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Dudla
Commissioner Deputy Commissioner
Saratoga Springs
Police Department
2010
Annual Report
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ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The Saratoga Springs Police Department’s Command Administration consists of the Chief of
Police, Assistant Chief of Police, and Captain. These officers are responsible for the daily
administration of department activities subject to the rules, regulations, and orders
established by the Commissioner of Public Safety. The department is further divided into
three main components – the Patrol Division, the Traffic Division, and the Investigations
Division. Each division has specific tasks and functions and officers receive specialized
training and certifications relative to those duties. The 2010 organizational chart can be
found as Appendix 1 and is attached at the end of this report.
Under the direction of the Commissioner, the department administration routinely reviews
the agency’s organizational structure to ensure appropriate levels of supervision, staffing
and to maintain its ability to conduct thorough criminal investigations. Because of
significant cuts to the 2010 operating budget, the Police Department was forced to review
all ‘non‐essential’ programs normally provided to the public and refocus efforts on its basic
core mission ‐ the protection and preservation of life and property. On January 1, 2010, the
department layed‐off seven (7) police officers. This significant decrease equates to one‐
tenth of the sworn police officer positions in the Department; leaving a sworn strength of
sixty‐five (65) police officers. The staffing shortages forced the administration to focus on
the immediate, basic needs of our citizens and visitors ‐ that being responding calls for
assistance.
Accordingly, major changes were made in 2010 relating to the internal organizational
structure of various departmental units and programs. To help minimize the overtime
costs in the Patrol Division resulting from the layoffs, a decision was made to end the
very successful D.A.R.E. program. Initially established circa 1990, the program was
deemed by all involved – teachers, parents, and most importantly the children – to be a
resounding success and a benefit to our youth. The department’s D.A.R.E. officer,
normally assigned a forty‐hour (40) workweek while traveling and teaching in each of
the school district’s elementary schools, was reassigned to the Patrol Division in order to
fill a vacated position caused by lay‐offs.
Additionally, two (2) members of the Traffic Division, whose primary responsibilities
include vehicle and traffic enforcement, monitoring and responding to citizen traffic
complaints, DWI enforcement, and commercial vehicle (truck) enforcement, were also
reassigned, as necessary, to the Patrol Division in order to ensure calls for help did not
go unanswered. This reassignment had a significant impact on the effectiveness of the
Traffic Division, especially in terms of DWI (‐44%) and commercial vehicle enforcement.
After a thorough review of the organizational structure of the department, additional
changes were made to enhance the effectiveness of the Investigations Division. Until
2010, the department had maintained a unit within the Investigations Division whose
members were specially trained to work with persons under sixteen (16) years of age.
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The focus of this unit (Juvenile Aid Unit) was to provide specialized services for our
youth and investigate crimes perpetrated by or against children less than sixteen years
of age. Over the past several years, the number of investigations opened by members
of this unit has been steadily decreasing. At the same time the number of cases opened
by members of the Criminal and Special Investigations Units has increased. Given these
facts, a decision was made to consolidate the Juvenile Unit with the Criminal
Investigations Unit. By doing so, the Division has maintained the level of officers with
specialized juvenile training, enhanced the efficiency of available resources, and saved
an estimated $10,000.00 in annual overtime costs.
Also in 2010, the department renovated physical space within the department in an
effort to provide a private interview space for victims and meet impending unfunded
NYS mandates regarding the videotaping of suspect interrogations. The Identification
Clerk was moved to a common “hallway” type area. The clerk’s previous “office area” is
now used as an interview room for victims and witnesses. Although not ideal, it allows a
victim to receive a minimal amount of privacy that was not previously available.
With the consolidation of the Criminal Investigations Division, all Investigators are now
centrally located in the department. Offices previously used by the Juvenile Aid
Investigators are currently being renovated to meet standards being imposed by NYS
regarding the videotaping of suspect interrogations. As of 12/31/10, renovations are
still taking place. It is anticipated that this space will be complete sometime in 2011.
The department continues, as mandated by law, to maintain a separate space for the
interviewing and questioning of juveniles.
PATROL DIVISION
The Patrol Division is staffed 24‐hours per day, 365 days per year and is comprised of
three shifts. Uniformed officers assigned to this division are the frontline officers whose
primary responsibilities include maintaining order, preventing and deterring crime,
responding to calls‐for‐service, crowd control, parking enforcement, traffic control,
vehicle and traffic enforcement, motor vehicle accident investigations, and preliminary
criminal investigations. Members of the Patrol Division are also responsible for the
handling and transportation of prisoners for City Court arraignments.
General supervision for the Patrol Division is the responsibility of the department’s
Captain. In addition to other administrative duties, The Captain supervises the
department’s three (3) Patrol Lieutenants. Each of the department’s three shifts are
commanded by a Lieutenant. It is the Lieutenant’s responsibility to maintain employee
discipline (both sworn and civilian), ensure that department policies and procedures are
followed, direct the work of his/her subordinates consistent with applicable federal,
state and local laws, schedule work assignments, meet regularly with department
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administrators to discuss and recommend policy and procedure changes, and to
supervise/implement various department programs and legal mandates. Each shift also
has assigned to it at least two (2) patrol sergeants (first‐line supervisors). The sergeants
are responsible for the direct supervision of the 11‐13 patrol officers assigned to each
shift and coordinates their work based upon direction from the lieutenant. Several
years ago, a “fourth shift” supervisor position was created in order to alleviate
supervision overtime costs associated with normally busy weekend evenings and
overnights. This supervisor – a sergeant – works 10‐hour shifts each weekend,
overlapping the evening and overnight shift hours. This gives the department the ability
to have an additional supervisor working on the road, usually in the downtown business
district, during the busiest times. The department continued to utilize this fourth shift
supervisor position in 2010.
Patrol Division officers are usually the first on the scene of any incident and are
instrumental in determining whether a case can be solved with reasonable effort. This
again proved to be the case in 2010.
During the early morning hours of April 10th, a young woman was attacked from behind
as she walked alone along Lake Avenue. Patrol officers, acting quickly on information
received from the frantic victim, were able to locate, identify, and apprehend a suspect
on Henry Street, a short distance away. Alert officers located an individual matching a
possible description of the attacker as he walked on Henry Street away from the crime
scene. This case is currently pending in Saratoga County Court and is scheduled for trial.
On May 24th, Officers responded to a hold up alarm at the Saratoga National Bank on
West Avenue. Arriving patrol officers immediately secured the scene and obtained
information from bank employees. From the information developed, investigators were
able to successfully identify and later locate the suspect that same day. The suspect was
arrested and convicted and is currently serving a sentence in state prison.
Two months later, on July 20th, the Saratoga National Bank on West Avenue was again
robbed. This time, a patrol officer was on the scene quickly enough to enable him to
apprehend the suspect as he fled the bank. This suspect is also serving a sentence in
prison for this crime.
Lastly, on October 13th, patrol officers responded to a hold up alarm at the Adirondack
Trust Company located at 473 Broadway. A cooperative effort by the department’s
public safety dispatchers, bank employees, and responding officers resulted in the quick
apprehension of the suspect on Church Street, a short distance away.
Communications
The department’s communication center is staffed by fully trained Public Safety
Dispatchers 24 hours per day, seven days per week and is also a part of the Patrol
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Division. Each of the three shifts is staffed by a minimum of two (2) Public Safety
Dispatchers at any given time. A Sr. Public Safety Dispatcher oversees general
supervision of the dispatch staff although daily supervision is the responsibility of the
Patrol Division Officer‐in‐Charge for each respective shift. The 2010 staffing levels – a
total of nine (9) public safety dispatchers ‐ represents a decrease from previous years.
Budgetary constraints resulted in one dispatcher position being eliminated in 2010 and
a second, although funded, was left vacant.
The Public Safety Dispatchers continue to perform vital and essential auxiliary tasks and
services for the department. Their responsibilities include not only the expected tasks
of answering phones, dispatching police/fire units and maintaining the blotter entries,
but dispatchers perform numerous “clerical” duties as well. Examples of these clerical
duties include, but are not limited to:
Monitoring the NYS Police Information Network (NYSPIN)
Completing DMV and criminal history checks for officers in the field
Inputting all warrants, Orders of Protection and wanted persons into the records
management system
Maintaining the Residence/Business records with updated emergency
information
Taking “Walk‐In” complaints
Maintaining department towed vehicle logs
Maintaining “Trespass Notice” file
Monitoring City Hall generated panic alarms
Coordinating responses with Department of Public Works
Monitoring the “general” alarm board for incoming business/residence alarms
Gathering information and making phone calls for officers in the field relative to
specific incident being handled
The availability of the department’s Public Safety Dispatchers allows officers to remain
on the street more often and have also allowed the department to continue to
function, absent an appropriate civilian support staff.
Animal Control Officer
The department continues to employ, by City Charter mandate, an Animal Control
Officer (ACO). In 2010, the ACO – in accordance with the Saratoga Springs Civil Service
Commission – was employed also as a part‐time Parking Enforcement Officer (PEO). The
ACO responds directly to calls relating to domestic animal complaints (barking dogs, lost
and found dogs and cats, dog bites, etc). In 2010, the Animal Control Officer responded
to three hundred twenty‐eight (328) animal complaints.
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TRAFFIC DIVISION
The Traffic Division is staffed with a Sergeant and three (3) patrol officers. The primary
responsibilities of traffic division members are to respond to citizen complaints relating
to vehicle and traffic matters, actively enforce vehicle and traffic laws, conduct
comprehensive commercial vehicle safety inspections, conduct reconstructions of
serious and fatal motor vehicle accidents, provide a police presence for vehicle and
pedestrian safety and supervise temporary traffic control officers at Saratoga
Racecourse, and supervise the department’s school crossing guards.
In addition to routine supervisory duties, the Traffic Sergeant is also responsible for
researching, applying for, and managing several federal and state grants the department
receives each year relating to traffic safety. In 2010, the department received grants
from the Saratoga County STOP DWI program ($36,000.00), and the NYS Governor’s
Traffic Safety Committee ‐ Buckle Up NY ($7,224.00) and Selective Traffic Enforcement
Program ($15,050.00). Funds from these grants were used to pay for personnel and
equipment costs to enhance enforcement of DWI, aggressive driving issues, and seat
belt compliance.
In 2010, members of the Traffic Division were reassigned as necessary to provide
additional coverage in the Patrol Division. This was done to minimize the effects that
the department staffing and budget cuts would have on the patrol division’s ability to
answer calls for help. Specifically, the traffic officer normally assigned to the 12am‐8am
shift was reassigned to answer calls for service on the 8am‐4pm shift. This officer alone
was responsible for more than one hundred (100) DWI arrests in 2009. A traffic division
officer normally assigned to the 4pm‐12am shift was also reassigned, when necessary,
to maintain minimum shift requirements. The department wide reduction in DWI arrest
and citations issued are a direct result of the reassignment of traffic personnel.
Traffic Division members were still able to conduct 390 commercial vehicle inspections
in 2010, up from 332 in 2009. Of those inspections, seventy‐five (75) commercial
vehicles were taken out of service for serious safety violations. Additionally, members
completed fifteen (15) motor coach (passenger bus) inspections during the summer
racing meet at Saratoga Racecourse. These inspections resulted in twenty‐six (26)
violations. Two busses were taken out of service serious safety violations.
Parking Enforcement
The department’s civilian Parking Enforcement Officers (PEO’s) are also part of the
Traffic Division and are supervised by the Traffic Division Sergeant. In 2010, the
department employed two (2) full‐time and one (1) part‐time PEO’s. The two full‐time
PEO’s primarily focused on parking issues located in the downtown business district,
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while the third alternated between parking and animal control responsibilities.
Department wide, (11,730) parking tickets were issued in 2010 – (9,425) of which were
issued by the Parking Enforcement Officers.
Crossing Guards/Traffic Control Officers
The department employed sixteen (16) School Crossing Guards in 2010 and twenty (20)
seasonal Traffic Control Officers. The School Crossing Guards handle traffic and
pedestrian control at intersections near the city’s numerous public and private schools.
The Traffic Control Officers have the responsibility for vehicle and pedestrian safety on
public streets and intersections located outside the Saratoga Racecourse. Both the
Crossing Guards and Traffic Control Officers are hired on an hourly basis, at an average
salary of $10.00 per hour.
INVESTIGATIONS
The overall responsibility and command of the Investigations Division lies with the
Investigations Lieutenant. A sergeant is responsible for the day‐to‐day supervision of
the Division’s ten Investigators. The division is further broken down into two (2) units –
Criminal Investigations and Special Investigations. As previously discussed, the third
unit, the Juvenile Aid Unit, was absorbed and merged into the Criminal Investigations
Unit. Members assigned to the Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) are responsible to
investigate serious crimes (felonies), missing persons, crimes against and perpetrated by
juveniles, and serious/fatal motor vehicle accidents.
CIU
After a coordinated effort by members of the Patrol, Traffic and Criminal Investigations
Divisions, investigators charged Travis Carroll with the March 18th hit‐and‐run death of
Ryan Rossley. His passenger, Jeffrey Hampshire, was also charged with tampering with
evidence in the case. Carroll pled guilty to Manslaughter 2 and is serving a sentence in
state prison. Hampshire has since been convicted of Tampering With Evidence and
currently awaiting sentencing.
Investigators, with the assistance from members of the patrol division, were also able to
make arrests after a string of strong‐armed robberies in the downtown/Congress Park
area in May 2010. Four (4) men were charged and after a successful prosecution, are
each serving terms in state prison.
Also in 2010, investigators concluded a lengthy investigation centering on a local
mortgage attorney after receiving complaints that this attorney failed to properly use
his clients’ mortgage funds to payoff existing mortgages. This case involved twenty‐one
victims, most of whom faced foreclosure proceedings because the suspect’s actions.
The case was resolved in 2010 with a plea of guilty to several felony charges. Because of
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the investigator’s efforts, it is expected that all victims will receive full restitution. The
suspect has since been sentenced to serve a term in state prison of 5‐15 years.
2010’s most complex investigation involved members from every departmental division
– Investigations, Patrol, Traffic, and Administration. This investigation centered on the
September 16th disappearance of Eleanor Adams, an elderly woman diagnosed with
dementia. Ms. Adams had last been seen at her Embury Apartment residence several
days prior to being reported missing. She was reported to be an avid walker. The
department enlisted the assistance of numerous search and rescue agencies, including
the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers, as well as the
Saratoga Springs Fire Department and Maple Avenue (Greenfield) Volunteer Fire
Departments. The nationally recognized emergency Incident Command System was
utilized for thorough planning and accountability purposes. Search teams scoured very
large wooded areas and miles of roadways in areas immediately adjacent to and north
of Ms. Adams’ residence. Unfortunately, leads into her disappearance were scarce and
the search teams’ efforts were unsuccessful. Ms. Adams was later found, deceased, in a
wooded area in the extreme the southern section of Saratoga Springs – south of the
Saratoga State Park lands. Investigators concluded that Ms. Adams became lost and
disoriented and was unable to find her way out of the woods.
SIU
Members of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) receive specialized training and focus
their efforts on illicit drug/narcotics activity. Additionally, one member of the SIU is
assigned to the Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force. Through an annual
agreement with the task force, overtime expenses related to task force investigations
continued to be reimbursed to the City.
The drugs most often encountered by members of the SIU include marijuana, cocaine
and crack cocaine, psyilocibin mushrooms, and illicit use of prescription drugs. In 2010,
members also report a continued increase in the sale and possession of heroin. The SIU
conducted more than twenty (20) search warrants in 2010 and from their investigations,
the department received over $37,000 in seized monies through the federal asset
forfeiture program.
Members of the SIU were responsible for the investigation leading to the July 2010
arrest of a Corinth man found to be in possession of approximately $225,000.00 worth
of illegal steroids kept in his local motel room.
School Resource Officer (SRO)
The department continues to maintain a School Resource Officer position. This position,
currently held by an investigator, is assigned full‐time at the Saratoga Springs High
School complex. Sixty percent (60%) of his salary and all overtime incurred as a result of
school related activities are reimbursed by the school district to the city. This position
has become an invaluable tool and resource for not only the department but the school
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as well. With a permanent assignment at the High School, the SRO continues to be able
to gain valuable information relating to crimes planned and/or committed both at the
school and throughout the city. It is because of this vital link that the SRO was able to
successfully investigate and close a well‐publicized case of vandalism and larcenies that
occurred throughout the city over the summer months. The SRO, with the assistance
from initial responding members of the Patrol Division, was also able to successfully
solve a case of vandalism at the high school during the last days of the school year. This
investigation resulted in the arrest of numerous high school students.
Cyber Predator Task Force
Along with his regular duties, one member of the CIU is also assigned to the FBI Capital
Region Cyber Predator Task Force. Two noteworthy arrests were made based on
investigations completed by this investigator. In January 2010, a suspect was arrested
after it was determined he was videotaping young women as they showered in a private
residence. He has since been convicted of his offense and sentenced to serve fifty‐four
(54) months in federal prison. Upon his release, he will continue to be supervised for
life by federal probation.
The second arrest took place in April 2010. The suspect was arrested after an
investigation regarding his trading of online sexually explicit photos involving young
children. At time of this report, this case is still pending in Saratoga Springs City Court.
Several other internet based child exploitation investigations are ongoing. With the
continued trend in technological advances, it’s expected that online victimization of
children in this regard will continue to increase and we hope to assign additional
personnel to combat this very serious issue.
ADMINISTRATION
The fourth major component of the department is the Administrative Division (AD).
Along with the obvious members of this unit (Chief, Assistant Chief and Captain), the
unit is also comprised of an Administrative Sergeant, one (1) uniformed patrol level
officer (Training Coordinator) and a civilian Identification Clerk.
Admin Sergeant
The Admin Sergeant works closely with local groups and organizations during the
planning and application process for the twenty‐eight (28) special events held in the city
in 2010 ‐ including the annual Elk’s Flag Day Parade, Memorial Day Parade. Hats Off and
Final Stretch Festivals, Fourth of July, First Night and the Victorian Street walk. The
Admin Sergeant is also responsible for maintaining numerous citywide security systems
including the City Hall video surveillance system, citywide employee identification
system, the City Hall swipe card security system, the City Hall panic alarm system and
the Saratoga County managed Reverse 911 system. Additionally, the Admin Sergeant
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focuses on issues regarding the City’s emergency preparedness and was directly
involved in numerous meetings and coordinated training efforts with local, state and
federal agencies.
Training Coordinator
The Training Coordinator’s (TC) primary responsibility is to ensure all officers receive
mandatory annual in‐service training on specific topics as well as any required
(re)certifications relative to an officer’s specific job duties/functions. He reviews
training presented by public and private agencies for relevance and proposes training
opportunities to the command administrators. All training records are maintained and
updated by the Training Coordinator. In 2010, the Training Coordinator continued to
work all shifts, when necessary, to provide in‐service, on‐duty training. In doing so, the
department continues to benefit by realizing substantial savings in training overtime
costs. The TC manages and maintains department equipment including the numerous
bicycles used by patrol division members and all department weapons including
shotguns, patrol rifles, handguns and electronic control weapons (TASERs).
In 2010, the TC began purchasing tactical and safety equipment with funds from a
federal grant received in 2009. The department has purchased ballistic shields, helmets,
training uniforms, personal safety equipment (gloves, boots, eye protection), rifle plates
and building entry kits and has begun extensive training in the use of the equipment
purchased – also with funds secured by the grant.
Department members spent a total of 1,659 hours training in 2010, an average of 23
hours per officer. Training included topics such as Firearms, Defensive Tactics, Legal
Updates, Force on Force, Use of Force, Blood Borne Pathogens, Hazardous Materials,
Breath Test Operator, Electronic Control Weapons (TASER), Emergency Vehicle
Operation Course (EVOC), CPR, Controlled Party Dispersal, DWI Seminar, Interview and
Interrogation, Missing and Exploited Children Investigations, Police Supervision, Forensic
Interviewing of Children, and others.
Identification Clerk
The Identification Clerk (the only civilian clerk employed by the department) is
responsible for processing Freedom of Information (FOIL) requests, processing all
requests for copies of incident and accident reports, fingerprinting civilians for licensing
requirements (taxi, daycare, etc), conducting criminal history checks for military
personnel or other entities for the purpose of employment, and issuing “Letters of Good
Conduct”. Additionally, the ID Clerk is responsible to file and maintain an appropriate
filing system for all department reports, retain all department records per federal, state,
and local regulations, compile case/accident reports requested by the District Attorney’s
Office for prosecution purposes, inventory and reorder department supplies, and
maintain the electronic fingerprint submission system (RICI).
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In 2010, the Identification Clerk processed approximately (2,700) FOIL requests,
fingerprinted (179) civilians, processed (67) taxi driver applications/prints, conducted
(480) criminal background checks, and issued (26) Letters of Good Conduct.
MISCELLANEOUS
Community Policing/Neighborhood Watch
Throughout 2010, members of the department maintained communications with the
various neighborhood associations such as the Southwest Neighborhood Association
and the Reservation Avenue Neighborhood Association. The department addressed
numerous ‘quality of life’ issues and listened to their concerns.
Members of the department also worked closely with Skidmore College on several
issues. In April 2010, department administrators met with Skidmore administrators,
student government representatives, Skidmore faculty, Saratoga County District
Attorney Jim Murphy, and numerous community representatives to discuss the 2009
“4/20” event and the steps and actions to take that focus on and provide positive
activities for the student body.
In September, members participated in the college’s annual orientation for incoming
freshman students to present material and information regarding local laws, being part
of the Saratoga Springs community as a law abiding resident. Along with campus safety
officers, members also met directly with off‐campus students to discuss the issue of
alcohol and after‐hours house parties.
The department continued in 2010 to partner with the Saratoga Springs Federal Housing
Authority in order to provide a safe environment for Housing Authority residents at both
the Stonequist and Jefferson/Vanderbilt Terrace properties. In 2010 the Housing
Authority formally handed over keys to a fully renovated, state‐of‐the‐art office/training
room located at the Terrace complex for exclusive use by SSPD members.
Domestic Violence Home Visit Initiative
In October 2010, the department was notified it was receiving an unsolicited grant
award from the NYS Department of Criminal Justice Services in the amount or
$25,000.00 and was one of only twelve (12) agencies in NYS to receive such an award.
The grant provides funding for specially trained officers to follow up certain domestic
violence calls with either announced or unannounced visits to the victim’s home. The
primary purpose of the visits are to decrease the possibility of an escalation of violence.
Officers look for additional evidence of domestic violence, enforce violations of orders
of protection, gather additional evidence not necessarily available at the time of the
initial incident, and provide a mechanism for the victim to receive additional help
through the many social services programs, including the Saratoga County Domestic
Violence Services, Rape Crisis, and the Crime Victims Board. The funding for this
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program will run through September 30, 2011. As of December 31, 2010, the program
was in its policy development phase. Home visits will begin in January 2011.
Holding Cells
The department maintains five (5) male and one (1) female holding cells for prisoners
awaiting arraignment in City Court. The cells are used in accordance to standards set by
the NYS Commission of Corrections and are inspected on a scheduled basis for
compliance with those standards.
There was one in‐custody death in 2010. On March 18th, a female prisoner was found
during a routine supervisory visit to be unresponsive while in the female holding cell and
medical assistance was immediately requested. The Saratoga Springs Fire Department
paramedics attempted to revive her until she could be transported to the hospital by
ambulance. She later died at Saratoga Hospital. All documentation regarding this
incident has been forwarded to the NYS Commission of Corrections for review and
investigation. The findings of the Commission have not yet been received by the
department.
Four hundred eighty (480) males and sixty‐nine (69) females were held in the
department’s cellblocks during 2010.
There were no other issues – injuries, complaints, etc. – received during 2010 regarding
the SSPD holding cells.
Public Relations/Public Notification
The department has made a concerted effort to use current technology to improve
public relations through dissemination of both routine department information of
interest as well as more urgent, public safety related material. For these purposes, the
department maintains a page on “Facebook”, utilizes a secure internet website
(Nixle.com) and is also a user of Saratoga County’s reverse 911 system. Each of these
technologies were used and played an important role in the department’s investigation
into the disappearance of Eleanor Adams.
Accreditation
The department continues toward its goal of becoming fully accredited. Although its
policies and procedures meet, and in some cases exceed, all federal and requirements,
the department has not formally applied for accreditation by NYS. In 2010, a committee
was formed, chaired by the Assistant Chief of Police, to review all current written
department policies to ensure compliance for accreditation. This process continues
with the assistance of the DCJS staff but unfortunately because of recent staffing
changes at DCJS, the accreditation program will be delayed again until new DCJS staff
are trained in the program.
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CONCLUSION
Unfortunately, the City Council was unable to negotiate a 2010 budget before
December 1, 2009 deadline as dictated by the City Charter. In this instance, the
Comprehensive Budget proposed by the Commissioner of Finance became the 2010
budget by default. The significant cuts in Public Safety adopted by this budget resulted
in significant changes to the department’s organizational structure, reassignment of
personnel, and the cancellation of numerous programs. The K9 program, DARE,
Operation Safe Child ID, and the Child Passenger Safety Seat Program each in its own
way were very important programs that allowed the department to maintain safety
standards that had evolved over years of hard work and planning.
Further cuts to department personnel will inevitably lead to additional cuts in any
remaining programs. More importantly, the department’s ability to maintain a proactive
approach to policing (especially drug interdiction and traffic safety) and the ability to
respond to calls for help in a timely manner will be severely impacted since further
reorganization and reassignments will be necessary. The department can not sustain
further cuts in personnel if it is expected to continue to provide basic police services to
the residents and visitors of Saratoga Springs.
Our officers and civilian employees remain committed to serving the public and keeping
Saratoga Springs the safest city in the Northeast. We support the “community policing’
concept and are committed to remaining a viable part of the Saratoga Springs
community.
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Saratoga Springs Police Department
2010 Year End
Statistical Data