Police Survey Says...

by Bobby Blair 12/8/11

Results from a 16-question survey were announced this morning, December 8th, in the John E. Johnson Memorial Training Room at the Holliston Police Station.

As part of the Holliston Police Department's new 5-year Strategic Plan, Chief John Moore released the results of a public survey taken by over 900 Holliston residents.The survey is part of a triangle that includes an Internal Survey as well as the morning Stakeholders Meeting. The meeting was attended by a virtual who's who including law enforcement and town departments. The District Attorney Gerard Leone and Judge David Cunis were part of the (shareholders) process, as was Rep. Carolyn Dykema and Selectman Kevin Conley. In all thirty different representatives attended from the Assessors Office to the Water Department.

Those responding to the survey which was available online and at local businesses was completed by mostly women at 59.9%. Over half of those who responded were over the age of 50. 47.7% have lived in town over 20 years; 14.1% less than five years. Slightly less than two thirds of the residents are very satisfied with the appearance of the department which includes uniforms, cruisers and equipment, while 32.4% were satisfied.

When it comes to services, residents listed crime prevention as a top service along with #2 underage age drinking and #3 youth programs. Residents were most concerned about 1. Identity Theft, 2. Breaking and Entering of Homes and lastly Property Damage. Respondents suggested improving the department through 1. Hiring of Additional Officers, 2. Improving Relations with Minority Groups and 3. Training of Officers. When it came to the most important services the department provides, 1. Checking the Welfare of Senior Citizens tops the list followed by Directed Patrols in Neighborhoods and Investigation of Motor Vehicle Crashes.

Chief John Moore (above) told the shareholders that he would like to move away from the old model of doing business which was one of being reactive to a newer model of being proactive. Moore would like year to year planning instead of shift to shift and a Community Oriented focus. The meeting was held in several blocks with shareholders giving insight, comments, and suggestions in part 2.

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In the feedback portion businessman Fran Colantonio suggested that officers might stop by his business as part of community policing. Superintendent of Schools Brad Jackson stated that he believed officers should be seen in civilian clothes in a community setting. "Uniforms are intimidating to adults, more intimidating to young people," said Jackson. Margaret Fitzpatrick (above right) of the town's Youth and Family Services spoke about the Court Diversion Program, and Kristen Hedrick talked about after school programs for youths that the Parks and Recreation Department offered. Several more steps will be taken before the implementation of the 5-year Strategic Plan, including a review of stakeholders' comments and a review by selectmen.

Traffic problems didn't escape the attention of those shareholders attending the meeting. Judge David Cunis, a Holliston resident, spoke of his concerns concerning downtown traffic (which goes to show as the former late Speaker of the U.S. House of Rep. Tip O'Neil was fond of saying "All politics is local".)

Chief Moore thanked Officers Matt Stone and Bryan DiGiorgio who were tasked with the Strategic Plan Project due to their intellect, initiative and dedication to the future of the department.

Holliston Police Department's Facebook page can be found here:

https://www.facebook.com/HollistonPolice

Posted in Police/Fire, News.

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