Historical February 1980 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Increasing crime in the neighborhood, particularly in Police Polyblock 635 (in blocks between Skinker and Des Peres, Kingsbury and the Forest Park Expressway) has provoked several meetings with police department representatives and area citizens. During the 30 days preceding January 9, 1980, 44 crimes were committed, of which 33 were burglaries. Almost half of the burglaries were in multi-family housing. (One of the more serious crimes occurred one evening at a local organization where nine people were robbed at gunpoint by a single man. Although Team One officers apprehended a man suspected of the robbery, none of the nine victims made themselves available for the purpose of identifying the suspect.)
December 3 A meeting was held at the home of Pat and Bill Kohn attended by approximately 40 people and Officer Melker from the Seventh District. Thirty persons were recruited as Crimeblockers, and Officer Melker answered questions regarding specific types of burglaries and incidents. He offered suggestions for the identification of suspicious activity or persons and a list of items to observe and note which is reproduced below.
December 19 Captain Carraway, Chief of the Seventh District, and two officers met with Skip Coburn of SDCC. Msgr. Peet and Sister Leo Ann from St. Rochs, Mrs. Betty Newsham, Mrs. Rose Storey and Mrs. Del McClellan.
Three broad areas of concern to the neighborhood were outlined: a. The need to develop citizen awareness concerning crime. What preventative measures can be taken. b. A communication breakdown exists between citizens and police officers. c. Team policing is receiving less attention and support from “downtown”, the central command.
There has been a significant turnover of officers in the last two years in the Seventh District. Currently less than fifty of the officers assigned to the Seventh when Team Policing was adopted are still in the District. The rest have been transferred to regular duty in other districts by Chief Camp’s Office. Also, training for Team Policing rests not with the Police Academy where all regular training originates, but with the Seventh District. All new officers must be trained after their assignment to that command. Manpower levels for the Seventh District are significantly lower than 2 years ago. The present authorization level is 183 officers, which represents a 15 % decline since Team Policing went into operation in 1977. The personnel breakdown for the Team One area which includes all of Skinker DeBaliviere is: Total officers . . .39, Supervisors— Lt. Shea Per Shift . . .1 sgt., 2-3 detectives, 3-4 patrolmen
Capt. Carraway suggested that a neighborhood meeting where citizens could meet all the Team One members would help eliminate the communication problem. Other meetings could be arranged to further Crimeblocker organization and arouse citizen awareness. The Police Department sponsors monthly meetings through the public affairs section to which the public is invited.
January 3 Skip Coburn spoke to all the Seventh District Officers at the weekly roll call. He indicated neighborhood concerns and answered questions about the SkinkerDeBaliviere area.
January 17 St. Roch’s hosted a police/community meeting where all the Team One members were introduced to those present. As the hours 3:30 pm-5:00 pm were inconvenient to working families, another meeting will be arranged and publicized to continue the process of knowing who the Team Officers are in the neighborhood.
February 13 A Crimeblockers’ recruiting and training session will be held at Grace and Peace Fellowship, on Kingsbury at DesPeres, at 7:30 pm. All Skinker-DeBaliviere residents are encouraged to attend.
The following information has been prepared by the Police Community Affairs Office to help citizens identify and accurately describe suspicious behaviour or vehicles.
Description — Persons
For a description of a person, start at the head and work down. All details are important and you must make a conscious effort to observe and remember. Write the information and call CE 1.2212 (1212). Name Age (approximate) Build Complexion Race Height Hair Physical (limp, etc) Sex Weight Eyes Clothing
Description — Vehicles — Property
License # Year Damage Time Make Color Occupants (no.) Property Model Unusual features Direction Other
In the description it is helpful to note the house number, street and any unusual behavior or unusual objects you notice.
When giving a description of an individual, use your own height and weight as comparisons. It is suggested that in height, give estimate in two-inch increments. (An example, between 5-foot 9-inches and 5-foot, 11-inches.) In weight, go in 10-pound increments. Unusual features or clothing are of utmost importance to police. Unusual dress, scars, tattoos, etc. are helpful.
License numbers of vehicles are important, but try and get make, color and approximate year of vehicle. Notice unusual features of vehicle and any damage it might have, such as dented left rear fender.
Call police with information as soon as possible, while it is fresh in your mind. the faster police respond. the more likely they are to successfully apprehend the subject.
Accurate descriptions are essential.
When police apprehend a subject, you might be asked to identify the individual. It is essential that you be willing to do so, since positive identification is necessary for the prosecution. By the same token, your testimony could free an innocent person.
Police take every precaution to protect your anonymity, but need your cooperation.
Remember, you, a relative or a friend could be the next victim, if the criminal is not apprehended and convicted. Protect yourself and your neighborhood, become involved in the fight against crime.
Any community members who are particularly interested in helping to organize the local initiative against crime should contact the Skinker-DeBaliviere Office, 862-5122.
Citizen response and support DOES make the difference.
Originally published in The Paper, February 1980.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1980_02.pdf, printed page(s) 4; PDF page(s) 4.
