics following these comments, it was just another weekend on Broadway. The convergence of Halloween on a Friday night, a Critical Mass event and Broadway patrons were adroitly handled by assigned officers.
One of the lesser known and very important assignments at Central is that of the “70” units. Officers in this unit respond to calls of homeless, indigent, disabled, mentally challenged and substance abusive people. Most of these calls are from citizens concerned about the welfare of the person on the street. Sometimes it is an obvious problem such as an infected wound, an altered mental state, dirty clothing, little or no personal hygiene, drunk in public etc. Other times it is a person interfering with the operation of a business or camped out on, or in, a doorstep. No matter the reason, officers are requested to respond, handle the person and solve the problem.
Catherine (Cathy) Daly and Sanjay Shastri are the two officers assigned in the Central. Cathy and Sanjay have been in the PD for over eighteen years and assigned to the 70 unit for over four years each. Both officers have developed the required skills and resources to deal with a very difficult population. A whole newsletter could be dedicated to the efforts of these two and only the surface of the problem would be scratched. The officers work in concert with SFFD, DPH and the Mayor’s Office. Recently, after much work and continued follow-up, four long term street people were placed into permanent housing. One was a woman who lived on the street, in the area of Battery and Pine for sixteen years, with a dog and sometimes a cat.
Cathy Daly requested I inform readers that all vacant or operating storefronts have a 25MPC Poster in the window. Section 25 of the Municipal Police Code gives a Police Officer the ability to act as an agent for the property owner 24 hours a day. This allows officers to request people leave doorways or other areas of private property when the owner is not present. Property owners, property managers or business operators may request a 25 MPC poster. Requirements are to fill out the form, place a copy in the window of the premises and return one to be filed at the station. To request a 25 MPC poster, call 315-2400 and leave a message with your name and phone number. You will be contacted about completing the procedure. “Arm yourself….with knowledge!”
Captain’s Comments
Captain James Dudley... more
An elderly Berkeley man who asked his neighbours to keep the noise down was attacked as he returned home late on Saturday, a court heard yesterday.
When the man managed to make it back to his Derby St home about 11.30pm, Owen Skinner, 21, kicked in the door and continued to assault him, police allege.
Please help keep it safe this year. At dusk and then at dark, expect to see costumed little ones out and about on their hunt for treats! Be especially aware when driving, that the quest for sweets often drives otherwise rational kids into a frenzy, often running from one house to
another. Later in the evening, be on the look out for the older crowd at our adult venues. There are always a very small percentage of ghouls and marauding types that appear to cause trouble. Be on the look out for them and help yourself by hanging out with friends and staying sober. This year, the City has created several alternative venues for people to attend and celebrate, from the Castro, to South of Market to a free event at Lot A near the Giant’s Ball Park.
Halloween falls on a Friday this year and it is not the only game in town. Expect traffic delays on Friday as an assembly of several hundred people are expected to march at 10 AM from Ferry Park Plaza to the Immigration building on Sansome Street. Later in the evening expect traffic delays when Critical Mass hits the streets.
On Friday there were 14 foot beat officers and 2 Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to the area with a similar contingent on Saturday Night. On 10/25/08 the Traffic Company Unit of 1 Sgt. And 6 officers issued 38 citations, towed 4 vehicles and made 4 arrests. “Arm yourself….with knowledge!”
Captain’s Comments
Three Days till... more
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
October 21, 2008
“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”
Captain’s Comments
Situational awareness is a phrase making the rounds these days. It simply means that you should be aware of your surroundings, behaviors of others and what the history is in the area that you are or will be at. That means that if you are in an area where cars are being boosted, to keep valuables out of the car or at least out of sight. It means that if there is a rash of robberies at a particular area at a specific time, to be mindful of others, have keys at the ready and take a buddy with you whenever possible.
Today is the ‘Big Drill’ day for Earthquake preparedness. At noon, seek out a safe spot in your home or business and get there to practice. Make sure it is reinforced, away from windows and away from falling lights, shelves and other objects. If you live in California, and San Francisco in particular, situational awareness means that you should be ready for an earthquake happening sometime soon. They always say “It’s not if, but when…” That means like death and taxes, the next quake will indeed happen. It is also a good time to know your buildings evacuation plan and your own plans for transportation and re-unification with family after such a big event.
It’s dark early in the morning and dark early in the evening these days. Remember to wear reflective clothing or put some on someone you care about if they are traveling during hours of darkness. Remember too to put those lights and reflectors on your bike and use them. With Halloween coming, I can’t stress enough the importance of traffic safety for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Crimes of Note
10/14/08—5:40PM at Jones Street and Bush Street Officers Ngawang Bista and Nico Discenza spotted and stopped a vehicle in violation of a ‘Tinted Window’ and cracked windshield. Subsequent inquiry resulted in finding the driver in violation of a ‘stay away’ Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
October 21, 2008
“Arm... more
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
October 14, 2008
“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”
Captain’s Comments
Community Policing works when the community gets together with local police and things get done. We work hard to communicate through forums like e-mail, face to face meetings and at events. A big component is the policing part that is catching ‘bad guys’. This past week the officers at Central Station showed their versatility by policing the large events that were Fleet Week and the Italian Heritage Parade and Festival, (formerly known as Columbus Day). They also captured some ‘bad guys.’
“Just like 7/11- Central Station never closes.”
That’s what Sgt. Paris Deshong wrote about the Midnight Watch Officers who foiled robbery suspects’ in a recent 7-11 store robbery series. On 10/8/08 at 3 AM a robbery in progress call was made on the 2600 block of Mason Street at a convenience store. Night Watch officers made a coordinated response and after a chase, took the 3 suspects, ski mask, gun and car into custody. Responsible officers were: Angel Lozano, Eric Tapang, Magnus Chow, Charles August, Tina To, Matt Sullivan, Brendan O’Connor, Mark Milligan, Jose Macias, Kin Lee and Debra King.
Homicide Arrest
Every now and then, officers are called to cases of “defrauding an innkeeper,” otherwise known as a ‘dine and dash.’ That’s when someone orders a meal and attempts to flee without paying for it. Officers Norm Rice and Dave Boyette responded to Fisherman’s Wharf on just such a ‘routine call.’ After some evasion, the officers discovered that the suspect who tried to skip out on the check was currently wanted by Santa Rosa PD for allegedly stabbing his mother to death the same week.
Prostitution
10/8/08- midnight at Larkin and Sutter: Officer Rene Nielsen arrested a woman soliciting for prostitution who has been active recently in the same area. The 21 year old white woman has no local address. An hour later, Officer Nielsen arrested a 21 year old black woman from SF for the same offense at Geary and Hyde Street.
10/10/08-midnight on the 1300 block of Pine Street, Officer Martin Garay arrested a 21 year old woman with no local address, propositioning men outside of a liquor store.
10/11/08 at 2:44 AM at Sutter and Larkin, Officer Eric Tapang arrested a 28 year old male who propositioned him. Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
October 14, 2008
“Arm... more
Noise from traffic is putting nearly 1 in 6 San Francisco residents at risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and other stress-related illnesses, city public health officials have found.
Rachel Gordon, Chronicle Staff WriterNoise from traffic is putting nearly 1 in 6 San Francisco residents at risk for heart... more
I finally got the point of who drives the news here at current.
1. There a part of the people that are students
2. There a part that are employees at Current
3. Then there are people that are really aware of what is going on and that is not that many
4. Then there are the kids...
5. And the other part is... well
Let see if you can guess, throw me a bone! Because I already figure that out.I finally got the point of who drives the news here at current.
1. There a part of... more
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
October 7, 2008
“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”
Captain’s Comments
Fall is officially here, it’s getting darker sooner and no doubt the rain will follow. Now is a good time to check windshield wiper blades and to be on the lookout for bicycles and pedestrians during commute hours. At the end of the month there will be masses out on the streets of San Francisco, free wheeling all over the place. Expect for lots of people and bikes out this October 31st. Not only will it be Halloween, but it will also coincide with Critical Mass, the all-out bicycle rodeo around town.
Beware of Fraudulent Travel Planners
This past week we had over 50 reports of hopeful travelers who have been bilked out of travel plans and thousands of dollars, and some even their passports. Victims from all over the City reported that they made travel plans with an agent on Stockton Street. When they found that their ‘tickets’ were not paid for, they responded to the office and discovered that it was now found vacant. Anyone who made plans through the agent is advised to contact the airline and to make a police report if irregularities are found.
Halloween Safety Tips:
1. Costumes should fit correctly so kids won't trip on them. Wear light-colored costumes so you can be seen easily at night.
2. Kids should not try to Trick or Treat by themselves. They should go with an adult and a group of friends.
3. Map out where you and your friends will be going. Visit only the well-lighted houses.
4. Trick or Treat while it is still light out; always bring a flashlight, it may get dark. Wear a reflective costume or stickers.
5. Pick well-lighted streets. Walk on the sidewalks. Do not take shortcuts or alleys!
6. Only accept candy at a person's front door. Do not go inside of a house or into someone's car.
7. Have a back-up plan in case you get separated from your group. Carry a cell phone or a walkie-talkie or money for a pay phone, and the number of a trusted adult. Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
October 7, 2008
“Arm... more
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
September 23, 2008
“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”
Captain’s Comments
I am just back from a quick trip to the Eastern Sierras. The sights were great at Mono Lake, Devil’s Postpile, Gem Lake, June Lake and Mammoth Mountain. I even ran into a bunch of tourists trying to figure out the Italian script on the back of their Caffe Roma t-shirts at the foot of Rainbow Falls. Familiar with the credo, I translated, Tony would be proud. While I was there I happened to pick up a local paper to see how crime took a vacation as well. The good news is that their worst report was a demolished and pilfered kitchen and pantry. The suspect was a four legged 350 pound local, covered in dark brown fur. I wonder how they manage Community Policing with those guys.
Yesterday was officially the first day of Fall and our event calendar fills up quickly. In October we have the 10/10 Parade and Festival in Chinatown on 10/04/08 and of course, Fleet Week at Fisherman’s Wharf on 10/9-10/12. At the end of the month we expect revelers of all ages and costume to come into the district for Halloween on Friday 10/31/08.
Broadway and the area has been active. See below for statistics. We have had help with new Central Lieutenant Harry Pierson and Night Captain Dave Lazar directing troops from Central Station, the Market Street Beat, the Traffic Violence Reduction squad and others. The SF Sheriff continues to be a great ally with a bus on Broadway every weekend to assist in booking prisoners. They were very busy Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Broadway Corridor
Friday September 19, 2008: Saturday September 20, 2008:
Felony arrests made 3 Felony arrests 2
Misdemeanor arrests made 6 Misdemeanor arrests made 5
Drunk related arrests made 1 Drunk related arrests made 10
Moving citations 69 Moving citations 62
Parking citations issued 8 Parking citations issued 10
Towed vehicles 14 Towed vehicles 10
The Traffic Company Violence Reduction Unit assistance was very helpful indeed, with a reported 41 citations issued, 5 vehicles towed, 6 reports made and 7 arrests made. The best arrest of the night occurred when Solo Motorcycle Officer Jim Riordan was told by a motorist that a group of 4 Latin males and a black male robbed him at Sansome and Broadway on 9/20/08 at 1:40 AM. The officer and back up located the suspects on Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
September 23, 2008
“Arm... more
Largo- Car music too loud in your neighborhood? The Largo Police Department has initiated a new campaign to better address complaints about loud music from car stereos.
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
September 16, 2008
“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”
Captain’s Comments
Two fatal incidents occurred this week, both within hours of each on 9/11/08. Just after midnight, officers were alerted to a call of a suspect breaking into vehicles on the unit block of Alta, near Coit Tower. At one point, the suspect ran from one of the victim vehicles and attempted to flee, vaulting a wall at the end of the street. The suspect did not survive the fall of over 150 feet to the foot of the hill at Sansome and Filbert Streets.
Later that afternoon, officers were called to an apartment building at Taylor and Geary to our only homicide of the year. Without being able to provide any specific details, I can only commend Officers Steve Wonder and Nick Rainsford for outstanding investigation and follow up that led to the arrest of the suspect within 48 hours of the report.
September is STILL National Preparedness Month, 2008
In San Francisco we have several ways to get ready. Check out www.sfgov.org and backslash police or fire for good tips. You can also check out www.sfsafe.org or www.72hours.org for more information. Be a NERT! Check out the SFFD web page for information on how/when and where you can join the free Neighborhood Emergency Response Team. For more information, citizens may also visit www.ready.gov and www.citizencorps.gov.
Last week, I met with Chief Fong and Cindy Brandon, the executive director of SAFE, Safety Awareness For Everyone, and a representative from the Metropolitan Club regarding a talk on crime awareness for the individual. It occurred to me that the tenants of crime awareness should be on everyone’s mind. Here are just a few tips to help keep you from being a victim.
• Be Mindful. Have situational awareness of your surroundings. That can mean several things, but besides being mindful in the moments when going to and from your home, school or office, it also means doing some homework yourself. Do you know the crime trends in your area? Do you take personal precautions? Do you own something that is a hot commodity? Things like laptops, Ipods, GPS systems in vehicles are top items stolen from people and unoccupied vehicles.
• Use a Lock. On your home, your car, your bike, your work-out locker at the gym. Some thieves are strictly opportunists. They will not force a lock or door, but they are always open to unattended items. Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
September 16, 2008
“Arm... more
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
September 9, 2008
“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”
Captain’s Comments
September is National Preparedness Month, 2008
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
During National Preparedness Month, we underscore the important responsibility Americans have to be ready for emergencies in our homes, businesses, and communities. The Department of Homeland Security's Ready campaign highlights preparedness steps, including having an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, and becoming informed about different types of emergencies. After preparing themselves and their families, Americans can take the next step and get involved in helping to prepare their communities for all types of emergencies. For more information, citizens may visit www.ready.gov and www.citizencorps.gov. During National Preparedness Month, we also honor our Nation's police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel for their hard work and commitment to protecting others. As first responders, they have demonstrated the true meaning of heroism by taking great risks to safeguard our communities, and all Americans are grateful for their efforts.
In San Francisco we have several ways to get ready. Check out www.sfgov.org and backslash police or fire for good tips. You can also check out www.sfsafe.org or www.72hours.org for more information. Be a NERT! Check out the SFFD web page for information on how/when and where you can join the free Neighborhood Emergency Response Team.
Community Court Panelist Training
Certainly as in almost everything in life, there should be priorities and consequences. In crime issues, not every offense can or should be taken to a jury trial. That is not to say that somehow, every crime that involves a victim should be addressed. Be a part of a team to make our community whole after an offense. Take a spot on one of our three Community Courts after attending panelist training.
When: Wednesday, September 17, 2008, 9:00 a.m. – noon
Where: CCDS, 502 7th Street (cross Bryant Street )
Details: Community Court was established as an active collaboration among City departments, neighborhood residents and merchant associations to improving the quality of life in San Francisco through restorative justice programs. The purpose of Community Courts is to discourage criminal violations that impact our City’s neighborhoods. Through the program, a panel of local residents hears each case, makes clear to the Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
September 9, 2008
“Arm... more
On September 24, by a vote of 69 to 27, the Senate agreed a motion by Sen. John McCain (R.-Ariz.) to table (kill) Sen. Robert Torricelli's (D.-N.J.) amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Bill (S 2279) that would have re-established the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Noise Abatement and Control and commissioned an EPA study on airport noise.
"I do so in recognition of the reality of life of hundreds of thousands of people that I represent-who, by the chance of the place of their birth or where they choose to live-have a daily encounter with the rising problem of airplane noise in our country Torricelli said.
He was very bright and had fought gangs and drug dealers. Matt Garcia was only 22 Years Old. I am very sad to hear this news and I am sending my prayers to his family and friends. One of the youngest elected officials in California, Garcia was just 21 when he was sworn in last fall as a Councilman in this City of 105,000. He vowed to focus on crime prevention, economic development and community growth.He was very bright and had fought gangs and drug dealers. Matt Garcia was only 22... more
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
September 2, 2008
“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”
Captain’s Comments
Despite being a bit superstitious….
To date, we have had no vehicle related accident fatalities in the district.
Also to date, we have had no, zero homicides in the district for the year 2008.
In our fight against auto burglary, one property manager who oversees a garage on Fisherman’s Wharf reports that they have had only one auto boost over the past 3 months since installing several large signs warning patrons to secure valuables out of sight in their parked and unattended vehicles.
Occasionally we experience crimes series of different sorts. We attempt to identify them through police reports or by officers who notice trends in their sectors or on their beats. Information communication is key when it comes to solving a series. That means we need to hear from the community when they notice something unusual or when they experience a crime. Sometimes I am told about crimes that occurred, but the witness or victim did not report them. It is important to track crime trends and statistics by documenting occurrences as much as possible. Sometimes patrols and staffing decisions can be made by the number of calls for service or number of incidents reported in an area during specific times.
Recycling Thefts
We continue to see thefts of opportunity and theft of precious metals such as copper and bronze. Please see the attached SAFE Flier at the end of this newsletter for additional tips and information.
Broadway Corridor
Friday August 29, 2008: Saturday August 30, 2008:
Felony arrests made 1 Felony arrests 5*
Misdemeanor arrests made 1 Misdemeanor arrests made 4
Drunk related arrests made 0 Drunk related arrests made 2
Moving citations 52 Moving citations 43
Parking citations issued 20 Parking citations issued 11
Towed vehicles 12 Towed vehicles 14
8/24/08 stats: 1 misdemeanor arrest, 1 drunk arrest, 12 vehicle tows, 159 citations issued.
8/25/08: 5 Misdemeanor arrests, 34 citations issued, 4 towed vehicles.
8/30/08 Traffic Stats: 3 arrests, 3 towed vehicles and 43 moving citations issued. Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
September 2, 2008
“Arm... more
First it was trains, planes and automobiles. Then lawnmowers, leaf blowers and barking dogs. Now it's loud music, big-screen televisions and home theaters.
If we were playing "Jeopardy!", the question would be: "What noise is driving people nuts?"
