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March 12, 2008
Override would fund needed services
"Let The Children Guard What The Sires Have Won." The town of Chelmsford motto is proudly worn on the uniform of every Chelmsford police officer.
The Chelmsford Police Department has the huge responsibility of safeguarding the people of Chelmsford. It's a task that all my officers take seriously, and I see their commitment daily. With their dedication to duty, Chelmsford continues to be an extremely safe community in which to live, raise a family or work. The Police Department's core mission of protecting life and property remains our primary duty.
Beginning in 2002, the financial constraints facing the town -- including the Police Department -- have proved to be more and more challenging. Since 2002, the Police Department has been forced to reduce the sworn complement of officers from 61 to 53. The loss of these eight positions has resulted in fewer officers assigned to shifts and less police visibility throughout the town.
These losses have had a noticeable effect on our department's operations, specifically in the areas of traffic enforcement and community policing. Fewer officers assigned on the shifts results in officers' spending more time in handling calls for service and less time conducting specialized enforcement in problem areas. This is less than ideal, since it forces us to be reactive in our response, rather than being proactive.
According to national studies, Chelmsford is already understaffed when it comes to police coverage. The Department of Justice reports cities and towns with populations between 25,000 and 50,000 residents have 1.8 police officers per 1,000 people. Using these standards, 34,000 residents of Chelmsford need a force with 61 sworn officers instead of the current 53 officers (about 1.5 officers per 1,000 residents). If the override does not pass April 1, the Police Department's staffing levels will be reduced by the elimination of two police officers, one clerical-support position and one part-time maintenance position. The loss of these personnel will result in:
* Two fewer officers assigned to uniformed patrol.
* Traffic Unit officers pulled from assignment to cover patrol shifts.
* Scaled-back criminal and drug-related investigations.
* Reduced training and development classes.
* Reduced clerical support to assist officers and the public.
Over the years, we've looked at our organization and have worked hard to provide the same level of service with fewer personnel. There comes a time, however, when you can't always continue to do more with less. Calls continue to increase, complaints continue to come in, and it's the Police Department's duty to respond to these calls in an effective and efficient manner.
The cuts required should an override fail will, in my opinion, result in a woefully inadequate level of police services for a town the size of Chelmsford. I would respectfully request that the people of Chelmsford vote "Yes" on the override on April 1.
I would like to thank and recognize the town manager, selectmen and Finance Committee for their diligent work over the last year in the budget process. While we are not the only community facing a deficit, the cooperation exhibited by all officials in working together and identifying the problem early on has resulted in a "One Town, One Team" solution. Just like our forefathers, the dedication shown by our current officials will ensure that Chelmsford remains a top-notch community.
JAMES F. MURPHY
police chief
Chelmsford
Posted by Admin at March 12, 2008 1:56 PM
Comments
If I hear one more town official use the kids in trying to pass an override , I'm going to puke. Live within the budget that gets voted for each year and stop your whinning. The average smoe on the street is having a very difficult time making ends meet. Why don't you cops give up that 85% retirement fund you'll get in 30 years. Do you think the average smoe get anything like that for a pension in the private world. It's time that cops, fireman, teachers and the rest of the vultures on the town payroll take pay cuts, pension cuts, pay for their medical, then you can come to us and ask us to sacrifice more. YOUR TURN!!!!!!
Posted by: Peter Sweeny at March 13, 2008 12:51 AM
THE REAL AGENDA OF ONECHUMPSFORD:
They would have you believe that they really care for your families, but such is not the case. They are a pretty NASTY bunch that does not take kindly to being told NO! The United States was formed upon the resistance of regular farmers and the general population that said to Britain and the Elite of the Crown, "Hey, you have taxed me enough and Im not going to take it anymore"
The current situation in this country is alarmingly close to what happened around revolutionary times, we are being told by a handful of Elitists that we should give even our tax returns to them so that the burden will be less on us in the long run. We all know who is who around this town and alot of us are aware of these people from onechelmsford and what they do for a living etc. The main fact is that NONE of them are hurting for money and they would rather have the struggling family go into total debt, possibly lose their houses, just so they dont have to trim a budget. The false information that the onechumpsford gang is reporting is that it will cost the average (whats avg?) Chelmsford taxpayey homeowner ONLY $200 which is a total LIE when you factor in ALL the increases (more like $500++++, ie: sewer, water, etc...Also they would have you believe that it is a 1 time deal, SORRY thats also a LIE...The total LIES and scare tactics that onechelmsford is portraying is in itself inconceivable to me, and shows me their true intentions and cold heartedness. Another point that has been noted on alot of previous posts is that they (the town finance geniuses) HAVE NEVER looked at the budget of this town and made any real reccomendations for fear that they would tread upon somebody elses territory. Doesn't it remind you of the NY Mafia or something? You all see the cars they drive around town, you also see the houses they live in. The police and fire depts make a pretty healthy paycheck, the school dept and higher up employees do also.These people are not going to help you when you get laid off, PAY UP! They will not help you if you have a calamitous health problem, PAY UP! They do not care about the senior Citizen Retirees, PAY UP! They will even go after the veteran in the trailer park with 1 leg, PAY UP! The divorced mother of 3 , PAY UP! PAY UP! PAY UP! Know what type of people you are dealing with here my neighbors!!!!!!!......... Vote No!
Posted by: ugottabekidding at March 19, 2008 10:41 AM
