Webster Police Department

Webster Police Department 2008 Year in Review
By Chief Gerald L. Pickering

none Proud to ServeThe Webster Police Department responded to 35,293 calls for service in the year 2008 which represented a 2.5% increase in our responses from 2007. While the percentage of increase is statistically small, it remained a significant increase in workload for our agency given the reduced personnel staffing levels for the year.

On a more positive note, crime rates have fallen across the nation and the Town of Webster is no exception. The Town of Webster experienced a decline of 4 % in Part II crimes and 5% in Part I crimes with a clearance rate of 62 % of reported Part II crimes and 33 % clearance of the more serious Part I crimes.

In keeping with those reduced crime rates, overall criminal arrests were down 5.4% over 2007, with 440 adult arrests and 33 juvenile arrests. Unfortunately, even with reported crime down, Webster still experienced a tragic domestic related murder / suicide investigation as outlined later in this report.

The Webster Police Department continued with a dedicated traffic enforcement patrol officer who was rolled out in October of 2007 and completed the first full year of enforcement in 2008. The officer assigned to the unit issued over 2,500 traffic citations during the 15-month period. The officer focused enforcement operations towards intersections with a disproportionate number of traffic collisions. Unfortunately, motor vehicle accident rates still increased 4% during the year even with the aggressive stance taken by the police department.

Investigative Highlights:

The year 2008 was an unusual year for the Webster Police Department in that officers saw the year both in and out with strong arm robberies occurring as highlighted below. Three of the most noteworthy criminal investigations occurred during the last quarter of the year.

On Monday, September 15, 2008 Webster officers were called to investigate a murder / suicide at 507 Lakeview Terrace. This crime was initially reported as a house explosion and fire. While firefighters fought an unusually difficult structure fire, it became apparent there were victims within the home which may have died as a result to injuries unrelated to the explosion and fire. The tragic string of events which led up to the unusual domestic murder, suicide and then arson to the home will sadly never be known for sure.

On Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at approximately 5:07 p.m., the Webster Police Department responded to Kircher Park in the Village of Webster for a robbery. This robbery involved two Webster teens that were approached by a male white suspect on Kircher Park. The male suspect displayed a knife and asked one of the teens for money. The teen did give the suspect some money and a cellular telephone. Officer David Herrle and Sergeant Kevin Hall responded to the robbery and developed suspect information.

On December 10, 2008, Investigator Charles Sciortino, acting upon that information was able to arrest 16-year old Chad J. Agosto of 2395 Titus Avenue in Rochester for the Kircher Park for the crime. Agosto was charged with Robbery 1st degree, a class B felony and Petit Larceny, a class A Misdemeanor. Agosto was arraigned before Webster Justice Court Judge Corretore for the crimes.

On Thursday, November 27, 2008, at approximately 11:45 a.m. the Webster Police responded to 426 Ridge Road for a robbery. The clerk at this store said that a white male came into the store stating he had a gun, and that he needed money. After money was given to this white male, the suspect left the store with out incident. On December 12, 2008 the Webster Police arrested and charged 34 year old Phillip G. Sheldon of 872 Thomas Avenue in Irondequoit with Robbery 3rd degree, a class D felony, and Petit Larceny, a class A Misdemeanor, for this crime.

Other notable cases:

On January 7th, officers arrested Cody M. Cartwright,19, from 1438 Ridge Road Webster and Timothy Palmer, 16, from 57 Kircher Park in Webster and charged each with multiple counts of Criminal Mischief 4th and Making Graffiti, all being class A misdemeanor charges. The arrests were a part of an ongoing investigation into numerous acts of graffiti to buildings in the Town and Village of Webster.

On January 25th, officers responded to Loews Home Improvement store at 900 Five Mile Line Road for the report of a robbery. Responding officers found an off-duty Town of Greece Police officer who was threatened by a knife brandishing suspect after the officer observed and confronted a suspect shoplifting at the store. The suspect fled on foot and was later apprehended after Webster officers pursued him on foot. The suspect, James P. Scahill, 41, from 163 Manor Parkway, Rochester, was charged with Robbery 1st degree, a class B felony and Grand Larceny 4th, a class E felony. Scahill was remanded to the Monroe County Jail in lieu of $5000 cash bail by Webster Justice Thomas DiSalvo.

On March 10th, the investigation unit arrested Lisa M. Martinez, 39, 1034 Castle Bridge Crossing, Webster, for Grand Larceny 3rd, a class D felony and Identity Theft 1st, also a class D felony, after illegally utilizing personal information from a resident also residing at 1034 Castle Bridge Crossing in Webster. The victim reported $20,000-30,000 in losses. Also implicated in the crime and arrested was Martinez’s boyfriend, Willie Brown, 39, residing at 17 Manor Pkwy Rochester who was charged only with Identity Theft 1st degree. The elaborate scam employed by the suspects was for them to pay utility bills, cell phone bills, and gasoline for their “clients” will the stolen identity and credit line of their victim and then receive in return with half the amount back in cash.

On July 1st Webster police initiated an Arson investigation, at the Lowe’s store located at 900 Five Mile Line Road The call was initially reported as a structure fire with the building fully engulfed in smoke. Subsequent cause and origin investigation revealed the fire originated in Aisle #25 of the store in the grill sales area and it was determined to be intentionally set. The investigation continues at this time with a warrant active for a suspect believed to be out of the state.

On August 20, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. the Webster Police Department responded to a Motor Vehicle Accident occurring in the 1790 block of State Road in Webster in which two bicyclists were struck.

Webster Police subsequently arrested the driver of the striking vehicle, Michael P. Pattuca, 27, from 107 Rodney Lane in Penfield, with two counts of Driving While Intoxicated, both misdemeanor charges and the traffic violation of Unsafe Lane Change. The driver admitted to investigators that he had been text messaging on his cell phone which distracted him prior to the accident.

On November 9, 2008, at approximately 2:28 a.m., Webster Police Officer Douglas Rose became the victim of a drunk driver. Officer Rose was on-duty working a NYS funded “STOP DWI” detail specifically dedicated to “driving while intoxicated” enforcement. Officer Rose initiated a traffic stop on Route 104 eastbound just prior to the Five Mile Line Road exit. Officer Rose had just returned to his patrol car to run a data check when he was struck from behind by a Chevrolet pick-up truck traveling east on Route 104.

The pick-up truck left the scene after striking the police vehicle and pushing it into the other civilian vehicle which had been originally stopped by the officer. The suspect vehicle continued east on Route 104 and exited at Five Mile Line Road. Officer Rose was able to notify the police dispatcher what had occurred, providing a description of the suspect vehicle and direction of travel.

R esponding to Officer Rose’s assistance, Sgt. Michael Chiapperini observed the suspect vehicle exiting Route 104 onto Five Mile Line Road and subsequently made a stop and arrested the driver Amy M. Glover, 24, from 307 Lake Road, Ontario, New York. Glover was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident, and several other Vehicle & Traffic Law charges. Ms. Glover was arraigned in Webster Court on Wednesday November 26, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. before Justice Corretore.

On December 4th, the Webster Police arrested and charged Casey F. Jech, 18, from 657 Yardley Court, Webster, and 19 year old Kelsey E. Wing, from 3230 Brentwood Moran Road, Canandaigua, with Burglary 3rd, a class D felony and Grand Larceny 4th, a class E felony for crimes which occurred at the Webster Schroeder High School located at 875 Ridge Road in Webster.

These arrests were the result of an investigation led by Webster Police Investigator Charles Sciortino. Jech and Wing stole musical instruments from the school and pawned them at local Rochester pawn are both former Webster High School students. Jech and Wing were arraigned before Webster Town Justice Corretore and were each released on $10,000 bond.

Personnel Changes:

The police department lost three sworn officers and two full time civilian staffers due to retirement and resignation in 2008.

Civilian Staff:

On September 19th, records Clerk Supervisor George Lenhard retired after an outstanding 35 year career with the police department. George quietly worked behind the scenes trying to keep the numerous police records accurate and retrievable. The department certainly felt the loss and was appreciative of his long standing commitment to public service for the citizens of the Town of Webster.

On June 5th, Records Clerk Sue Mann retired after 16 years of dedicated service with the police department. Prior to coming to he police department Sue worked part time for the Town with Webster Area Youth Services and then the Town’s Parks and Recreation Department. Sue was known for her focus on friendly and conscientious public service at the police department and will be missed by the members of the department.

Sworn Staff:

January 2008 saw the departure of two Webster Police Officers. Officer Katie Houseknecht left the Police Department in January as did Officer Eric Brayer.

Officer Eric Brayer retired January 14th, after serving 11 ½ years with the Town. Officer Brayer was a lateral transfer from the Rochester Police Department where he had served since 1990.

September 12th, was the last working day of Investigator Guy Storrs who retired after an outstanding 20 plus year career in law enforcement. Storrs was a lateral transfer to Webster from the Seneca County Sheriffs Department. Investigator Storrs had served Webster since April, 1987. Investigator Storrs has the distinct honor of being the first, and only, K-9 Officer with the department.

Interviews were held with potential police officer candidates to fill both the vacancy created by Investigator Storr’s retirement and the vacancy created with the retirement of Officer Eric Brayer. The department did approve the hiring of Officer Brian McCoy a lateral transfer officer from Rochester Police Department. Officer McCoy started shortly after the New Year “2009” began.

Background investigations are ongoing to fill additional vacancies in the year 2009.

New Technology:

Technology continues to both challenge law enforcement efforts with such crimes as identify theft, cyber theft, and child pornography that are now becoming common place with the advent of computers as well as assist us in our crime fighting efforts. The police department continues to move forward with the very same technology that challenges us in order to make our jobs safer and more efficient.

Taser Grant Approved:
The department was pleased to be approved for a $40,000 grant received through the assistance of Senator Michael Nozzolio in November of last year. This grant will allow the police department to purchase, train and equip officers in the coming year with “less than lethal” electro muscular control device, specifically the Taser ® weapons.

The Taser ® weapons use propelled wires to conduct energy from the device to the intended subject. This energy affects the sensory and motor functions of the central nervous system. The “less than lethal” devices are proven to be a safer and more effective use-of-force option when situations escalate beyond verbal commands and chemical sprays. Studies have proven these devices not only reduce officer related injuries but can also save lives.
The devices have been proven to reduce officer shootings and suspect injuries. The electro muscular devices are making a number of communities, similar to Webster, safer by giving law enforcement officers more effective, safer tools to face violent, dangerous situations. As the violence in our society seems to increase, police departments need to take effective measures to safely disable violent threatening individuals.

We currently own only two such devices and have trained and outfitted just our first line supervisors with them simply due to costs associated with obtaining the units and training officers. This is problematic because the responding officers need to call for a Taser ® device to the scene when its use is indicated, which slows down deployment and many times misses the window of opportunity for its use. The funding to purchase additional units, properly train all officers and deploy the devices will alleviate these problems and allow our officers to perform their difficult job in the safest manner possible.

Specialized Emergency Vehicle:

The police department received the $50,000 grant (approved in 2007) through the assistance of Assemblyman David Koon for the purchase of a specialized S.U.V. patrol vehicle and to outfit it with the necessary emergency response equipment to include graphics, lights and siren along with infra red search and surveillance equipment. This vehicle will better allow our officers the ability to provide safety and security to our community

This vehicle will be utilized as an important component to provide protection for the Town of Webster and its residents by allowing officers to respond to emergencies with an all weather police vehicle with search and rescue capabilities. The infrared video surveillance ability will provide officers with the latest technology available to find lost children and / or elderly persons with dementia who may have wandered into densely wooded areas of town. This same technology will be regularly utilized to assist in the capture of criminals fleeing from apprehension within wooded and rural areas inside the town.

Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the Town of Webster Police Department has sought additional technology such as this in order to address homeland security issues as we work to guard Webster’s 34 square miles, which includes 22 miles of shoreline along Lake Ontario and the Irondequoit Bay. The town’s lakeshore exposure, comprised of eight and one half miles, provides ready landing area for illegal entries into the United States from Canada for those who may choose to cross Lake Ontario in order to enter our country.

The Town of Webster receives a great deal of annual snowfall due to “Lake Effect” which at times hinders the police department’s response capability with our current two wheel drive fleet vehicles. The grant money requested will greatly assist our department to continue to provide the best police service available to the citizens of our community.

none Traffic Car:With another $40,000 grant obtained through the assistance of Senator Michael Nozzolio in 2007, we were able to purchase and outfit a dedicated traffic car this past year. A 2008 Ford Crown Victoria Police Vehicle was purchased, which was outfitted with the emergency equipment necessary to perform in this capacity. The vehicle graphics will prominently display it as a “Dedicated Traffic Enforcement Unit”. It will be outfitted with both, LIDAR – laser speed measuring equipment, and RADAR – with a dual antenna (front and rear) speed measuring device.
The unit, when deployed, will focus on sobriety, seatbelt and vehicle safety checkpoints. This dedicated Traffic Enforcement Unit will also enhance traffic safety operations by targeting red light, school bus and aggressive driving violators, in addition to speed enforcement. Further enforcement operations will be directed to intersections with a disproportionate number of traffic collisions. The department continues to promote roadway safety through fair and consistent traffic enforcement, along with seeking additional resources necessary to adequately address traffic safety concerns. The department will also work to provide ongoing traffic safety through continuing public education in our schools, citizen police academies and enforcement efforts.

Automatic License Plate Reader:
The Webster Police Department received an Automatic License Plate Reader (LPR) valued at $20,000 from a grant through the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services License Plate Readers Project. DCJS purchased 48 License Plate Readers (LPRs) that were distributed to police agencies across the state, including the State Police, sheriffs, police departments in all large cities, and probation departments. The recipient agencies were required to utilize the LPRs for investigative purposes in high traffic areas, areas where crime is elevated, and areas where there is a significant potential threat to homeland security (for example, strategic bridges, such as the Bay Bridge). The LPR project strives to increase safety on New York’s roadways by:

rapidly detecting suspended and/or revoked operators and other motor vehicle crimes, including motor vehicle theft and motor vehicle insurance crimes; and
enhancing enforcement efforts relating to stolen vehicles, unregistered/uninsured motor vehicles, persistent scoff law violators, unlicensed operators, and sex offenders, while maintaining homeland security obligations.

New County Wide Radio System:

The police department continued the multi-year radio communications project through Monroe County Public Safety for procurement and installation of new mobile radio units in patrol vehicles to enable access to new county wide narrow band digital communications system. All of the patrol vehicles are now equipped with new Motorola multi channel narrow band capable digital radios.

All Webster officers have now been issued personnel Motorola multi- channel narrow band digital portable radios. The county wide radio communication system has almost been completed and when the county changes over to the new system we will be in compliance with new Federal Emergency radio requirements brought about in part due to emergency communication failures identified during the September 11th tragedies.

Patrol vehicles are now equipped with internet capable mobile data terminals which will allow officers to access multiple criminal intelligence data bases.

The administrative section of the police department worked with the City of Rochester and Monroe County with efforts to secure a new 911 Computer Aided Dispatch system which will integrates fully with a county wide records management, booking and the state wide traffic and criminal software system for more efficient and effective records management and statistical retrieval.

The Administrative Bureau also completed a large project which entailed moving the property and evidence storage room to a larger location within police department. The new storage area allows for increased and more efficient storage along with easier inventory capabilities.

The police department continued participation with several NYS Governor’s Traffic Safety programs including Buckle Up New York, Child Safety Seat inspections and installations, Stop Driving While Intoxicated Enforcement and Select Traffic Enforcement programs.

Community Service Section Updates:

CRIME PREVENTION SERVICES

Neighborhood Watch - Community Services continued to support twenty-two neighborhood watch programs with crime prevention efforts and numerous requests for assistance with quality of life issues (speeding, loud music, parties etc.) Community Services routinely shares crime prevention information and crime occurrences with its watch captains. Neighborhood Watch participants often reach out to Community Services for assistance. Webster Police Department welcomed six new neighborhood watches in 2008.

Personal Home Security Inspections - Requests for home security inspections increased in 2008. After a personal inspection of a residence, homeowners are given a written recommendation offering advice on how to improve their residence security. Burglary prevention information is consistently included with Community Services crime prevention presentations. Burglary prevention education is provided at community service functions, Neighborhood Watch, and to individual individuals.

SAFETY SERVICES

Child Safety Seat Inspections - In 2008, Community Services conducted approximately 148 car seat checks during our fitting station (daily operation) and facilitated three car seat check events which consisted of another 59 seat checks. A majority of seats were not properly installed and needed adjustments. The Police Department plans on holding Car Seat check events in June, July and September. safety checks are conducted through the year by appointment.

School Safety Patrol - The Community Service Officer helps school officials supervise the school safety patrol. Supplies, events etc. are coordinated for all elementary schools. The Community Services officer spoke to Plank North and Klem South safety patrols.

S.M.A.R.T.– As usual there was a high demand for its display on residential neighborhoods. The trailer was also used to monitor traffic flow and speeds.

Child ID/Fingerprint Program - Approximately 300 ID kits with photographs were distributed in 2008 at various events in Webster. Residents commonly call the Community Services Section requesting child Id’s. Child ID’s were available at all community service events, including Community Arts Day, West Webster Fire Dept open house, and the Webster Fire Dept open house.

ENFORCEMENT SERVICES

Bicycle Patrol - Conducted numerous hours of patrol in the village, parks, subdivisions, festivals, and bike trails. Officers Deb Hart and Pete Scorsone were certified as bike patrol officers in 2008.

Snowmobile Patrol - With the adoption of new local snowmobile laws, Webster officers were busy addressing nuisance complaints regarding citizen snowmobile use. The Webster Police Department also took part in a State wide campaign known as Snowmobile Safety Inspection in which we conducted checks on the snowmobile, equipment, insurance and registration. The Webster Police Department, along with the Webster Ridge Runners snowmobile club, conducted two youth snowmobile classes certifying youths between the ages of 10 to 17 to operate a snowmobile safely and legally. Officer Sotir instructed the classes. Officers Tony Galante and Pete Scorsone were certified in snowmobile patrol in 2008.

Special Attentions - Community Services and road patrol officers conducted hundreds of special attentions throughout residential and commercial areas. CSS continued coordinated numerous speeding special attentions and provided radar enforcement in neighborhoods where speeding was reported. Speed enforcement is the most frequently requested Special Attention from local residents.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS - AWARENESS SERVICES

Citizen Police Academy - Forty-three participants attended the fall academy. All graduates viewed a variety of law enforcement presentations.

Senior Citizen Police Academy - Twenty-six participants graduated from the 9th annual Senior Citizen Police Academy in 2008.

Student Police Academy Camp - The Webster Police Department facilitated the 6th Student Police Camp in July, 2008. The program was expanded in 2008 from five days to a total of eight days. Seventeen students participated this past year in the Camp and enjoyed demonstrations in topics such as Criminal Investigations/Truth Detection, Hazardous Device (Bomb) Disposal Squad, DWI/ Traffic Enforcement, Fire Investigations, “Shoot Don’t Shoot” training, S.W.A.T., Crime Scene Investigations/Evidence Collection and more.

Making a Difference Award -The “Making a Difference” award continues to thrive. A total of six schools participate in the monthly and yearly segments. Six students were selected from Webster High Schools who were honored at the Webster Police 1000 Club Annual Awards Dinner on March 1st, 2008. The Making a Difference committee consists of Schroeder Principal Joe Pustulka, Thomas Principal John Walker, Willink School Psychologist Sandy Herman, and Schroeder School Psychologist Elizabeth McCusker.

Education

Presentations - The Community Services Section coordinated numerous crime prevention and safety awareness presentations to youth and adults in our community throughout the past year. These presentations cover many topics, including, but not limited to: home security, personal Safety, DWI prevention, fraud and con awareness, rape awareness, talking to your kids about drugs, child abduction awareness, sexual abuse awareness, Seniors Security, Drug Awareness, Babysitter Orientation, Home Alone, Meet a Police Officer, Driver Education, Tobacco/Alcohol Awareness, Observation & Inference, and more.

DARE - The DARE classes continue to receive favorable reviews from parents, teachers and students. In 2008, Officer Hart & Officer Scorsone delivered the Dare Program to eight public and private elementary schools consisting of twenty-seven classrooms and approximately 650 fifth and sixth students. The DARE Vehicle, donated by the Kiwanis Club of Webster, appeared in numerous community events and is available upon request.

Law Enforcement Explorer Post:
none In 2008, the Webster Police Explorer Post continued under the direction of Officer Deb Hart. The post participated in their annual spaghetti dinner benefit held at the Masonic Temple to raise money for various charities and to fund various post expenses. They also assisted in several Community Service Unit details. The details included assisting officers at car seat events and at an organized law enforcement motorcycle ride fund raiser. The Explorer Post also assisted with a food drive for the Webster Comfort Care Home and worked to recruit additional members for their post at the Community Arts Day at Webster Schroeder High School. The Post is currently comprised of 15 dedicated youths interested in learning about law enforcement careers.

Serve, Guide and Protect:

Hopefully this Webster Police Department snapshot of 2008 provides you with a sense of your police department’s on-going dedication to professional service to you, our most valued client. The Webster Police department will remain a pro-active law enforcement agency committed to providing quality and professional law enforcement services to the citizens and business community of the Town and Village of Webster.

The Webster Police Department will continue our community policing efforts and focus on quality of life issues by providing courteous service to our citizens with an emphasis on customer satisfaction. We will work with you to continue our vigilance in keeping our community safe as we move forward into a prosperous New Year.

Thank you for your continuing support!

Chief Gerald L. Pickering