For John, BLUF: Things are OK, you just don't understand. Nothing to see here; just move along.
The Public Safety Subcommittee met at about 5:00 PM, with Chairman Dan Rourke and Councilors Rita Mercier and Corey Belanger. The Mayor, Rodney Elliot, is also present, as is Councilor Jim Milinazzo and Councilor William Samaras.
First testimony is by Chief Taylor, with an overview. Also present are the Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian and the Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryan.
Then Council Mercier talks. She mentions truth in sentencing and he one year mandatory sentence for having a gun. She asks the Sheriff if there is room for criminals. The Sheriff says there is room in the Middlesex County Jail. Chairman Rourke asks the DA to talk about collaboration with the police. No new and startling information. Captain Taylor talks about liaising with the FBI Office down in Boston. Chairman Rourke asks about arranging bail and the mike for the DA is not turned on, so we can't hear her. Rita catches it. Then the Sheriff talks about his operations. Those awaiting trial are a different population from those who have been sentenced and are on a path to return to their home, and thus have certain motivations. Some talk of opiate addition and also of warrant serving here in Lowell.
Councilor Belanger talks all for being present and then talks to people with guns being let out without a year in jail. A recent example was a shot into into a baby's bedroom and the shooter let out with a fine of a couple thousand dollars. This has to stop. Then he talks to the Sheriff about diversionary programs. In a Gateway City such as Lowell the problem is bigger. Sheriff starts by saying you have to speak to Judges about that. There is the problem of people not being treated in local towns and cities for mental health issues. Today the mentally ill housing top three are LA County Jail, the Cook County Jail and Rikers Island.
Councilor Mercier talks to the mental health problem and the need to monitor those with mental health issues. The State has closed down needed facilities. It isn't the fault of the mentally ill, but they need help. We need 20 more Tewksbury Hospitals, and medication for the mentally ill. We want to spend three fold to incarcerate.
Mayor Elliot says the buck stops here. Local officials are expected to stop crime, shootings, drug abuse. We do our job, and then they are released. How do we get that message to the judges? We had a terrible stabbing in the City today [last evening]. Chief Taylor says the investigation is ongoing. Mayor Elliot notes the identified assailant is back out on the street from the stabbing last evening. Chief Taylor attributes much of the violent crime and housebreaking to drugs. We can't incarcerate out way out of this problem. Mayor Elliot agrees we have to do this one bite of the apple at a time.
Councilor William Samaras notes the break ins and the fact that the perps were caught and back out on the street before the victim had finished filling out all the paperwork. Hard to understand and hard to explain. The DA, without specifics I can't talk, but we look at a number of factors. I understand there is frustration but there is often a middle ground, like ankle bracelets. Councilor Samaras asks if the DA needs more resources and she says we could always use more resources, but then sort of adds fluff. Claims dramatic strides. [Things must have really been bad 45 years ago.]
Jon Geer, Belvidere Neighborhood Association (jgeer5@comcast.net). The judicial approach needs to be strengthened in terms of consequences for lawbreakers. One of the challenges is fear of retribution for those who speak up in the even of crimes.
Ms Ann Marie Page says we have talked about a lot of things. Recent 800 burglaries valued at $4 million. The problem is not the Chief or the DA, but the revolving door. Last Tuesday two burglars were let out without having to pay bail and happy at home. Regarding the mentally ill, they need to be watched over, not by the police, but by mental health professionals. We want to see the judges to get tougher. People need to understand that in Massachusetts we are tough.
Councilor Belanger thanks those who attended, but notes we need help from the Judiciary. Asks those present what can we do? We are frustrated but we feel strongly we are not getting the help we need. The DA says the first line of defense is having accurate information out there. I see what is asked for happening, Judges and District Attorneys doing their best. The one year has been extended to 18 months. But, we need to find the gun to prosecute under the law. Thus the proposed legislation re firing at houses. Yes, some are released without bail, but others are held for thousands of dollars. Yes, I have had my house broken into and there is nothing more invasive. It is a collaborative piece of work and getting information out. [If you knew what I knew you would think differently.]
The Sheriff says he doesn't deal with it from that end. He doesn't sense that the Lowell Bench is soft on crime. Lowell is really a very amazing community. For its size it is head and shoulders above others around the state.
Meeting concludes at 1821.
Regards — Cliff
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