HPNW Meeting on October 28 ,2009 Article in Pawling Press on November 6, 2009

Proving that the Neighborhood Watch program is here to stay, this group of volunteers dedicated to keeping Pawling safe and its residents informed as to what is going on in the area, recently met at the Holmes-Whaley Lake Civic Center to discuss a number of timely issues.

Organizer Bob Eichinger opened the meeting by thanking people for their attendance. He introduced fellow organizers Bob Greco and Diana Cretella.

Eichinger began the meeting by stressing the importance of monitoring the group’s Web site “because there’s a lot of information there.” The site is www.hpnw.org.

Eichinger explained that Deputy Sheriff TJ Hanlon is the group’s advisor. “I guess based on budget restrictions he is on patrol in the village tonight and can’t come … It’s a shame. It’s a real shame that we are that constrained when it comes to our local law enforcement.” He added that he spoke to Hanlon about a number of issues on the meeting’s agendas and would be sharing Hanlon’s insights.

Eichinger described how important it is to provide police with accurate information when reporting incidents to them. “At the end of the day, that’s one of the biggest things we can do as a Neighborhood Watch, is to extend the reach of law enforcement.”

He said that the job of Neighborhood Watch is to report crime, not to confront people. He said that a cell phone, paper and pencil are important tools for members to write down the important information and to call it in. He said for emergencies call 911 but to report other incidents to call either the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office at 486-3800 or the New York State Police at 677-7300.

Eichinger described this group as a “reactive organization” where people come out in large numbers when criminal activity increases but then decreases when periods of calm prevail.

He discussed how a student from the Pawling High School contacted him to discuss the drug problems in the area and how he advised her to first speak to Hanlon followed by going to the group’s Web site before he would sit down with her, which he is doing later in the week.

Eichinger then related a number of criminal activities that have occurred in the Pawling area that are on the group’s Web site. “We’re no different than any other town our size.” He said there are more serious criminal activities such as home invasions and drug dealing going on in the area that could happen in Pawling as well. “A bad economy brings out the worst in all of us.”

Eichinger stressed it is important to remain diligent because of lot of criminal activities are crimes of opportunity. He went on to discuss how the police arrested the individuals involved in the vandalism spree and that this matter is now in the court’s hands to resolve, which he said is often a lengthy process. “We’re thrilled to death when law enforcement makes an arrest and then you have to trust the process.” He advised people that if they are unhappy with any part of the process to get involved.

Jeff Asher said that he found that there are a lot of people who were victims of the vandalism spree that damaged cars and property are very angry because they have to get their money back from the perpetrators of the crimes, a frustrating process. He suggested that there might be a role here for the Neighborhood Watch group in such situations.

Eichinger said the group had discussed such a scenario and that it might be able to do more in the future but that now there are not enough committed volunteers to do so. “There is definitely an unmet need there.”

He went on to discuss how the barbershop in town, formerly owned by Matt Conti, has changed hands. “As a community we put a lot of pressure on him.” Eichinger said he hoped that Conti was getting some help.

As to Asher’s comments concerning people’s anger at the criminal justice system, Eichinger said, “TJ is very quick as far as I’m concerned to answer questions and to tell us as much as he possibly can without jeopardizing any investigations.” He said Hanlon also directs people in the right direction to find answers for their questions.

Eichinger explained that it appears that arrests are being made but that the real problem seems to be judges who release perpetrators, allowing some of them to resume their criminal activities almost immediately.

Greco, a retired New York State Trooper, said, “It’s as frustrating for the cops, believe me.”
Asher asked about the status of the village’s plan to install surveillance cameras in the business area.

Eichinger explained it was his understanding that the village is still looking at funding issues regarding this project but that it seemed at Village Board meetings there is considerable support from both the board members and the public.

Bart Louwagie explained the technology of such systems and how Mobotix makes a camera that is low maintenance and user friendly, providing a wide range of viewing with no movable parts requiring maintenance.

Eichinger said, “We know where the hot spots are … The issue is dollars and cents. Make your opinion know.”
Asher suggested looking for donations “because this is something that brings people together.”
Louwagie said the cost is approximately $1,000 for the average commercial camera from that company. He indicated that this is not a proprietary camera system so it could be integrated into other systems.

Eichinger reported that the group has recently started doing some sporadic patrols. “We try not to make a big deal out of it, we just go out.” He explained that it is easy to just observe what is going on around you while you are out doing normal activities and to report anything that is suspicious to the police.

A man in the audience questioned whether police patrol in Holmes because he does not see this like he did when he lived in the city.

It was explained that in rural areas the police have a much larger area to patrol but numerous people at the meeting assured him that both the sheriff’s office and state police conduct regular patrols throughout Dutchess County. “I think for everybody, you are never going to see enough,” Eichinger commented. He reminded them that they don’t want potential criminals to know when patrols would occur.

County Legislator Dave Kelly added, “I think you have to remember that we are accepting zone patrols. They have one car that is in a large area and that’s the coverage.”

There was also a discussion on the necessity of having probable cause before the police could stop a vehicle and that any type of profiling is unconstitutional.

Eichinger explained that, on the advice of Hanlon, it would legal to look at any vehicle that appears suspicious to see if anything is obviously wrong with it such as a broken taillight that would give police probable cause to stop that vehicle.

Eichinger then moved the discussion to Halloween safety for both trick-or-treaters and homeowners as enumerated in some handouts provided to those in attendance. He stressed being extra careful when driving because children often get excited and forget about traffic safety.

In response to a question on the location of sex offenders, Eichinger pointed out that they are listed on the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Web site for public review.

Kelly indicated that he checked that site approximately 45 days ago and that there was no one listed there from Pawling.

Greco explained to people that the best leads for police often come from witnesses, making the accuracy of the information they provide to the officer essential to solving cases. He gave the members of the audience a handout that suggested information that might be pertinent such as how to describe a suspect by noting sex, age, clothing, height, weight, tattoos or scars and ethnic background. If a vehicle is involved, he suggested noting color, type, make and model, any distinguishing dents or broken lights, direction moving toward and most importantly, the license number.

Greco suggested writing this information down so it is accurate when it is called in to the police. “Your detailed notes will make a difference,” he said.

Asher pointed out the usefulness of a cell phone camera. Eichinger said that is a great idea but advised people to be careful because it might tempt someone to get closer than they should.

Kelly explained that the enhanced 911 Center has advanced capabilities that make numerous options available to law enforcement.

Eichinger advised everyone that the more information they could provide the police the faster cases could be solved. He thanked everyone for attending.

“This is a reactive process too many times. When things go bad we get a lot of interest. We’re in this for the long haul.”

Eichinger introduced himself as the Captain for the Town of Pawling, Greco as the Captain in the Holmes/Whaley Lake area and Cretella as the Captain in the Village of Pawling.

He said anyone who is interested in patrolling in these areas could contact the captain in charge to learn more about doing this. “The quieter in the community we are, sometimes the more effective we are.”

Eichinger concluded by advising everyone that the town and village had given permission to put up Neighborhood Watch signs and asked for anyone’s input on funding these. He said it would cost approximately $900 to do it.

Louwagie thanked the organizers for keeping this group going.