Police Presence
The federal government in recent times has invested heavily in the community police force, as crime has taken on a more violent nature. Community grants have become a means for enlarging local police forces without adding huge cost burdens on the taxpayers. President Bill Clinton has pledged to put 100,000 additional police officers out in society to counteract the very disturbing trends that have been appearing. The railroad’s police department, in an innovative move which outpaced the rest of the railroad industry, has secured from the U. S. Department of Justice a $225,000. grant, effective for three years, under the Community Oriented Police Services (“COPS”) program.
The grant application was written by Captains Fred Fraini and John Holland for submission in December 1997. Final approval was received in August 1998 and has resulted in the employment of three additional police officers. The grant provides that the Department of Justice will pay one-half of the salaries and expenses of these officers for three years. While the additional positions will permit expansion of the police coverage under the existing plans of operation, the award of the grant carries some conditions which will actually enhance the role of the railroad’s policeman. “Community policing” is the essence of these conditions, which will involve input from rail employees, customers, neighbors and local police agencies in developing innovative methods to combat crime, increase outreach educational efforts and expand crime prevention campaigns. The basic means of meeting this goal of community policing is effective communication between railroad police and these other entities.
“Operation Lifesaver” has been a highly successful method of contacting the community and, in particular, the children, who need to be taught to respect the railroad operation and keep a safe distance. This program will be further expanded, including the education of truck and bus drivers, to gain maximum coverage. A “Near Hit” program is being developed to implement traffic enforcement as a followup to dangerous vehicle operation observed at grade crossings. This program will involve greater interaction of railroad police with local departments. And greater contact with residents, train and track crews, local businesses and community organizations will be sought as the drive toward greater crime awareness is increased.
The three new officers all had prior police experience. David DiTullio holds the degree of Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and recently graduated from the Massachusetts Criminal Training Council Full Time Police Officer Academy. He had worked as a part time officer in Westborough, MA and now is headquartered at North Billerica. Jeffrey Landgren holds a Bachelor of Science degree in public safety and a Master’s degree in criminal justice. He is a police academy graduate and was a police officer in Hubbardston, MA. Jeff also is headquartered at North Billerica. Michail Grizkewitsch, headquartered at Waterville, ME, graduated from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and holds an Associate’s Degree in Law Enforcement. He was formerly a member of the Waterville, ME police department and also served in law enforcement capacities while a member of the U. S. Air Force
