Empty NEST Syndrome. |
Over $2 Million in police overtime spent on failed program.
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 With little fanfare, the Neighborhood Enforcement Stabilization Task-force (NEST) came to an end on October 3rd. (With exception of the Perry Street NEST, see article to the right.) The summertime relief that chosen neighborhoods experienced is over and the displaced criminal elements are filtering back in place.
In the long run, nothing has changed for the NEST neighborhoods. However, fringe neighborhoods have seen a tremendous change. These fringe areas were the recipients of the displaced criminals, who were scattered from their home turf and settled elsewhere in the city. We predict it will take years for these neighborhoods to recover. We hope we are wrong.
Residents and business owners in the areas that bore the full brunt of the onslaught of criminals from other neighborhoods probably won’t take comfort in knowing the this summer the city spent over $2 million in police overtime*. No expense was spared when it came to NEST. Recently, when commenting about the police overtime budget, Mayor Palmer told reporters that he doesn’t mind the amount being spent now. He viewed this year’s overtime as “Productive Overtime.”
The city can ill afford such crime fighting blunders as NEST, regardless of the cost. The fact that over $2 million was spent serves as a smack in the face to the taxpayers. Of course, Director Santiago should not get all the blame. Mayor Palmer and every member of City Council deserve credit for NEST as well. The mayor and council are now responsible for law enforcement in the city and need to be accountable as well.
*Source: www.trentonfacts.com
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Vanished?
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Our very own Pravda?
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It has been over a month since Mayor Palmer or Santiago has mentioned the 23% crime drop in the newspapers. Coincidentally, this absence corresponds with the first media reports about the referendum petition. Could it be that Palmer realized what 2,100 petition signers do? That the 23% drop is a fantasy. The petition seems to have provided a reality check and may even spawn the return of Pro-Active!
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It should not go unnoticed that the Trentonian has failed to report any recent news about the referendum petition in Trenton. When news first broke about the petition, the mayor's shill exaggerated facts and recommended the residents not support the issue. Since then the Clerk has certified the petition and the city has filed a lawsuit to stop the referendum vote. It appears as if the Trentonian is a state-run newspaper.
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The Punishment NEST
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The next time you are driving on Perry Street take a look at the vacant lot on the northwest corner of Perry and North Broad Street. Sitting there, behind the six-foot high chain link fence amidst the uncut grass and weeds, is the Perry Street NEST. The Perry Street NEST is commonly referred to in the police department as the “Punishment NEST.” As luck, or perhaps diabolical planning, would have it, the Punishment NEST is the only NEST site still in operation.
On any given night, seven days a week, between the hours of 5 P.M. and 3 A.M. there are either two deputy chiefs and a captain or one deputy chief and two captains working. This schedule has existed since mid-May and there is no end in sight.
The reason for this NEST being so top-heavy in rank depends on whom you ask. The unions say it is a petty retribution from Director Santiago for these men making waves. The official city stance is that this is not a form of payback against these officers. However, that is where the city’s explanation ends.
Director Santiago and the city have said that they plan on laying off the deputy chiefs for “efficiency” reasons. However, is it efficiency that has these six commanders working a meaningless post, or is this yet another case of Santiago abusing his position and authority for his own reasons?
Regardless of the reasons, this situation should not be allowed to continue. The fact that Mayor Palmer and City Council allowed this waste of talent and experience to occur for five months is unconscionable. There are areas of the city that could surely benefit from one or all of these men. Wouldn’t it make more sense to split-up these officers and direct them to Chambersburg, the South Broad Business District, Bruce Park Drive, Donnelly Homes or any of the other areas of the city that are besieged by crime.
By placing his ego and petty vindictiveness over the best interest of the city, Director Santiago clearly demonstrates that he does not identify with the residents or business owners of Trenton. If this is not a case of ego and vindictive conduct, then perhaps it is time to closely examine Director Santiago’s management skills. He has been characterized in the past as exhibiting “gross mismanagement.” Is this another example of mismanagement? Either way, the burden of correcting this situation falls upon our elected officials.
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