Frankford Community Blog | Local News, Events, Community Resources
You will find video of the gentlemen who terrorized a family on Sellers Street last week at this link. http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Surveillance-Video-Released-in-Frankford-Home-Invasion-331844831.html. Its good to see that these video surveillance systems are becoming more common.
Officers James McAleese and Matthew Preston were recognized by the 15th PDAC (Police District Advisory Council) for outstanding performance of their duties as police officers at the meeting on September 28th.
Officers James McAleese and Matthew Preston
The membership also approved expenditures for events for the remainder of the year. There will be Thanksgiving dinner for the needy at St. Marks, Police Officers for the Christmas season, the Children’s Christmas party in December and a meal for the needy at St. Marks in December.
Membership also resolved to work from an annual budget for these events in the future. That will expedite the discussion and approval. The budget for next will include a schedule of events with costs and the budget will be voted on at the beginning of the year.
Officer Houston spoke about the Town Watch Safe Corridor program now active since schools are open. Residents volunteer to act a safe points along dismissal routes for students on their way home. If for any reason they need a place to go, they know they will be welcome.
The next PDAC meeting will be held on Monday, October 26th,
From OpendataPhilly.org, this is the report for the 15th District PSA1 September. It improved a bit from the highs of August.
| Apr-15 | May-15 | Jun-15 | Jul-15 | Aug-15 | Oct-15 | |
| Aggravated Assault Firearm | 5 | 5 | 12 | 15 | 11 | 11 |
| Aggravated Assault No Firearm | 14 | 26 | 16 | 24 | 16 | 24 |
| Burglary Non Residential | 4 | 11 | 11 | 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Burglary Residential | 19 | 12 | 25 | 21 | 37 | 34 |
| Homicide | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Homicide – gross negligence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| Motor Vehicle Recovery | 24 | 32 | 27 | 22 | 21 | 17 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Rape | 4 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 3 |
| Robbery Firearm | 8 | 8 | 17 | 13 | 20 | 10 |
| Robbery no Firearm | 20 | 19 | 14 | 7 | 21 | 13 |
| Theft | 37 | 78 | 64 | 63 | 54 | 49 |
| Theft from Vehicle | 17 | 9 | 20 | 42 | 22 | 19 |
| Total | 157 | 213 | 214 | 224 | 227 | 194 |
| days | 30 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 30 |
| Average per day | 5.2 | 7.1 | 7.1 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 6.5 |
Burglary continues to be a problem.You will find a detailed report that shows specific crimes and locations at this link. Also interesting is this link to Trulia.com and their crime heat map. Its a great resource that show graphically where its happening.
The next meeting for the 15th Distict PSA1 is on October 22nd at 7 PM at Aria Hospital. Come out and join the Town Watch.
Lt. Duane Gordon at the PSA1 meeting on September 24th described the Town Watch being formed in PSA1. PSA1 includes Frankford/Northwood and Bridesburg.
Reverend Clodfelter, Rector of St. Marks at first expressed reservations about residents fearing retaliation for participation in Town Watch. In many neighborhoods that is a reality. However, volunteers are not being asked to patrol or take any public action. You are being asked to use your eyes and ears and then report, to a special phone number, any activity that is suspicious or criminal. The phone number will be dedicated to the 15th district PSA1 use only and a knowledgeable person will be assigned to take your calls. You will not call 911. This will give your report special handling.
To volunteer, email Lt. Gordon at duane.gordon@phila.gov. He needs to know your name and what block you live on.
There will be more information at the next PSA1 meeting, which is on October 22nd at 7 PM at Aria Hospital.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey addressed the controversial topics of criminal justice reform and police brutality at a barber shop recently, and a brief video of his comments has been shared hundreds of times on Facebook.
