21st Century Policing

OP-ED: Who Gets to Reform the Police?

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“Owning your own narrative” is a common expression used in business, in politics, and in private life where personal reputation is at stake. Owning your narrative means ensuring that what is told about you matches the way you’d like it to be told, without distortions, mischaracterization, half-truths, or false perceptions. If you are waging a battle in the arena of public opinion, and others succeed in owning your narrative, you have lost the battle. If you are paying even the slightest attention to town politics, you are aware that there is a police crisis in Watertown, centered around alleged racist behavior regarding stops, citations, and arrests. In my opinion — and I believe in the opinion of the vast majority of residents — this is an invented crisis.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Arrest Waltham Man Who Had an Illegal Firearm, Variety of Drugs

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Watertown Police arrested a 25-year-old Waltham man found to have an unlicensed firearm and drugs. On the evening of April 27, a Palfrey Street resident called Police because he suspected two men had been attempting to break into his home. When Police arrived, the homeowner pointed out two men walking down Palfrey Street, away from the house, and officers were able to stop them, said Watertown Police Lt. James O’Connor. One was identified as Ernest Russo of Waltham. “While they were speaking with the two men, one of the officers observed Mr. Russo clutching something in his waistband,” O’Connor said.

Defund the Police

OP-ED: Is it Really Time to Cancel the Police?

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In cities and towns across the country, the very concept of policing is under fire, and whether you are aware of it or not, Watertown is no exception. It seems that not a week goes by without a bad cop, somewhere, adding fuel to that fire. Whether it’s a veteran cop somehow mistaking her gun for a taser and killing a young Black man, or a bully with a badge pepper-spraying a respectful and compliant Black army lieutenant, anti-police activists need only to say: “See, it happened again and it will keep happening, unless we do something.”

Defund the Police became a popular rallying cry during the racial protest demonstrations resulting from the killing of George Floyd and the killings of too many other Black Americans who died as a result of unwarranted lethal force at the hands of white cops. The video of George Floyd’s murder by Derek Chauvin was absolute gut-wrenching proof that policing in America requires reexamination and overdue reform. It was only natural that in cities and towns across the nation, residents, including some in Watertown, began asking:

Could that happen here?

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Believe Three Vehicle Thefts Linked to Town are Related

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Three stolen vehicle incidents in Watertown appear to be linked to each other, according to Watertown Police. One of the vehicles was reported stolen from Watertown, and two vehicles reported stolen from other communities were found in Town, said Watertown Police Lt. James O’Connor. The first incident was reported on March 23 at 2:03 p.m. The owner of a 2007 Chevy pickup reported the vehicle stolen. It was parked at a Dexter Avenue business at noon and when the owner came back an hour later, it was missing, O’Connor said. At about 3:50 p.m., the van was found in Newton.

Police/Fire

Police Arrest Watertown Man Suspected of Distributing Cocaine, Marijuana

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A 28-year-old Watertown man faces charges of possession of drugs with intent to distribute following an investigation by Watertown Police and an area drug task force. Police served a warrant on Garnett J. Miles’ home on Waverley Avenue on March 18 at 9:31 a.m., according to Watertown Police Lt. James O’Connor. The arrest came after a month-long investigation between the WPD and the Suburban Middlesex County Drug Task Force. “As a result, of the investigation, a search warrant was executed at his residence,” O’Connor said. “Our investigation revealed we had probable cause he was distributing narcotics from his residence.”

Police/Fire

Police Log: Fake Explosion Reported, Drunk Men Try to Get in Wrong House

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests

March 10, 5:42 a.m.: Watertown Police were contacted by the Suffolk County Probation Department, which had a warrant for a Watertown resident. Police went to his address and the 20-year-old Watertown man was placed under arrest on the warrant for violating the terms of his probation. Incidents

March 8, 9:19 a.m.: An elderly woman said she believes she was scammed by someone who called her two weeks prior. The caller said he could provide a service that would prevent her computer from being hacked.

Around Town

Watertown Police Officers Cook Up, Serve St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast to Homeless Veterans

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Watertown Police officers Keith Parent (front), Kyle Rooney, Frank Forde and Mike Martino work with a member of the New England Center and Home for Veterans to serve breakfast on St. Patrick’s Day. The effort was spearheaded by Forde. More than a dozen Watertown police officers and firefighters gathered early on the morning of St. Patrick’s Day at the Sons of Italy Hall to prepare a traditional Irish breakfast for 200 people at the New England Center and Home for Veterans.

Government

LETTER: Councilor Discusses Upcoming Meetings Look at Police Services in Watertown

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The following statement was first read by Councilor Lisa Feltner at the March 9 Town Council meeting:

Watertown is very proud of its police department. The men and women who have served here, have served with distinction, and we appreciate overall their dedication to keeping us safe. They put their lives on the line for us every day. There are members of our community that have some concerns, which is understandable given all that has happened over the past year and in light of the pandemic, which has prompted questions about municipal and societal priorities across the country. The Town Council unanimously recommended the Public Safety Committee hold meetings to discuss current services and operations of our police department.