Medford's 21st Century Police Department
Jeanne’s Proposal for a Capital Improvement Plan
Public safety is the first priority of any government whether it is local or national. For us the Medford Police Department is the first line of defense against citizens taking the law into their own hands. A well-run police force can prevent crime. The street presence of police officers not only prevents crime but also lets the citizenry know, “We’ve got this, you don’t have to take the law into your own hands.” We integrated the schools now it is time to integrate the police department and move the law enforcement agency in Medford into the 21st Century. Currently they are housed in a 20th Century building that is inadequate for all officers, especially female officers. We no longer just lock up a drunk over night in this town to sober him up. We have complexity in our prison population as well. We have more female detainees to worry about. We have minorities who find themselves in the custody of law-enforcement more often than their white counter-parts. For most people it is not easy to talk about race and gender in law-enforcement or prison populations but they are a reality and become more so for Medford every year. Everyone needs to get behind both the New Police Station and New Officers.
Building the building is the easy part – though the most costly. We need one not only for the officers but whether we want to deal with it or not the prison population as well. We don’t like to think about it but we must. The hard part comes later when we have the sensitive discussion of race and gender and the evolving role of the police officers themselves. We build a new police station for 28 million if that is what it takes to keep our families safe. We build it with wheel-chair access, with gender equity, and technology that allows policing easier and safer. Black male lives are especially effected by the criminal justice system. We need to work on this subtle form of discrimination before they see the inside of a jail cell. We have black male children in this city and they are statistically more likely to interact with police with a negative result. Hiring black officers is not a cure all but it is a good start.
According to the 2000 U.S. Census Medford’s demographics looked like this: White 86.5% ; Black 6.1% ; Asian 3.9% ; Hispanic 2.6 %.
According to the 2010 U.S. Census Medford’s demographics looked like this; White including white Hispanics was 78.6% ; white only 76.2% ; Black 8.8% ; Asians 6.9% ; Hispanic 4.4% ; two or more races 2.7%. Also of note foreign born 20.9%.
Home ownership rate is 61.1%. Housing units in multi unit structures is 51.8%.
We are an urban city and a racially changing one. We also have a large rental population, which may preceive public participation as a threat to their housing status or not feeling as confident to speak because “we only rent”. So those of us with more need to speak for those who may not be able too.
Do you realize that this city of 56,000 people has only 100 police officers? Adding 12 new officers is not too much to ask. We can call them the Class of 2014 or at the very latest the Class of 2016. But sooner or later we are going to have to replace the old ones and I strongly suggest we hirer minority officers in such a number to be effective throughout the city. We should hire six black officers, three Hispanic officers, and three white officers for the class of 2014. The police union is also going to have to adjust to the changes in society for it is used to a seniority system and that works well when we are replacing similar people (i.e. white male for white male). Medford hires police officers for a purpose and that purpose must come first. This view will meet with tension I am sure. But Medford needs two women on each shift, not six on any one shift. Women are beaten, raped, or commit crime on all three shifts and that is why we as a community need them on all three shifts. The same is true for black, brown, and white officers. So we need two women on every shift, two black men on every shift, and one Hispanic on every shift. Union leadership is going to have to make adjustments as well.
I can talk about race and gender and the needs of this community so easily because I have been in those boots. I served with many minorities and in a MOS with very few women, sometimes the only women. Back in the dark ages (1983 during my time) both white and black women together made up 10% of the entire Army and in the enlisted ranks 42% of those women were black (black women only made up 6% of all American women). All together black women and black men made up 30 % of the U.S. Army (and were only 12% of the general population).
I highly suggest that you hire as many recently discharged veterans; black, brown, and white as possible. If you wish hire six vets and six civilians. Whatever moves this city forward.
We need to bring Medford’s Police Department into the 21st century.
Respectfully,
Jeanne Martin
Lorraine
7:37 pm on Sunday, June 10, 2012
Equality means equal you should hire based upon test scores and the best candidate not because of race or gender. Enough already.
Jeanne Martin
12:11 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Hi Lorraine,
Thank you for your comment. Currently we are paying civilian women to come in at all hours of the day and night to guard the increasing numbers of women being arrested in Medford. They are called Matrons. More than ever before are finding themselves in police custody. There are protocols that must be adhered too in regard to female detainees. In 2012, there is no reason we can't save money and have a more professional police force. Having 6-8 women officers covering all shifts would fix this problem. Thank you again for your comment.
Respectfully,
Jeanne Martin
Grove St Resident
9:55 pm on Sunday, June 10, 2012
This is one of the silliest and most self serving things I have ever read. Is this for real? If it is you have some underlying issues that should be attended to.
Jeanne Martin
12:14 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Dear Grove Street Resident,
I would respect your opinion more if you identified yourself by name. Public Safety is not a joke. This city needs to face the increasing crime rate. Most people arrested come back to the same place they started from, our city.
Thank you for your comment. What is your suggestion?
Jeanne Martin
Grove St Resident
10:00 pm on Sunday, June 10, 2012
Where are you on the civil service list? Do you need some sort of special list to get hired? I find this disgraceful and insulting to minorities and non-minorities. It is also insulting to the men and women of the Medford Police Department.
Jeanne Martin
12:23 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Dear Grove Street Resident,
Please identify yourself with your full name. I respect all view points even if they are mine. Healthy debate is good for a democracy. I am not on the civil service list to answer your question. The women and men of the police department know that increasing minorities and women helps them develop trust with all segments of the city. If they don't they should - and it will make there job easier.
Respectfully,
Jeanne Martin
Loresha
6:51 am on Monday, June 11, 2012
So only black officers can deal with black people? Only female officers can respond to calls with females?
Jeanne Martin
12:33 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Hi Loresha,
Thank you for your comment, debate is healthy for an open society. No, not only women can deal women or black officers can deal with black officers. We have an ever increasing female criminal population. There are protocols in dealing with this population. Also, a female cop (especially a mother) with a male cop would be an asset to have on a domestic call.Thank you for pointing that out. This is my view, should you have a better idea, please let me know.
Respectfully,
Jeanne Martin
Richie M
3:08 pm on Monday, June 11, 2012
Left-wing utopian drivel.
Jeanne Martin
12:38 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Hi Richie M.
It is easier to hide behind a computer and complain than it is to get involved and make a useful solution. What is your solution to the structures of the police, fire, and DPW? What are your suggestions for improving the police force and building trust with the people of the city? Don't criticize me, come down to the council meeting on Tuesday night and let your voice be heard.
Respectfully,
Jeanne Martin
Jason Kelly
4:42 pm on Monday, June 11, 2012
Hiring solely on the basis of skin color or gender is just wrong. If the person is not qualified, regardless of the color of their skin or their gender they are not qualified. In business when this happens you loose money. In law enforcement when this happens people can get killed.
Jeanne Martin
12:48 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Hi Jason Kelly,
First I respect the fact that you state your full name. I also can appreciate your view, However The Marines currently enlist women for the purpose of engagement with Afghan women. They serve as special agents to engage with the families in villages, they are seen as allies to Afghan women and there children and often give them information that men would not be able to obtain. I still believe in more minority hires, and maybe one way to have that happen is to encourage more minorities to take the civil service test. Civil Service is often an insider's game, no different than Harvard. But we still need to open the process up. Thank you for your comment.
Respectfully,
Jeanne Martin
Kasey Hariman
10:28 am on Tuesday, June 12, 2012
This is just a reminder that anyone on Patch can start a blog and post an opinion piece if they'd like. If anyone else would like to lay out their plan about a different way to reform the Medford Police Department (or why they think the Department doesn't need reform) or write on any other topics, feel free!
To start a blog/submit a piece like this, just go to the Medford Patch homepage, scroll down below the main square of 1 big photo and 3 small ones, and click "Start a Blog" right below the lower-left-hand photo. Patch will take you through the instructions, but feel free to shoot me an email at kasey.hariman@patch.com if you have any questions or there's anything I can help you with.
Public Access Producer
11:18 am on Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Good work, Jeanne. You have people thinking. First, it is stunning not to see comments about the police headquarters and the shape the building is in. Ms. Martin addresses that first. Lorraine writes "Equality means equal you should hire based upon test scores and the best candidate not because of race or gender" - that we have women on the police force clearly indicates they passed the test, but the bigger issue Jeanne brings to light is that our police force is not at full strength. That is not "Left wing utopian drivel" as self-described troll/victim Richie M suggests, it's another fact. Building falling apart, force not at full strength, as well as the fact that all of Medford's boards, commissions and other very public entities do not reflect the diversity of this city. One openly gay elected official, Carl Sciortino, a nice enough guy, but he appears to do more for Tufts University than the residents of Medford...gay, straight, Martian or Eskimo. Kasey Harlman summed it up nicely...if you have a different point of view, write your own blog. It takes courage to speak up...Jeanne's got them thinking. Good job.
Jeff C
2:14 pm on Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Joe before you start giving out advice to others why don't you put your money where your mouth is. End your abnormal obsession with all things Michael McGlynn and show us how brave you are. Put YOUR name on the ballot and run against him.
Kasey Hariman
10:28 am on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Jeff, it's okay to criticize someone without trying to run for their office. Can you imagine if everyone who disagreed with Obama ran for president, or even if everyone who disagreed with McGlynn ran for Mayor of Medford? You and Joe may not get along, but please keep it civil while you're on Medford Patch. This is a forum for discussion, not for insults.
Public Access Producer
3:44 pm on Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Hello Jeff, funny how a criticism is construed as "obsession" by supporters of a Mayor who has outstayed his welcome. Trust me, McGlynn steps down, he won't be criticized. An obsession would last longer than the guy's in office. As for candidates for Mayor, I reserve the right to vote for the candidate of my choice. Since other people are more qualified (and McGlynn has two opponents in 2013 that I know of so far), why should I jump into the battle? That would be an abnormal obsession...speaking of which, please refrain from following my comments on Patch. Thank you.
Jeff C
10:56 pm on Tuesday, June 12, 2012
As the self-proclaimed leader of the opposition I figured that you would be the "tip of the spear". But I'm not surprised. Like you said Joe it takes courage. You prefer to hide behind the others who actually step into the ring and take the blows so you can breathlessly report on how many hits your blog Disinformation Central receives. Unfortunately it's rather difficult to avoid you on the Patch, as you appear to be an inveterate troll. But to honor your request I will refrain from following the bilge you post.
Public Access Producer
11:16 pm on Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Dear Patch: "Jeff C" is - clearly - violating terms of service and taunting. I gave him a reasonable response but it is obvious he is looking to spam and cause a "flame war". The readers see I don't need to hide behind a handle like "Jeff C" when yours truly is on the front lines speaking at the City Council and, unlike "Jeff C", willing to put my photograph out there. This, people, is what you have to deal with when working to improve your community. People who don't want to legitimately discuss Jeanne Martin's excellent piece, people who have only one goal - attempt to discredit those in the "opposition." Newsflash to Jeff C, the opposition has already won.
Tony
1:15 pm on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Is this woman for real?
Jeanne Martin
2:00 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Dear Tony,
I assure you that I am real. I would ask that you meet me at city hall every Tuesday night at 7pm.
Respectfully,
Jeanne Martin
Ronnie
6:45 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
What a joke this is. America is going backwards and everyone cheers for it and votes those who hurt the working class. Change? Hope? Now Forward? Enough already.
MO
10:21 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
"Forward" is a well known Marxist slogan. Look it up.
Jeanne Martin
2:06 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Dear Ronnie,
I assure you that this is not a joke. People's lives are at risk. I would ask that you produce your solution. The working class like yourself should be down at the city hall expressing your view point and the need for a new police, fire, and DPW yard. Also, you should be standing up for the current officers by asking for more. Show up and let your voice be heard.
Respectfully,
Jeanne Martin
Ronnie
11:26 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
Thanks MO, seems like that's what they want.
Jeanne Martin
2:09 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Dear Ronnie,
I am only an I but we all live in one city. We all must figure out together where this city is going. Thank you for your comment.
Respectfully,
Jeanne Martin
Mike
2:19 pm on Saturday, June 16, 2012
God bless America here also. High test score and best candidate should get the job.
Papi
2:16 pm on Sunday, June 17, 2012
Entitlement because of race or sex has become the norm in Massachusetts. It is wrong on so many levels. We have a president and governow who have also gone as far as they have because of minority status and people still aren't happy.
Jeanne Martin
2:12 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Dear Mike,
Thank you for your comment. I agree, God bless America. I believe veterans get a five point advantage, would you take that away from them?
Respectfully,
Jeanne Martin
Public Access Producer
3:58 pm on Sunday, June 17, 2012
I find Papi's comment offensive and drifting off topic. The President, Barack Obama, got to be the leader of the free world because of his brilliance, not his skin color. If anything, being biracial held him back because of the blatant racism across this country, the above post being prima facie evidence of that. Obama was my second choice, I wanted Hillary Clinton to be our president for a number of reasons - she's brilliant, a woman president would be less difficult facing discrimination than a man of color, she knows how to navigate the highly suspect politicians they have to listen to. Barack Obama should put Hillary on the ticket for Vice President. The Democrats want it, the progressives want it, the undecided independents want it. Joe Biden's a smart man who should be doing something his skills are more suited for. We need a police force, and a city council and a school committee that somewhat reflects the diversity of our city. What some of these politicians are good at is getting elected. Because they are proficient at winning elections doesn't mean they are the best candidates to run our city.
Papi
8:05 pm on Sunday, June 17, 2012
And here is exactly why this country is going in the direction it is. Both the candidates you mention are terrible. Clinton was involved in more criminal activity you can shake a stick at. Did you sleep through the 90s? Illegal land deals, political corruption and scandals and manipulating the media is your ideal candidate? The so called president(Brilliant?) was a junior senator with a terrible voting record.He used his race to his advantage when it suited him. He and his friend Deval made money off the mortage scam and don't forget his wife worked for the very health care industry he has made major(terrible) decisions about. It is 100% on topic as this woman has an agenda and seems to believe a person should be hired because of what race or gender they are. This is sickening and if the truth offends you oh well. You like to spread your opinions all over the internet but nobody else can give their's without it being offensive? I suppose his illegal alien relatives are being picked on because of their race too.
Public Access Producer
5:55 am on Monday, June 18, 2012
Thou dost protesteth a bit too much, Papi. If your life consists of Republican talking points there can be no intelligent conversation with you. This topic is about a police station falling apart and you go off on a rant declaring you are "100 % on topic" while you throw wild accusations out there that have nothing to do with Medford's 21st Century Police Department
Papi
11:38 am on Monday, June 18, 2012
This discussion was about this woman's warped views about ratios and how only minorities can deal with monorities.She started out about the building and numbers but quickly went into her own agenda. Perhaps you should read the story before your rant Joe. Stick to records and local cable tv for you not knoweth what you speak. Love the story about the lawsuit in the Tufts paper Joe, the comments are even better.
Jeanne Martin
2:16 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Dear Papi,
Name calling is a expression of frustration, I would ask you to argue on the merits. Some people have given them. I would ask you not to refer to my views as warped. Just state that you don't agree. It makes for a better volley of ideas.
Respectfully,
Jeanne Martin
Public Access Producer
12:19 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Dear Patch, Papi refuses to sign his/her name and has leveled a personal attack going way off topic. Trolls starting flame wars have to stay incognito. Those of us fighting on the front lines make positive changes in our society. Papi should learn how to spell before she/he engages mouth and inserts foot.
Papi
12:42 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Read Jeanne's new comments. She says Medford should have 6 to 8 women covering each shift. But I am wrong about my thoughts? She is comparing a matron to police officers. Good ole' Mayor McGlynn would have a stroke if he had to pay matrons police salaries.
Jeanne Martin
1:00 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Dear Papi,
Thank you for pointing out the tying error Papi. Having 6 to 8 women spanning all three shifts would fix this problem. Thanks for being my editor Papi.
Respectfully,
Jeanne Martin
George
2:34 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
You are comparing Marines to local police departments. They are nothing alike. Do you have any experience as a police officer or a Marine in Afganistan? Veterans don't get points they get put at the top of the civil service list as long as they pass the exam.How does being a minority make anyone better at anything? If we are all going to be equal then we should all be equal. No more special lists or changing standards to get hired. The current physical standards and written tests are a joke. Why is that Jeanne?
Jeanne Martin
4:43 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Dear George,
Thank you for your comment. I am glad we are having this conversation. While you may not see the correlation between the Marines and the local police department I do. We are both aloud to have our own opinions. I see the value that women (especially mothers) can bring in deescalating situations that might otherwise spin out of control. I have seen it happen in different jobs in my life. No, I have never been a police officer, or a Marine in Afghanistan, have you? One does not have to be better than the other. Women have different sets of communication styles that may change the out come on the street. If you disagree that's fine. As for black, Hispanic, women, and veterans they add to the diversity of thought and experience. You have the right to challenge my belief as you have but that's what is great about America. As for the physical standards, are you suggesting they have been lowered so that women can be let in? Thank you for your comment. Let your city council know what you think. Get active. My voice and yours are only 2 out of 56,000.
Respectfully,
Jeanne Martin
Jeanne Martin
4:50 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Dear editor, before this gets corrected I spelled allowed wrong. Thank you.
Jeanne Martin
Jeanne Martin
4:54 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Dear George,
Thank you for letting me know how the veteran's preference works. Should veterans go to the top of the list in your opinion?
Respectfully,
Jeanne Martin
Larry
8:29 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Yes they should.
Jeanne Martin
11:02 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Dear Larry,
Thank you for your comment. I agree, can you please tell me why you believe veterans should come first?
Respectfully,
Jeanne Martin
Larry
8:33 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
I think the physical standards were lowered for females. I also don't think because someone is a mother they can deescalate a situation better. Kids and criminals are worlds apart. Your opinions are just that your opinions. So just like you and Joe we will also have our opinions. Many of us actually have some knowledge on the subject so when you try to force your opinion as how it should be people are going to disagree. I can say you are dead wrong on many of these issues and I can see this is your hobby. Enjoy yourself and I wish you health and happiness in your life.
Jeanne Martin
10:52 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Dear Larry,
Thank you for the comment. No one is stopping you from having your opinion, in fact my blog gave you the opportunity to express it. Good for you.
Respectfully,
Jeanne Martin
Jeanne Martin
6:44 pm on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Entitlements come in many forms. When an uncle, brother, sister, or cousin helps a relative navigate the system that is not an entitlement but an advantage based on insider information. An entitlement is when a nephew or son/daughter expects and aids with his already existing power to get him or her on the force. That is another form of entitlement. It is true of Milton Academy, or some law firm in Boston. We are no different. It is a form of entitlement just the same.
Respectfully,
Jeanne Martin
Lynn Colbert
1:45 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
I just want to know where Jeanne came up with a $28 Million Dollar police station... a little research would be practical before you start hurling numbers around.
Jeanne Martin
11:25 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Dear Lynn,
Thank you for your question. That was the number that one of the councilors stated as a probable amount. Thank you for asking about the building complex. Would you like to see a stand alone police station or station built with other cities near by? You know you have a voice in the process don't you? Some people would like to see a police department that would be shared with other cities. I wouldn't. I think a city of 56,000 people should have it's own station. Thank you for engaging in the dialog. I am only one of 56,000 people, think about it and let your elected officials know what you think is best.
Respectfully,
Jeanne Martin