In an effort to make the streets safer, residents from the precinct 3 (Point Shirley area) and precinct 6 (Highlands area) neighborhoods joined Winthrop police officers and town councilors for a discussion on crime prevention and safety issues that plague the area.
Police officers Steve Rogers, Faton Ramadani, Robert Impemba, Phil Hamilton, Dep. Chief John Goodwin, Town Council President Ron Vecchia, Councilors Linda Calla, Nick Loconte and Sarko
Gergerian.
The drug problem was among the many issues discussed, and proved to be the most concerning to the majority of neighbors. In response to this concern, Deputy Chief John Goodwin shared the department’s plans for a task force that will consist of Revere, Winthrop, Chelsea, and potentially East Boston, joining forces to combat the epidemic.
“I think this will bring a great resource to this town,†said Goodwin. “We are being proactive about the problem, and we are going to stop it before it starts.â€
While the task force is still in the beginning stages, there has already been major movement, as a group of Revere and Winthrop officers were responsible for seizing over $1.3 million as a result of a search warrant that resulted in the arrest of six individuals who were distributing crack cocaine. The main dealer had a residence in Winthrop, however targeted the Revere Beach area for distribution, resulting in a collaborated effort from both Revere and Winthrop departments. The task force led by Revere Drug Unit Supervisor, Robert Impemba, was called Operation Waterfront and was executed on Feb. 7. Massachusetts law states that 50-percent of the seized funds gets divided among the investigating law enforcement agencies, which in this case would be Revere and Winthrop, and the remaining 50-percent goes to the District Attorney officer. While he is assigned to Revere, Impemba is also overseeing the drug cases in Winthrop and working closely with Winthrop Police Department.
“All we need is a home address and if you have any tips on what is going on during certain times of the day,†said Impemba, who strongly urges residents to notify the police of any drug-related incidents.
According to data from 2017, Winthrop was ranked as number 91, out of 350 cities and towns across the Commonwealth, as far as being safe. With the gang problems just next door in Chelsea and Revere, the Winthrop Police Department is working to deter any of that activity from spilling into Winthrop.
“The trick is to come together and work with our police force,†said Precinct 3 Councilor Nick LoConte.
Goodwin and fellow officers made it clear that residents are the best resource in assisting the police department when it comes to solving crimes and ridding the town of drugs. It’s crucial to say something if you see something and anonymous tips are accepted in the event that a resident is hesitant to leave their name. Having home surveillance cameras is another way that has proven beneficial to assisting the department with cracking down on criminal cases, and it’s crucial to notify the police in the event that you install one, as it could be useful in tracking down a suspect in a future crime. Goodwin advised neighbors that the classic approaches such as getting to know your neighbors, keeping up on crime trends and spreading the word about suspicious activity, are proven ways to reduce crime.
“Always lock your car doors,†said Chief Terrence Delehanty. “Ninety-seven percent of reports show that thieves are now simply opening unlocked doors and stealing contents from inside the vehicle instead of busting windows to break in.â€
The key to ensuring safe neighborhoods is by promoting what is called 21st century policing, which was enacted as a result of the Ferguson shooting in 2014. The creation of the task force was put in place to build better relationships between police and civilians, and Winthrop has initiated the following programs to build partnerships between officers and residents:
School Resource Officer
Problem Properties
Bike Rodeo
Special Olympics
Public Safety Night
Toys for Tots
Wounded Vets
Police Explorer program
Citizens Police Academy
Coffee with a Cop
Crisis Intervention Teams
“We need you to trust us and have confidence in our job,†said Goodwin.
For incidents that need the immediate intervention of a police officer, residents can call 911. Questions and tips can be directed to the Winthrop Police Department number at 617-846-1212. For heath or drug-related questions, residents can contact the Winthrop Health Department 617-846-1077 ext. 1061.