Captain's Report:  Bad news - 2 homicides!  Otherwise, good news:  crime down in all
other areas, including theft from auto (which has already started to rise again).



There have been noticeable crime increases in neighborhoods where "homeless
shelters" have been set up.



Announcements:  Third District Community Police Officer Ace Delgado is planning a
Family Day for Saturday, August 8, 2009, from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m.  Annunciation BVM
has offered its grounds for the festivities, and each neighborhood is responsible
for setting up an activities table.  We get to decide the activity for our Hawthorne
table...something that's fun for the kids or at least helpful to attendees.  Please
feel free to offer suggestions at the upcoming HEC meetings.



Calvary AME Church is sponsoring a "meet-and-greet the police officer" on April 3,
2009.  The gathering will be at the church, 604 Dickinson Street, from 3:00 p.m. to
5:00 p.m.



Crime victims and/or their supporters will hold a 19th anniversary gathering at 719
Catharine Street, also on April 3.



February's  police officer of the month: Modesto Fargas!



*****************end******************





P. Cephas submission

Captain Hugh Lynch filled in for our 3rd District Captain who's still away for
training.

Captain Lynch reminded us of the Police Department Advisory Council's (PDAC)
function to keep an open line with the community so that residents' concerns can be
addressed through the proper City sources for resolution.  In other words, if you're
not sure who should be handling what in your neighborhood, let your PDAC
representative know so that the inquiry can be presented to the Advisory Council,
who will in turn make sure that access to the proper City agency is made available.

Captain Lynch echoed the assessment heard at several recent meetings that our 3rd
District crime statistics continue to be driven by "theft-from-auto" crimes.  So,
when you park your car, lock it and please take its contents with you.

Philadelphia Police Explorers Cadet Post is a program for young adults between 14
and 20 years of age who might be interested in a law enforcement career.  The
Explorers meet on Saturdays at the Police Academy for training.  Special Units
include the Honor Guard and the Bicycle Unit that often use their cadets in official
ceremonies, funerals or crowd/traffic control. 

If anyone is interested in having a son or daughter participate in this program,
applications can be made available through Officer Ace Delgado at 215-686-3033 or
Explorer Advisor Bryan Coyle at 215-685-8160.

In the Works:  A 3rd District Family Day is being planned for August 2009 at
Annunciation BVM.  Stay tuned for details.

Announcement:  Inspector Joseph Mooeny will hold a town hall meeting on February 24,
2009 at 6:00 p.m.  Location - 1900 Pattison Avenue.  All are welcome.

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submitted by P. Cephas
_______________________________________________________________

Captain's Report:  The Captain was not present due to his Quantico training
schedule.  His "crime sheet" was read by Officer Ace Delgado.

40 thefts from autos; 10 auto thefts, 4 arrests; 14 robberies, 7 arrests (primarily
retail thefts); 10 burglaries, 5 were non-force entries; 68 vehicles were
confiscated (usually from unlicensed drivers).

L&I Construction Compliance:  The meeting's guest was Steve Gallagher, a
construction compliance supervisor with the City's L&I Department.  He has now taken
up residence in our 3rd police district housed at 11th & Wharton, where he willl
follow through on and sort out those nagging questions about ongoing new
construction or renovations in our neighborhoods that may raise questions!  Mr.
Gallagher will also be able to answer your more generic questions concerning
building projects or legitimate building use; he can be reached by phone at
215-685-1578 or by e-mail at stephen.gallagher@phila.gov.

3-1-1 is up and running.  Use it for your non-emergency calls to request info about
city services or to report non-criminal violations in your neighborhood.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors:  It's now the law.  Just like smoke detectors, our nice
little row houses need to have them; make sure to install at least one near your
home-heating source, e.g., the basement.

Announcements:  There will be a Captain's Town Hall Meeting on February 12, 2009, at
Weccacoe Playground, 400 Catharine Street, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

This year's PAL drive begins next week.  As you may know, our own Officer Ace
Delgado has been a major factor in raising money for our kids through PAL and has,
in fact, raised the most for the past two years.  So, HEC, help out if you can!

                                         ***************************

submitted:  P. Cephas