Missed a forum? Check out our Summaries!
February's Security Forum...
James Partee provided an end of year report on crime in the Central West End. He focused on Burglaries, Larcenies, and Robberies, covering their activity since the end of 2008. A detailed presentation will be available for download on this website on March 1, 2010.
Assistant Circuit Attorney, Bryan Sanger spoke about the operations of the Circuit Attorney’s Office. He coved the anatomy of a criminal prosecution, explaining every step along the way. Bryan provided three handouts detailing the Felonies and Misdemeanors which are being prosecuted in the Central West End (these handouts are available at the NSI office). The Circuit Attorney’s Office is currently prosecuting 45 Misdemeanor and 83 felony crimes in the CWE. He provided a third handout detailing the cases charged and not charged in the CWE. This handout revealed that 25% of cases in the CWE are not charged due to a lack of victim or witness participation. If you would like any of the handouts please stop by the NSI office (324 N. Euclid)
January's Security Forum...
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The Honorable Judge Jimmie M. Edwards spoke yesterday, January 27th, at the NSI public forum. Judge Edwards is the presiding Chief Juvenile Court Judge for the St. Louis Family Courts. Judge Edwards began by outlining the purpose and structure of our Juvenile System. He quickly dismantled common negative perceptions of criminal behavior committed by juveniles. Out of the total 5,567 vehicular crimes such as stolen autos, tampering, property damage, and thefts from vehicles, which occurred in St. Louis last year, juveniles were only responsible for approximately 300. The judge pointed out the fact that juveniles tend not to commit serious offenses since the most common types of juvenile crimes are in order starting with most common: theft, property damage, trespassing, and tampering. The majority of these crimes are committed between 3:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. He provided three main reasons for delinquent behavior: lack of parental supervision (due to drug addiction, mental illness, and incarceration), too much idle time, and lack of economic opportunities.
He also spoke about the Innovative Concept Academy which serves St. Louis’ at-risk youth with a one-stop service center. He stressed the importance of community involvement and highlighted the Neighborhood Accountability Boards, which consist of 4-7 members of the community which offers offenders the opportunity to repair the harm caused by their offence and make a positive contribution to their own community.
For more information on the multiple opportunities to get involved, the Innovative Concept Academy, or juvenile crime please contact the NSI office (314) 454.5808!!!
October's Security Forum...
Two SLMPD Detectives discussed what is needed to help solve crimes. They first mentioned Field Interview Reports (FIR), this is a way they can obtain information from citizens, suspicious people, and witnesses . The second and more important factor is evidence, for example blood or fingerprints left at the scene. One of the third forms of information needed are serials numbers or markings of stolen items. They informed the audience that stolen goods are being sold not only to pawn shops, but also through the internet on sites like Craigslist and Ebay. Here are some of the suggestions they gave to the audience:
· To keep a list of serial numbers for all expensive items (electronics, television sets, tools) and to have good pictures of the items without serial numbers.
· They stressed the use of motion lights, alarms, and dogs as very effective crime deterrents.
· To notify your neighbors when you will be out of town.
· Since 90% of burglaries occur by gaining access from back door and back windows, they suggested reinforcing back doors and windows if possible.
A different SLMPD Policeman, Sgt. Hornak spoke about his work and experience in the mobile reserve unit (SWAT team).He spoke about their role in the police department and what type of work they do. They serve high risk search warrants for people and evidence, to include narcotics and weapons. He also explained the “teamwork” mentality necessary for members of this unit. Sgt. Hornak also spoke about his work in the canine unit. He explained what situations a dog can be used in and how useful they are to the police department. He explained that if a human walks into a pizza shop they will only smell pizza, however a trained police dog will smell every ingredient and any drugs if they are present.
September's Security Forum....
Click Here to read about our last security forum, where Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce spoke about current crimes in the CWE the office is prosecuting, new initiatives, and suggestions on what you can do to help!