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FITCHBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Photo courtesy of Lt. Rick Jollimore, FFD

2

FITCHBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT—ROSTER CHIEF

MARTINEAU, ERNEST F.

CAPTAIN

GIANNINI, STEVEN D. LEMAY, MATTHEW D. HESS, HARRY N.

LIEUTENANTS

MCDERMOTT, TIMOTHY M. HOWE, JEFFREY J. GABRIEL, SCOTT S.

GARCIA, CHRISTOPHER T.

SERGEANTS OUELLETTE,GARY L. DAOUST, THOMAS M. JACKSON, MARK D.

SIOMOS JR., KERRY C. LEGER,THOMAS G. KEENAN, RYAN C.

SULLIVAN, DEREK BOUDREAU, DANIEL F. MAKI, JOHN E.

PATROL OFFICERS GILBERT, JAMES M. L'ECUYER, RONALD R. JR. CONNOLLY, JAMES T.

BURNS, MATTHEW L. LAPOSTA, DOMENIC J. MCBRIDE, STEPHEN E.

MCNAMARA, PAUL M. PEPPLE, TABITHA L. SEVIGNY, MICHAEL J.

DAIGLE, DAVID R. JACKSON, LEROY M. MELANSON, DOMINIC L.

ROMANO, DEAN D. LAKE, FREDERICK C. BIANCHINI, NICHOLAS E.

CONRAD, RODNEY E. CHABOT, JUDE H. HACHEY, STEVEN

BALAGUER, FRANCISCO JR. FARRELL,JAMES C. DARTON, DOUGLAS

BOURNE, KEITH C. ARCIPRETE,JAMES R. GORDON, DAVID M.

CHANDLER, MICHAEL R. ROULEAU,BRIAN HERTEL, SHELBIE M.

PENNETTI, ANTONIO F. CORDIO, CHRISTOPHER R. THEODOULOU, PAUL

HURLEY, JEFFREY L. RABOIN, ROBERT J. BARNES, KEITH

FIGUEROA, JOSE A. BASTIEN, STEPHEN D. BAJANA, LUCAS O

LAMBERT,JOSHUA O KALINOWSKI, BENJAMIN D. FRIEND, TIMOTHY J

YANG, MIKE LEE BELLOFATTO, CHRISTOPHER WALLACE, BRIAN P

DUVAL, JASON TOBIN, ANTWAIN SALAS, JULIENNE

CRONIN, STACY WALKER, SHAWN ROBICHAUD, TYLER

MCCALL, JAMES, S. LOPEZ, MICHAEL E MINICHIELLO, DANIEL P

BELLOFATTO, DANIEL K FAUCHER, MICHAEL PHILLIPS, DEMETRICE

HUSE, ROBERT C. GRIFFIN, ALEXANDER LAMKIN, NATHAN

HYVARINEN, BARRY G. JR ALICEA, LIANA K. POLANCO-DIAZ, MEI-LING

WRIGHT, ELDRED T.

CIVILIAN DISPATCHERS DANIELS, KYLE LEADBETTER II, HOWARD A KADDY, MARK

CHAGNON, MATTHEW POULIN, SHELBI MULCAHY, CHELSEA

WING, SARRAH N. FUREY, CONNOR S STACY, KELTON R

STEWART,TIMOTHY WILSON,RYAN GALLANT, KERRIE

SPECIAL POLICE OFFICERS

CURRY, JAMES, D. DESTROIMAISONS, ARTHUR

RICHARDS, DONALD F. KELLY, JOHN, M O'BRIEN, TIMOTHY, J.

O'LEARY, JOHN, G. MURRAY, JOHN J. III SWEARS, LINDA

RICKERT, JANICE O'BRIEN, KEVIN M. DIBARA, MATTHEW

PAPPAS, PERRY BOZICAS, PAUL C. FOSSA, GLENN

CUSTODIAN CLERICAL SYSTEMS MGR (part �me)

LEBLANC, DAVID UNDERHILL, JEANNE FRECHETTE, ROGER

FAMILY SERVICES STARKEY, ROBIN F. CRIME ANALYSIS / GRANT RESEARCH

DONDERO, STEPHANIE HOLSTROM, JANET L. FRITSCHER, KRISTI

ANIMAL CONTROL KOWALESKI, SUZAN

3

CITY OF FITCHBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT

20 Elm Street Fitchburg, Massachuset ts 01420 -3204

www.f i tchburgpol ice.com

DEPARTMENT / OPERATIONS 978-345-4355

FAX: 978-345-4088

DETECTIVE BUREAU 978-345-9650

RECORDS BUREAU 978-345-9643

FAX: 978-342-7608

CHIEF OF POLICE 978-345-9656

2016 ANNUAL REPORT April 14, 2017 Honorable Stephen L. DiNatale Mayor City of Fitchburg & Honorable Members of the City Council City Hall 160 Boulder Drive Fitchburg MA. 01420 His Honor the Mayor and City Councilors: The Fitchburg Police Department is proud to present its annual report for 2016. While preparing for this

report I had the opportunity to reflect on the last several years and our many accomplishments. While

noting that there is always more work to do, I am extremely proud of the work performed by our dedi-

cated team at the Fitchburg Police Department. The total number of Part One Crimes in the City of Fitchburg has decreased by 8% from 2015 and is

down an additional 2% from the City’s five year average. Part One Crimes are designated by the Feder-

al Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to be the most serious crimes affecting a community. Part One Crimes

include murder/manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle

theft. Some highlights in these reductions include:

Burglaries reported have decreased by 40% Motor vehicle theft decreased by 30% Total property crime has decreased by 20% Number of reported larcenies decreased by 10%

The City of Fitchburg has seen a consistent decrease in criminal activity in our community over the last

several years. I attribute these successes to the unfaltering professionalism of the men and woman of the

Fitchburg Police Department: Couple this with community trust and engagement and the results are evi-

dent.

Continued to next page

4

CITY OF FITCHBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT

20 Elm Street Fitchburg, Massachuset ts 01420 -3204

www.f i tchburgpol ice.com

DEPARTMENT / OPERATIONS 978-345-4355

FAX: 978-345-4088

DETECTIVE BUREAU 978-345-9650

RECORDS BUREAU 978-345-9643

FAX: 978-342-7608

CHIEF OF POLICE 978-345-9656

In 2016 the Fitchburg Police Department added eight (8) new full-time police officers to its staff, bring-

ing the total number of sworn officers to 78. Five of the new hires resulted from attrition as members

retired. Three of our new patrolman are additional officers added to our organization. This increase in

the number of sworn officers demonstrates a significant commitment to public safety from both the

Mayor’s Office and the City Council. For this allegiance, I say thank you. The Fitchburg Police Department continues to embrace a community engagement style of policing. This

style of policing is evident in the multitude of local events FPD has been associated with this year.

Some of these events include:

RAD Kids courses (RAD kids is a personal empowerment safety education program hosted at our

elementary schools) 6th annual Junior Police Academy (Up to 50 students participated in a series of team building activi-

ties hosted by our School Resource Officers) Job Fair at Mount Wachusett Community College Middle school trip to a Boston Celtics game Elder Affairs talks at the Gables in Fitchburg Mental Health Awareness event in Collaboration with Community Health Link Health Fairs at Fitchburg High School and our Senior Center Salvation Army Block party Cleghorn Neighborhood block party

These types of interactions between the Community and our officers are priceless and produce lasting

impressions on those we serve. Mindful of our tax payers’ contribution to public safety, the Fitchburg

Police Department is very aggressive in identifying and applying for grants. In 2016 the department

applied for 13 grants and was awarded 12. Funds were used to purchase equipment; train 911 emergen-

cy dispatchers; and fund both a Domestic Violence full time Advocate and an Opioid intervention pro-

gram in collaboration with the District Attorney’s office and Adcare Hospital. Additionally, our depart-

ment was awarded a highly competitive federal grant to hire two full-time police officers committed spe-

cifically to Community Engagement activities. Many challenges lie ahead in our profession. The dedication to service and excellence from members of

the Fitchburg Police Department is seen each and every day. Our civilian staff works in unison to com-

plement our sworn officers in order to create a team approach with which to achieve our mission. I

would like to thank each and every member of the Fitchburg Police Department both sworn and civilian

for their continued dedication to duty in serving the people of our great City. Thank you to Mayor DiNatale and the entire City Council for your continued support. Respectfully, Ernest Martineau

5

2016 Crime Sta�s�cs Overview

The UCR Crime Index is a collec-on of selected offenses used by the FBI to measure changes in crime reported to

law enforcement. The Fitchburg Police Department voluntarily submits NIBRS data to the Massachuse8s Crime

Repor-ng Unit, who then in turn submits UCR summary data to the FBI. Offenses included in the Part I Crime In-

dex include the following: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and larceny and auto the:. An-

other crime repor-ng tool is NIBRS data. NIBRS data differs from UCR data and allows for a more detailed ac-

count of crime data. NIBRS is an incident based repor-ng system in which agencies collect data on each single

crime occurrence where as UCR data reflects only certain highlighted offenses and uses the hierarchy rule.

The Fitchburg Police Department analyzes data on a monthly basis at our Compstat mee-ngs. Command staff

base police response on data analysis provided by the Crime Analyst as well as any informa-on presented by staff

at the mee-ng. Pa8erns, trends, and criminal intelligence are analyzed in order to iden-fy crime series, repeat

offenders, and emerging “hot spots” in a -mely manner. Patrol officers are also assigned to conduct traffic en-

forcement in targeted traffic hot spots based on crash data analysis. Addi-onally, this department u-lizes media

(social media, newspaper, public access TV, etc) in an effort to promote crime preven-on its ini-a-ves.

UCR Part I Offenses

Property Crime

The number of reported burglaries decreased 40% from the prior year, and was down 43% from a five year (2011

-2015) average. From 2009-2011, this department experienced a significant increase in the number of reported

burglaries, with the highest reported number reaching 465 offenses in 2011. In 2016, there were 190 reported

burglaries with 37% of those incidents indica-ng no signs of forced entry or the burglar (s) was unsuccessful in

gaining entry into the property. Last year’s figure of 190 incidents was the lowest number of reported burglaries

in the City in over 11 years.

Larceny is a general category that may include offenses like the: from motor vehicles, shopli:ing, the: from

building, the: of motor vehicle parts, the: from a coin machine, all other larceny, pocket picking and purse

snatching. UCR does not break larceny down by type, like NIBRS does. In 2016, the number of larceny offenses

(n=613) decreased 10% from both the prior year and 22% from the average. Motor vehicle the: also decreased

30% from both the prior year and the average; 44 offenses were recorded in 2016. Many vehicles were le: un-

locked with the keys either in the igni-on or a spare was le: somewhere in the vehicle. Addi-onally, many of

these offenses were listed as “use of motor vehicle without authority” meaning that the person (s) who stole the

vehicle was likely known to the vic-m and use was not permi8ed by the repor-ng party.

Overall total property crime decreased 20% from 2015, and decreased 28% from the five year average.

Violent Crime

There were no significant increases in reported violent crime, in fact overall [total] offenses decreased 8% from

2015 and 2% from the average. In 2016, 62 robberies were reported which is only a slight decrease (-6%) from

2015. But when comparing against the 5 year average, reported robbery offenses increased nearly 21%. The

number of “cleared” robbery offenses was 16% and na-onally the clearance rate for robbery is about 29%. Of the

62 reported offenses, approximately 36% were “street” robberies, no reported robberies at banking ins-tu-ons,

and 19% at some kind of retail space (gas sta-on, liquor store, or convenience store).

In 2016, 222 aggravated assaults were reported to the department. About 43% of all aggravated assaults were

related to domes-c violence (increase from last year). The number of reported offenses decreased 10% from the

prior year, and 8% from the average.

Criminal Homicide

In 2016, one reported criminal homicide and two suspects were arrested. This is an ongoing case.

Non – UCR Data

In 2016, the Drug Suppression Unit (DSU) made 55 arrests, executed 53 search warrants and seized 14 illegal

handguns off the street. Addi-onally, 491 rounds of ammuni-on, 289 grams of cocaine, and 2043 grams of hero-

in were also seized as a result of long term narco-cs inves-ga-ons. These types of inves-ga-ons are crucial in

comba-ng the opioid epidemic that many ci-es across the country are experiencing. In 2016, this department

responded to 322 overdose calls and in 2015, 18 drug related fatali-es occurred in the city. As of June of 2015,

the Fitchburg Police Department now carries Nasal Naloxone through the assistance of the Department of Public

Health. In 2016, FPD officers deployed Narcan 83 -mes.

Completed March 2017, Crime Analysis Unit klf

6

Calls for Service, Total Reported Crimes and Arrests

Calls for Service:

Overall, calls for service increased 10% from last year. Some of the

top call reasons include Fire/EMS (5,591 calls, about 10% of total

calls), disturbances ( 2,704 calls, about 5% of all calls), proac�ve pa-

trols / area checks (12,988 calls, 22% of all calls).

Total 2016 Calls for Service: 59,137

Call totals include both founded & unfounded calls.

7


Total Arrests & Arrest Breakdown

Total arrests decreased 17% from last year. Overall, domes�c vi-

olence related arrested made up approximately one fiAh of all

total arrests for 2016. The top three primary arrest reasons in-

clude simple assault, warrants, and traffic / town by law viola-

�ons.

Less than 3% of all arrestees were under the age of 17. Most

who were arrested were between the age categories of 25-34 &

35-54 (35% each).

Total 2016 Arrests: 959

8


Arrest Info

Con�nued:

According to the FBI,

an offense is “cleared”

by an arrest when the

following criteria has

been met: Arrested,

Charged with the com-

mission of the offense

or turned over the

court for prosecu-on

(summons, etc)*. The

informa-on to the

right only reflects war-

rant arrests (all other

offenses) and actual

arrests. Majority of “All

Other Offenses” are

warrant arrests or re-

straining order viola-

-ons. “Traffic, Town by

Law Offenses” can be

described as anything

from traffic viola-ons

(unlicensed opera-on

of motor vehicle, etc)

to city general ordi-

nance viola-ons (open

container viola-on,

etc)

Top 20 Arrest Categories according to 2016 data

Arrests also include protective custodies.

Primary Arres�ng Offense 2015 2016

Differ-

ence

Change

%

Traffic, Town By-Law Offenses 259 222 -37 -14%

All Other Offenses 257 214 -43 -17%

Simple Assault 160 129 -31 -19%

Drug / Narco-c Viola-ons 94 87 -7 -7%

Aggravated Assault 106 84 -22 -21%

Shopli:ing 35 46 11 31%

Disorderly Conduct 33 26 -7 -21%

Trespass of Real Property 22 22 0 0%

Driving Under the Influence 37 19 -18 -49%

Burglary / Breaking and Entering 18 18 0 0%

Destruc-on / Damage / Vandalism of Prop-

erty 18 16 -2 -11%

Robbery 18 15 -3 -17%

Drunkenness 12 10 -2 -17%

Stolen Property Offenses (Receiving, etc.) 15 10 -5 -33%

All Other Larceny 9 5 -4 -44%

In-mida-on 5 5 0 0%

Motor Vehicle The: 2 5 3 150%

Weapon Law Viola-ons 5 5 0 0%

Kidnapping / Abduc-on 2 4 2 100%

Pros-tu-on 12 4 -8 -67%

9


UCR Crime Statistics — Part I Offenses

The UCR Crime Index is a collec-on of selected offenses used by the FBI to measure changes in crime reported to police. These offenses include murder, rape,

robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, arson, and auto the:. According to the FBI, Arson sta-s-cs are included in trend, clearance, and arrest tables

throughout Crime in the United States, but they are not included in any es-mated volume data.

According to the UCR repor-ng systems, the “Hierarchy Rule” governs mul-ple offense repor-ng. If more than one crime was commi8ed by the same person

or group of persons and the -me and space intervals separa-ng the crimes were insignificant, then the crime highest in the hierarchy is the only offense re-

ported. hEp://www2.Fi.gov/ucr/faqs.htm

The Fitchburg Police Department voluntarily submits NIBRS data to the Massachuse8s Crime Report Unit, who then in turns submits UCR summary data to the

FBI. UCR Crime Index data included in this report has been retrieved from the Massachuse8s Crime Repor-ng Unit on April 4th, 2017.. All sta-s-cs are calcu-

lated using the best data available at the -me. Please note, final numbers may be subject to change. Official FBI sta-s-cs typically published in the fall.

• Note: Inc = percentages are not calculated for numbers so small so as to prevent a sta�s�cally misleading percentage or NC = not calculable ,

•

An overall de-

cease of 17% of

crime (include

violent & proper-

ty) from 2015.

Decrease of 23%

in crime from the

average.

Property crime

saw the more

significant de-

creases.

Reported burgla-

ries were down

about 40% from

the average and

from last year.

UCR Part I Offenses 2014 2015 2016 5 Yr. Av-

erage

Weighted

Average

% change

from 2015

%change

from aver-

age

% change from

weighted aver-

age

Murder 0 1 1 1.2 1 0% -17% 0%

Rape 31 26 27 30.2 30 4% -11% -10%

Robbery 65 66 62 51.2 55 -6% 21% 13%

Aggravated Assault 234 247 222 242.4 242 -10% -8% -8%

Burglary 301 315 190 332.6 312 -40% -43% -39%

Larceny 786 679 613 787.6 794 -10% -22% -23%

Motor Vehicle The: 77 63 44 63.2 67 -30% -30% -34%

Total Violent Crime 330 340 312 318.2 324 -8% -2% -4%

Total Property Crime 1164 1057 847 1183.4 1133 -20% -28% -25%

Total Part I Offenses 1494 1397 1159 1501.6 1456 -17% -23% -20%

10


Total Reported Crimes : UCR Crime Index Notable Changes:

Total violent

crime decreased

8% from last year

and 4% from the

weighted average

In 2016, 62 rob-

beries were re-

ported which is

only a slight de-

crease (-6%) from

2015. No report-

ed bank robberies

in 2016.

Notable Chang-

es:

Overall total

property crime

decreased 20%

from 2015, and

decreased 25%

from the

weighted aver-

age.

Burglary—

lowest reported

# of burglaries

since 2004

(n=189).

MV The:s—

lowest reported

# of the:s since

2012

11


NIBRS Crime Data (National Incident Based Reporting Systems)

All crimes against persons are considered Group A Offenses-under NIBRS

Drug viola-ons through weapons law viola-ons are considered Group A Offenses under NIBRS, Disorderly Conduct through Trespass are considered Group B\

Informa-on extracted from Microso: Access internal database

Notes: 43% of all aggravated assaults & 64% of all simple assaults were related to domes�c violence.

Note: Inc = percentages are not calculated for numbers so small so as to prevent a sta&s&cally misleading percentage or NC = not calculable

N/A = number cannot be divided by zero

Crimes Against Person 2015 2016 Diff +/- Average Weighted

Average

% Change

'14-'15

%

Change

Average

%

Change

Weighte

d

Aggravated Assault 216 182 -34 208.25 210 -16% -13% -13%

Domes&c 72 79 7 10%

Non-Domes&c 144 103 -41 -28%

Forcible Fondling 40 31 -9 33.5 37 -23% -7% -16%

Forcible Rape 25 27 2 23 24 8% 17% 10%

Forcible Sodomy 2 3 1 5.5 4 Inc Inc Inc

In�mida�on 43 37 -6 62.5 56 -14% -41% -34%

Kidnapping / Abduc�on 7 10 3 5.75 6 43% 74% 67%

Murder & Non-negligent Manslaugh-

ter 1 1 0 1.25 1

Robbery 66 61 -5 47.5 55 -8% 28% 10%

Simple Assault 345 278 -67 346.5 347 -19% -20% -20%

Simple Assault : Domes&c 176 178 2 1%

Simple Assault: Non-Domes&c 169 170 1 1%

Statutory Rape 8 10 2 13.25 12 25% -25% -15%

Crimes Against Society 2015 2016 Average Weighted

Average Diff +/-

% Change

'14-'15

%Change

Average

% Change

Weighted

Drug / Narco-c Viola-ons 98 86 76 89 -12 -12% 13% -3%

Pornography / Obscene Ma-

terial 9 6 4 6 -3 -33% 41% 7%

Pros-tu-on 12 3 7 10 -9 -75% -57% -70%

Weapon Law Viola-ons 41 21 35 43 -20 -49% -40% -51%

Disorderly Conduct 50 37 49 49 -13 -26% -25% -25%

Driving Under the Influence 41 21 48 46 -20 -49% -56% -55%

Drunkenness 12 9 15 14 -3 -25% -40% -35%

Family Offenses, Nonviolent 2 0 2 2 -2 Inc Inc Inc

Liquor Law Viola-ons 9 6 28 19 -3 -33% -78% -69%

Trespass of Real Property 26 34 23 24 8 31% 49% 41%

12


Total Reported Crimes : NIBRS Data (National Incident Based Reporting Systems)

All crimes against property with the excep-on of bad checks are considered NIBRS Group A Offenses.

Crimes that weren’t listed in the UCR Crime Index (Part I Crimes) are considered Part II Crime which aren’t reported to the FBI Crime Sta-s-cs but are re-

ported to NIBRS.

Note: Inc = percentages are not calculated for numbers so small so as to prevent a sta&s&cally misleading percentage or NC = not calculable

N/A = number cannot be divided by zero

Crimes Against Property 2015 2016 Diff+/- Aver-

age

Weighte

d Avg

%

Change

'15-'16

%Change

Average

% Change

Weighted

All Other Larceny 218 219 1 192.6 202 0% 14% 9%

Arson 8 3 -5 8.6 9 -63% -65% -68%

Bad Checks 9 11 2 13 13 22% -15% -12%

Burglary / Breaking and Entering 324 199 -125 346.4 327 -39% -43% -39%

Counterfei-ng / Forgery 16 23 7 28.8 26 44% -20% -11%

Credit Card / ATM Fraud 14 10 -4 18.8 15 -29% -47% -32%

Destruc-on / Damage / Vandalism of

Property 383 287 -96 409.6 398 -25% -30% -28%

Embezzlement 5 5 0 4.2 4 0% 19% 32%

Extor-on / Blackmail 0 0 0 0.6 1 NC -100% -100%

False Pretenses / Swindle / Confidence

Game 76 60 -16 65 66 -21% -8% -9%

Impersona-on 51 36 -15 37.8 40 -29% -5% -10%

Motor Vehicle The: 58 43 -15 58 60 -26% -26% -29%

Pocket-picking 3 1 -2 3.8 4 -67% -74% -74%

Purse-snatching 6 5 -1 4.8 6 -17% 4% -10%

Shopli:ing 101 129 28 130 119 28% -1% 9%

Stolen Property Offenses (Receiving, etc.) 29 16 -13 22.8 22 -45% -30% -29%

The: from a Building 115 95 -20 160.8 151 -17% -41% -37%

The: from a Coin-Operated Machine or

Device 0 0 0 0 0 NC NC NC

The: from a Motor Vehicle 175 128 -47 193.6 184 -27% -34% -30%

The: of Motor Vehicle Parts or Accesso-

ries 33 22 -11 41.4 39 -33% -47% -43%

Welfare Fraud 0 0 0 0 0 NC NC NC

Wire Fraud 0 0 0 0.2 0 NC -100% -100%

Notes: Similar to UCR data, reported burglaries down about 40% across the board. Motor vehicle theAs down

about 26% as well.

13


Crime Breakdown: Robbery Offenses Historically,

robberies

peak in the

late fall/

early winter

months (Oct-

Jan). In

2016, rob-

beries

peaked in

July

(offender (s)

were tar-

ge�ng food

delivery driv-

ers.

http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2013/crime-in-the-u.s.-2013/offenses-known-to-law-enforcement/clearances/

Robberies by Location Type No bank rob-

beries or rob-

beries at ATMs

in 2016.

Drug Store

(CVS) robbery

was cleared via

arrested. Sus-

pect ID as

Thomas

Vachon.

Farm stand

robbery was

cleared via ar-

rest. Suspect

was ID as Mi-

chael Gurney

16% of all cases

were consid-

ered “cleared”

and Na�onal

clearance rates

are about 29%

Figure 1: Number of robberies by month during 2016 (orange), and average robberies by month from 2011-2015 in blue

14


Crime Breakdown: Burglary Offenses

Na�onally, burglary clearance rates are typically low (13%), in 2016, Fitchburg’s burglary

clearance rate was about 10%. Many cases are s�ll being inves�gated and it can takes

months for results from DNA evidence to come back to the department. Historically in

Fitchburg, reported burglaries tend to peak in May, June & July, and are their lowest in

February. 68% of all burglaries targeted residences, in comparison to 73% of all burgla-

ries in 2015. Approximately 13% of all burglaries targeted commercial en��es.

Remember, burglary, like other crimes of opportunity, base their targets on a number of characteris-

�cs like risk, reward, and opportunity. Burglary preven�on �ps: Leave lights on when you go out. If you

are going to be away for a length of �me, connect some lamps with automa�c �mers to turn on in the

evening and off during the day. Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to

bed. Even if it is for a short period of �me, lock your doors and windows. Do not allow daily deliveries

of mail, newspapers, or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the United States Postal Ser-

vice to hold your mail or arrange for someone you trust to pick them up regularly. Sliding glass doors

are vulnerable. Special locks are available for beEer security. Check with your local home improvement

store for assistance. Lawn mowers, snow blowers, and bicycles are best stored out of sight. Always lock

your garden sheds and garages.

Dras�c decreases in reported burglaries in 2016. Each month was below the 5 year average except February.

15


Crime Breakdown: Burglary Offenses (NIBRS)

Reported burglary offenses decreased 39% from last year, and 43% from the

five year average. So far this trend has con�nued into 2017. For this chart,

the weighted average was used due to the dras�c number of burglaries re-

ported in 2011. The weighted average gives a beEer measure of comparison

for this series.

16


Larceny Breakdown : NIBRS Data

Larceny data is NIBRS offenses, not UCR.

Total Larceny for 2016: 599 8% total decrease from 2015.

Car breaks (theAs from MV) down 27% (n-47) from last year. Most vehicles were leA unlocked or unse-

cured

Crimes Against Property 2015 2016 Freq +/- Average Weighte

d

%

Change

'15-'16

%

Change

Average

%

Change

Weighte

d

All Other Larceny 218 219 1 193 202 0% 14% 9%

Pocket-picking 3 1 -2 4 4 -67% -74% -74%

Purse-snatching 6 5 -1 5 6 -17% 4% -10%

ShopliAing 101 129 28 130 119 28% -1% 9%

TheA from a Building 115 95 -20 161 151 -17% -41% -37%

TheA from a Coin-Operated Machine

or Device 0 0 0 0 0 NC NC NC

TheA from a Motor Vehicle 175 128 -47 194 184 -27% -34% -30%

TheA of Motor Vehicle Parts or Acces-

sories 33 22 -11 41 39 -33% -47% -43%

17


Larceny Breakdown, continued.

2016 Top 5

ShopliAing Loca�ons

Reported theAs

from motor vehi-

cles decreased 27%

from last year’s fig-

ures (n=-47). The

majority of theAs

from motor vehi-

cles, or car breaks,

are from unsecured

or unlocked vehi-

cles. Most theAs

occur over the sum-

mer when many

residents leave

their doors locked,

windows down or

sunroofs open.

Residents are en-

courages to lock

and secure their

vehicles and their

valuables.

Reported shopliA-

ing offenses in-

creased 28% from

2015.

Loca�on Totals

Market Basket– Water St 28

Bob's Stores 13

KMart 20

CVS—Main St 13

Walgreen’s—JF 10

18


Check Scams, LoEery Scams and Other Financial Scams

Fraud offenses are consid-

ered Part II Offenses and

Crimes against property.

Reported offenses were at

their lowest in 2013 &

2016. Reported fraud

offenses are down 25%

from last year, and down

13% from the five year av-

erage.

The FBI defines fraud

offenses as, “The inten-

-onal perversion of the

truth for the purpose of

inducing another person

or other en-ty in reliance

upon it to part with some-

thing of value or to surren-

der a legal right.” These

fraud offenses include:

false pretenses/swindle/

confidence game, credit

card or ATM fraud, welfare

fraud, wire fraud and im-

persona-on.

Residents have reported a number of scams to the Fitch-

burg Police Department over the years. The most com-

mon scams are “Lo8ery Scams”, “Grandparent scams”,

Iden-ty the:, Telemarke-ng schemes, IRS scams, and

“419” Le8er Scams. Informa-on on common & recent

scams please check the FBI’s website. h8p://

www.\i.gov/scams-safety/fraud/ .

19

Family Services Unit

Domestic Violence

What is domes�c violence*?

Domes-c violence is a pa8ern of abusive behavior in any rela-onship that is used by one

partner to gain or maintain power and control over another in-mate partner. Domes-c vio-

lence can be physical, sexual, emo-onal, economic, or psychological ac-ons or threats of

ac-ons that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that in-midate, manipu-

late, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound

someone.

The Family Services Unit at the Fitchburg Police Department employs an advocate who pro-

vides services for the vic-ms of domes-c violence within the City of Fitchburg. Services pro-

vided by the unit are crisis interven-on, risk assessment, referrals to community services, educa-onal services

rela-ng to 209A rights and op-ons, and record keeping. The Domes-c Violence Advocate works closely with

YWCA and Safeplan to provide a complete support system for the vic-m. Court Advocacy is also offered to the

vic-ms to help aide in holding the offender accountable by full prosecu-on. The Fitchburg Police Department is

commi8ed to achieving a community free of domes-c violence.

Family Services Unit #978-343-4551 x1265 Civilian Advocate Stephanie Dondero

*http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/domviolence.htm

*Note: NC= percentages are not calculated for numbers so small so as to prevent a sta&s&cally misleading percentage. For 2015, Figures reflect a single incident/case; more than one

person may have been arrested or cross complaint may have been filed which would not be reflected in this figures. Annual Report repor&ng change for 2015 and going forward.

Arrests—In 2016, nearly 20% (up 2%)of all total arrests were related to domes�c violence.

Most Serious Reported Offense 2014 2015 2016 Diff +/- ‘15-

’16

Kidnapping / Abduc-on 1 1 6 5

Forcible Rape 4 1 0 -1

Forcible Sodomy 1 0 0 0

Forcible Fondling 5 2 1 -1

Robbery 2 1 2 1

Aggravated Assault 68 72 79 7

Simple Assault 226 182 170 -12

In-mida-on 11 2 2 0

Statutory Rape 0 0 2 2

Burglary / Breaking and Entering 3 0 0 0

The: from a Building 4 0 0 0

All Other Larceny 3 1 0 -1

Destruc-on / Damage / Vandalism of Property 9 6 6 0

Pornography / Obscene Material 0 1 0 -1

Weapon Law Viola-ons 2 0 0 0

Trespass of Real Property 2 0 0 0

All Other Offenses 35 41 38 -3

Traffic, Town By-Law Offenses 2 0 3 3

Totals 378 310 309 -1

20

Traffic Unit: Accident Analysis

Motor vehicle accidents decreased 5% last year. The number of hit & run re-

lated crashes increased 5% from 2015, and 15% from the average. Addi�on-

ally, the number of crashes with personal injury increased 5% from last year,

and 16% from the average.

Accident Breakdown 5 Year Avg 2015 2016 Diff +/- '15-

'16 % Chg 15-16

% Chg Avg-

16

Hit & Run 137.8 150 158 8 5% 15%

Non Motorists 28.8 32 32 0 0% 11%

Personal Injury 235.2 262 274 12 5% 16%

Fatal 3.6 3 1 -2 -67% -72%

Other 874.8 1037 947 -90 -9% 8%

Totals 1280 1484 1412 -72 -5% 10%

21


22


Driving Under the Influence

Of the 19 arrests in 2016,

5% of the operators were

driving under the influ-

ence of some kind of nar-

co�c. 11% of those arrest-

ed in 2016 had been ar-

rested for DUI previously.

*http://www.nhtsa.gov/drivesober/ - 10,265 deaths in the United States

Primary Arres�ng Offense 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Diff +/- '15-

'16

Driving Under the Influ-

ence 33 34 54 54 41 37 19 -18

23

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES “HOT SPOT ANALYSIS”


Close up of top crash loca�ons based on 2016 data

24

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS (MVA) 2016 “HOT SPOT ANALYSIS”


Close up of top crash loca�ons based on 2016 data

Close up of downtown area, John Fitch Hwy, Twin City and other major roadways.

Red=highest concentra�on of crashes

25


Mondays (240)

and Fridays

(247) were the

top crash days.

In prior years,

Wednesday

was the top

crash day of

the week.

Proac�ve en-

forcement has

significantly

reduced the #

of crashes on

Wednesdays

34% of all

crashes oc-

curred during

the aAernoon

commute hours

of 1400-1759

hours (2pm-

6pm).

12% of all

crashes oc-

curred in the

morning com-

mute hours of

0600-0859

hours.

26


Temporal Analysis—Traffic Crashes

Time & Day

Top Time & Day for Motor Vehicle Crashes in the city for 2016:

Further breakdown

Mondays between 0700-0800 hours & 1400-1600 hours

Tuesdays between 1400-1600 hours

Wednesdays—Fridays 1400-1800 hours

How to read this chart: Blue—-mes/days with lowest reported crashes & Red– -mes / days with highest reported

crashes.

Chart is highlighted two variables—-me & day.

27


Biggest changes highlighted as the following: Red =increases, Blue=decreases 27% of all reported crashes occur on Water St, Main & John Fitch Hwy combined. Lau-rel , Kimball & Clarendon St were removed from the top 20, and Elm, Oak Hill, Canton, Pearl and Blossom St were added

STREET NAME 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Diff +/- % Chg '15-'16

WATER 105 119 121 121 147 153 6 4%

MAIN 101 103 105 109 130 116 -14 -11%

JOHN FITCH 97 102 105 93 108 108 0 0%

SOUTH 60 51 49 95 68 77 9 13%

BEMIS 41 46 42 44 37 57 20 54%

LUNENBURG 53 47 50 36 50 54 4 8%

WHALON 25 27 29 39 31 38 7 23%

RIVER 37 41 34 48 43 35 -8 -19%

FRANKLIN 19 16 20 23 28 34 6 21%

WESTMINSTER 20 32 35 26 27 31 4 15%

ELECTRIC 32 27 25 28 39 31 -8 -21%

SUMMER 35 30 38 25 38 29 -9 -24%

MECHANIC 20 19 20 17 24 25 1 4%

BLOSSOM 27 23 -4 -15%

ROLLSTONE 22 18 27 21 29 22 -7 -24%

AIRPORT 21 17 18 14 31 18 -13 -42%

CANTON 4 17 13 325%

PEARL 9 17 8 89%

BOULDER 13 14 16 8 15 15 0 0%

ASHBY STATE 13 11 17 18 16 15 -1 -6%

ELM 13 15 2 15%

OAK HILL 12 15 3 25%

PRINCETON 12 15 3 25%

28


Blue indicates an decrease from prior year, red indicates a icnreasefrom the prior year

Figures include crashes within 100 : of an intersec-on or address with the excep-on of Park Hill Plaza.

Biggest change from last year—Number of crashes within 100 A of North & Main

(+11) , area of John Fitch & Lunenburg (+8) and area of Water, Bemis & Wanoosnoc

(+11)

Top Intersec�ons for Motor Vehicle Crashes 2014 2015 2016 Diff +/-

Area of Water, Wanoosnoc & Bemis* 15 15 27 12

Area of Main & North 11 15 26 11

Area of John Fitch & Lunenburg 38 11 19 8

Area of Main, Academy & Rollstone 12 14 3 -11

Area of John Fitch & Summer 9 12 10 -2

Area of Electric & South 12 9 14 5

Area of Main, Day & Water 11 19 9 -10

Area of River & Wallace 3 10 7 -3

Area of John Fitch & Pearl 7 6 4 -2

Area of Ashby State, Mechanic & John Fitch 9 4 6 2

Area of Main, Mechanic & Prospect 8 10 12 2

Area of Main, Lunenburg & Summer 3 7 6 -1

Area of River, Ashburnham & Westminster 12 5 12 7

Area of Princeton & Westminster 8 8 11 3

Area of Central Plaza (90 Water St) 22 25 19 -6

Area of Lunenburg & Boutelle 8 8 9 1

Area of John Fitch, Bemis, & Mack 9 8 14 6

Area of Main & Prichard 7 8 6 -2

Area of South & Wanoosnoc 11 10 5 -5

Area of Airport & Bemis 9 12 7 -5

Area of Park Hill Plaza in between intersec�ons 18 10 -8

29


Examples of high crash intersec�ons in the city

Top crash loca�on for 2016—27 reported crashes within 100 A of

Water, Bemis & Wanoosnoc Rd

30

Traffic Unit: Citation Analysis

Citation Information

In 2016, overall cita�ons decreased 15% but the number of warnings issued

increased 10%.

Warnings comprised 79% of all cita�ons issued in 2016.

Cita�on Breakdown 5 Yr Avg 2015 2016 Diff +/- % Chg 15-16

Arrest 188 221 108 -113 -51%

Civil 1993 1447 527 -920 -64%

Criminal 494 494 343 -151 -31%

Warning 2502 3339 3683 344 10%

Void/Verbal/Error 1 0 0 0 N/C

Totals 5179 5501 4661 -840 -15%

Cita�on Sta�s�cs 2016

Cita�ons Issued by Race/Ethnicity

Black 351 7.50%

Asian or Pacific Islander 88 1.90%

Hispanic 1045 22.40%

American Indian or Alaskan Na-ve 3 0.10%

White 3160 67.80

Missing 10 .20%

Middle Eastern or East Indian 4 0.10%

Total Cita�ons 5232 100.00%

31

Traffic Unit: Citation Analysis

79% of all cita�ons were warnings, 11% were civil viola�ons, 8% criminal viola�ons, and 2%

were as a result of an arrest.

32

Traffic Unit: Parking Violation Breakdown

2016 Viola�on Breakdown Fine Total Occurrences

Handicapped Parking $10,200 34

Blocking Wheelchair Ramp $0.00 0

Tow Zone No parking area $390.00 13

Within Ten Feet of Fire Hydrant $1,290.00 43

Double Parking $0.00 0

Within Intersec-on $840.00 28

Less than 10: $150.00 5

Within a Fire Lane $5,910.00 197

5 Feet of Driveway or Alley $2,670.00 89

Within 25 : of intersec-on $3,990.00 133

Wrong Direc-on $4,830.00 161

Wheels 1: from curb $1,140.00 38

On a Sidewalk $9,300.00 310

On a Crosswalk $720.00 24

No Parking Area $5,700.00 190

Within a Bus Stop $30.00 1

Parking Non Motor Vehicle $30.00 1

Within Taxi/Loading Zone $30.00 2

Park & Pay Viola-on $15.00 1

Meter Viola-on $135 9

Parking Ban/Snow Emergency $20,940

698

Totals $68,310 1977

33

Drug Suppression Unit (DSU)

In addi�on to the Drug Suppression Unit (DSU), The Fitchburg Police Department sends a representa�ve of the

New England High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) task force. The HIDTA task force is a mul�faceted or-

ganiza�on which employs an array of law enforcement professionals including local law enforcement, state po-

lice and representa�ves of the federal government.

Narco�cs Ac�vity

In 2016, the Fitchburg Police Department received 316 calls regarding drug ac�vity. As a result of proactive polic-

ing, officers arrested a total of 87 individuals on drug violations in the city. Drug arrests decreased 7% from last

year. Also, this department responded to approximately 322 suspected drug related overdoses calls in 2016. In

2015, there were 18 confirmed drug related fatal overdoses in the city. 2016’s fatal overdose report will likely be

released some�me in the fall by the Department of Public Health.

Drug Suppression Unit: Totals

Calendar Year 2016

Search Warrants Executed 53

Arrests due to Search Warrants 55

Arrested due to Probable Cause 1

Court Indictments 0

Summons Applica-on 5

Drugs Seized: Cocaine (grams) 289.8

Drugs Seized: Marijuana (pounds) 4lbs

Drugs Seized: Heroin (grams) 2043

MDMA (grams) 0

Pills 19

U.S. Currency Seized $104,435

Firearms Seized 14

Motor vehicles seized 1

Motorcycles seized 0

Ammuni-on seized (rounds) 491

Stun Gun Seized 1

34

False Alarms Responded

False alarms: Residential & Businesses security alarms

False Alarms Responded 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

January 83 126 108 115 103

February 83 88 82 121 114

March 100 82 103 123 110

April 84 95 92 128 104

May 114 122 123 127 97

June 110 114 111 120 128

July 112 151 151 123 126

August 105 113 119 110 97

September 81 87 138 121 81

October 91 83 121 111 88

November 73 93 129 103 78

December 95 95 121 109 111

Total 1131 1249 1398 1411 1237

Fines Collected $9,375.00 $7,175.00 $6,600.00 $10,775.00 $9,050.00

35

Records Bureau: Report Review & Licensing for 2016

Services Provided Revenue

Dealers / License/ Ammuni-on $0

Mace $12.50

Licenses to Carry:Firearms & Renewal $9,425

License to Carry: LE Personnel $100.00

Firearms ID cards $325.00

Photocopies $7,467.00

Auc-on $0.00

Fines Collected by District Court $24,912.00

False Alarms Fines $9,050.00

Totals $51,291.50

Firearms Fees to Commonwealth $29,512.50

Service Provided # Issued

Licenses to Carry Firearms Issued 377

Firearms ID Card Issued 13

Licenses to Carry: Issued to LE Personnel 8

Firearms ID Cards / Mace Issued 1

Dealers/License/Ammuni-on 0

Machine Gun 2

Totals 401

36

Internal Affairs

*Complaints may contain one of more officers on a single disposition

Defini�ons*

Sustained Allega�on and viola�on did occur and was a breach of standards, policy or

law

Unjus�fied/ Exoner-

ated

When the evidence indicates that the act complained of did in fact occur but

was legal, proper and necessary

Unfounded When the act complained of did not in fact occur and that the complaint was

false

Not Sustained When the case cannot be resolved by inves�ga�on, either because sufficient

evidence is not available

Misconduct :not

based on the com-

plaint

When the inves�ga�on reveals that the employee was guilty of misconduct

not part of the original complaint or because of material conflicts in the evi-

dence, or uncoopera�ve witnesses

Complaints against personnel 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Sustained 3 3 2 4 4 1 2 2

Misconduct (Not based on a com- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Exonerated 0 0 3 3 1 2 4 1

Unfounded 4 2 1 2 2 4 1 1

Not sustained 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 3

Pending 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 1

Totals 9 5 7 11 8 7 9 8

37

Training Department

ANNUAL REPORT OF TRAINING – 2016

The Police Department con-nued to provide a robust program of basic and advanced

training for all department personnel. In the following summary the department’s train-

ing efforts have been broken down into three categories: In Service Training, In-House

Training, and Specialized Training.

In Service Training:

All sworn members of the department a8ended a forty (40) hour In Service training

program that was conducted in the department’s Lecture Room. The instructors for this

program were members of our staff that were trained and cer-fied by the Municipal

Police Training Commi8ee (MPTC). The topics covered included, but were not limited

to, the following: Use of Force Policy Review, Defensive Tac-cs, Legal Update, Eyewit-

ness Iden-fica-on Review, First Responder Recer-fica-on, CPR Recer-fica-on, Fair &

Impar-al Policing and Procedural Jus-ce, Managing Ini-al Response to Cri-cal Inci-

dents, a physical tour of Monty Tech High School, and Taser Training and User Cer-fica-

-on.

Total In-Service Hours = 2,880 hours

38

Training

Training Department

In House Training:

The department has a number of state cer-fied in house instructors, whose exper-se

covers many facets of law enforcement. They provide instruc-on, training and/or cer--

fica-on in topics such as firearms, patrol rifle, mental health awareness and CPR. Hav-

ing these instructors on staff allows us to conduct more training, at a significant cost

savings to the city.

Also, over the course of the past year the department hired five (5) Police Officers, sev-

en (7) Reserve Police Officers, and four (4) Civilian Police Dispatchers. Their ini-al train-

ing was provided for by instructors from our staff. In addi-on, all new employees under-

went many weeks of on the job/field training before being allowed to assume their full

du-es.

Total hours of In-House training = 6,464 hours

Specialized Training:

Every year we send our officers, and our civilian staff, to specialized training to provide

them with the skills necessary to meet the challenges they encounter daily. These

courses include enhanced inves-ga-ve training, crime scene preserva-on, evidence

processing, officer safety, sexual assault inves-ga-on, drug inves-ga-ons, accident in-

ves-ga-on, vic-m advocacy, elder affairs, data analysis, and an assortment of other

topics.

As men-oned previously, the department hired five (5) Police Officers within the past

year. These officers was required to a8end, and successfully complete, a Recruit Officer

Course as conducted by the (MPTC) before assuming their du-es as a Police Officer. The

Recruit Officer Course consists of a varied curriculum that provides a minimum of 800

hours of basic training. In addi-on, all of the new Civilian Police Dispatchers were re-

quired to a8end mandatory courses as conducted by the State 911 Department at their

training facili-es in either Maynard or Taunton.

Total hours of Specialized Training = 7,295 hours

Total Department Training Hours = 16,639 hours

39

Training

The Dangers of Police Work

Because of his/her law enforcement and peacekeeping role, a police officer will be required at �mes

to resort to the use of physical force to enable him/her to fully carry out the police mission. Police

officers are confronted con�nually with situa�ons requiring or resul�ng in the use of various degrees

of force to affect a lawful arrest, to ensure public safety, or to protect him/her from harm. The degree

of force used is dependent upon the facts surrounding the situa�on the officer faces. Only a reasona-

ble and necessary amount of force may be used. The degree of force the officer is forced to use is de-

pendent upon the amount of resistance or threat to safety the situa�on produces.

The purpose of the use of force is to maintain and /or reestablish control over a situa�on. Control is

reached when a person complies with the officer’s direc�ons and/or the suspect is restrained or ap-

prehended and no longer presents a threat to the officer or another. Since an officer will encounter a

wide range of behaviors, the officer must be prepared to u�lize a range of force op�ons that are rea-

sonable and necessary to maintain and/or reestablish control by overcoming resistance to the

officer’s lawful authority while minimizing injuries.

Training Department

Defense Against Resistance Sta�s�cs 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Compliance Techniques:

Resistance Countermeasures 29 46 73 61 69 38 102 77

Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) 19 22 18 8 14 6 10 6

Other 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

Defensive Tac�c (s):

Pepperball Deployment 0 2 0 2 3 2 2 2

Pepperball Used 3 2 2 0 1 0 1 0

Personal Weapons 0 6 6 6 5 3 6 3

Impact Weapons 5 0 2 6 4 3 4 1

Deadly Force:

Service Weapon Drawn 12 17 24 28 55 29 48 59

Service Weapon Used 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0

Animal (s) Euthanized 3 4 5 1 8 6 7 11

40

Training

Electronic Control Weapon (Taser) Purchase,

Training, and Deployment

Electronic control weapons (ECWs) are electro-muscular disruptors that use pulses of

electricity to temporarily incapacitate subjects. TASER®, the most common brand of

ECWs, are currently designed to deliver an electrical charge with low power which can

incapacitate at a distance. Two metal probes connected by thin insulated wires are pro-

pelled into the targeted subject. The electronic pulse delivered by an ECW incapacitates

subjects by causing the muscles to contract, resul-ng in the immediate temporary loss of

body control. The ECW may, in limited circumstances, also be discharged as a contact

weapon or device.

A:er years of research and contempla-on, including but not limited to the policies and

recommenda-ons of the Interna-onal Associa-on of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Execu-ve

Office of Public Safety (EOPSS) and the Municipal Police Training Commi8ee (MPTC),

Chief Mar-neau and our city leaders decided to make ECWs available to the Officers of

the Fitchburg Police Department.

The roll out of the Taser training began during the 2016 In Service training session. All

full -me and Reserve Officers took part in an 8 hour training session, taught by two in

house Taser instructors, which consisted of a detailed PowerPoint presenta-on, hands on

training exercises, and 4 live/simula-on cartridge deployments conducted within a varie-

ty of training scenarios

In July of 2016, a:er the comple-on of the department’s training, The Taser X2 ECW hit

the streets. All officers working in the Patrol Division, and those assigned to other field

du-es, began deploying the Taser X2. We immediately began to experience the an-ci-

pated deterrent effect of the Taser. As you can see in this year’s Force Against Resistance

chart, Taser warnings were the most prevalent Taser deployments. It is important to

note that this year’s chart only depicts the six months’ worth of Tasers deployments.

2017 will be the first full year the Taser X2 will be on the street.

Training Department

41

In the Community

Fitchburg High School Health Fair.

Fitchburg Police Department School Re-

source Officers Chandler and Arciprete

along with Longjso Middle School Staff took

15 Longsjo Middle School Students to a

Cel�cs game at the Garden

Na�onal Night Out in August

FPD at a LUK Inc sponsored event at

Green St Park over the summer

42

In the Community

Members from the Elm

Street Community

Church, Horizon Chris-

�an Fellowship, New

Crea�on Community

Church and the Nashua

Valley Chris�an Church

came to the sta�on to-

day. They gave each

officer a key chain

thanking us for our ser-

vice room. Thank you

to our great communi-

ty for your support

Thank you to Ms. Bachant and the 2nd graders at Crocker School for le[ng us par�cipate in Read Across America day

43

In the Community

In 2016 the Fitchburg Police Department dedicated three full �me School Resource Officers to the

Fitchburg Public Schools as well as MontachuseE Regional Voca�onal Technical School.

The job of the School Resource Officer is mul� faceted. The most important func�on of the SRO is

connec�ng police with youth. Some of the func�ons of the SRO include but are not limited to:

• Along with the principal, serves as a disciplinary

• Sits with the counselor during sessions with the students and serves as a mediator

• Conducts home visits and truancy patrols (before, during and aAer schools)

• Talks with parents of troubled students

• Establishes rapport with the community

• AEends school func�ons such as spor�ng events or other school related extra curricular events

• Sits in on round tables with various departments such as Department of Children and Families,

Department of Youth Services, Luk, etc

• Iden�fies at risk students for dropouts and iden�fies alterna�ves to dropouts

Also, the 6th annual Fitchburg Youth Police Academy was held over the summer. As a component of

the youth academy, students par�cipate in physical fitness ac�vi�es including warm up exercises,

marching, physical training, and defense tac�cs. Students are introduced to the du�es of law en-

forcement. Furthermore, the academy promotes integrity, self-respect, discipline and overall team-

work amongst its par�cipants. This youth academy was funded through the Shannon Grant

44

In the Community

FEMALE DEFENSE INITIATIVE (F.D.I.)

Through collabora�ve efforts of our Family Services Unit, our Elder Affairs Officer, and the support of many so-

cial service agencies, this ini�a�ve con�nues to research, implement, and coordinate various services and pro-

grams for women and vic�ms of violent crime.

R.A.D.

We offered our first R.A.D. class in 2010. This class consists of a total of twelve hours of instruc�on. The first

three take place in a classroom se[ng where we discuss topics such as awareness, preven�on, risk reduc�on

and risk avoidance. The remaining nine hours of class are conducted in a gymnasium. It is there that we devel-

op the basics of hands on defense. AAer hours of developing and perfec�ng these skills, the par�cipants are

tested through various scenarios. It is the final day of training that solidifies the empowerment developed

through the R.A.D. program. Since the R.A.D. is an interna�onally recognized program, graduates are guaran-

teed a free life�me return and prac�ce policy anywhere R.A.D. is offered.

For more informa�on on R.A.D., please see their web site at www.rad-systems.com.

radKIDS

F.D.I. con�nues to grow with the addi�on of radKIDS to the ini�a�ve. radKIDS is a personal empowerment safe-

ty educa�on program. Unlike other safety educa�on programs where the instructor simple lectures the chil-

dren, radKIDS incorporates safety drills, muscle memory exercises, and scenario training. It is this combina�on

of teaching methods that make radKIDS such a success. Some topics covered are home, school, motor vehicle

safety, out and about safety, and bullying. The radKIDS’ defense por�on teaches children a realis�c defense

against abduc�on by iden�fying stranger tricks and using physical defense skills. With the coopera�on of South

Street elementary school and the 21st century program, the Fitchburg Police Department was able to provide

three aAerschool sessions of radKIDS. Since radKIDS is an interna�onally recognized program, graduates are

guaranteed a free return un�l their 13th birthday and prac�ce anywhere radKIDS is offered.

For more informa�on visit the radKIDS website at www.radkids.org.

2016 radKIDS graduation

45

In the Community

ELDER AFFAIRS:

The Fitchburg Police Department has been working with the Elderly community for many

years. We are con�nuing to aEend educa�on seminars and trainings to enhance our

knowledge of this ever changing community to beEer meet the needs of our residents. The

Elder Liaison is an ac�ve member of the Alzheimer's Associa�on. Some of the programs that

we offer include the following:

File Of Life

This is a red magne�c folder which holds important medical and contact informa�on to assist

in expedi�ng emergency care. This program has been sponsored by the Golden Living Center

and has already reached over 2000 residents.

Alzheimer's Alert

This is our local response to Safe Return. The Department maintains pictures and important

contact informa�on to assist with iden�fying and providing care to vic�ms.

Money Management Program

MontachuseE Home Care Corpora�on provides this bill payer service to elders to assist with

budge�ng their finances. Two officers are members of the Money Management Program’s ad-

visory board. This has improved communica�on between MontachuseE Home Health Care

Corpora�on, local financial ins�tu�ons and our elderly popula�on especially with the increase

of scams targe�ng the elderly.

Officer Hertel & Lt Howe gave a presenta�on on preven�ng financial scams and safety at

the Gables in September

46

Grants

In 2016, the Fitchburg Police Department applied for 13 grants and was

awarded 12. The COPS Hiring Program was one of the grants awarded in

2016. The COPS grant is a highly compe--ve federal grant solicita-on and

only 15% of applica-ons were funded in 2016. In total, this department is

currently managing 14 grant awards.

In addi-on to the 14 currently managed grant awards, the Middle District

A8orney’s Office was awarded a grant in 2016. District A8orney Joseph Ear-

ly’s office used some of the funds to pay for a pilot program in Fitchburg

which paired overdose vic-ms with recovery coaches from Adcare.

Currently Managed Awards (awarding agency listed adjacent):

E911 Support & Incen-ve Grant & E911 Training Grant (911 Department)

COPS Hiring Grant Program (COPS—Federal)

Highway Safety Traffic Grants (3) (EOPS– State)

CDBG (HUD / City of Fitchburg)

Edward Byrne Memorial Jus-ce Assistance Grant (DOJ)

Jail Diversion Program (DMH)

Bulletproof Vest Program (EOPS)

Nasal Naxolone Grant (Narcan) (DPH)

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Grant (EOPS)

Senator Charles Shannon Community Safety Ini-a-ve (EOPS)

Heroin and Opioid Local Crime Reduc-on Gateway City Ini-a-ve (EOPS)

47

FITCHBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICE MEMORIAL DOWNTOWN FITCHBURG

Photo courtesy of Lt. Rick Jollimore, FFD

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