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Beefed-up patrols on South Side deemed success
YOUNGSTOWN
Youngstown Police Chief Rod Foley is calling a two-week-long saturation effort on the South Side largely successful.
Youngstown police officers joined by juvenile probation officers, the U.S. Marshal’s office, the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force, the Adult Parole Authority and the U.S. Attorney’s office fanned out across the South Side beginning Oct. 18 in search of minor and major crimes, but mostly illegal guns.
The “Gun Reduction Operation” targeted the area between Indianola Avenue and Midlothian Boulevard, and Glenwood and South avenues.
Foley said the department made the South Side a priority because of the high volume of violent crime there.
“We had six homicides in about five weeks so we ran this suppression initiative trying to make sure we are addressing the concerns,” he said.
Foley said the effort involved several departments because officers wanted to reach as many people as possible. He said a police presence can sometimes drive would-be criminals in the house, but other departments, such as the Adult Parole Authority, can gain access to homes of those on parole or probation, making sure no crimes are being committed.
During the first week of the gun reduction effort, officers confiscated 10 illegal firearms. An additional three illegal firearms were collected the second week.
“That was the main emphasis, interdiction on gun possession,” said Foley. “We would stop a lot of individuals for other violations and would check to see if they were carrying firearms. We wanted to target some of the gangs in that area.”
One of those arrested is a 17-year-old boy who Foley says is known to have gang affiliations. He was walking on the South Side carrying a firearm but is now in the Martin P. Joyce Juvenile Justice Center facing charges of illegal possession of a firearm.
Foley said he also sees the gun-reduction effort as a success because of the relationship fostered with the public. He said officers made 429 contacts with the public, and he has not received a single complaint from the public.
“Our guys are out there doing their jobs, being courteous and not excessive in their tactics,” he said.
Officers were sent to break up two house parties in the targeted area during the two-week effort, and Foley said residents, older people and teenagers, came out and thanked officers.
“Most people want to have safe neighborhoods, even the young kids. They are out there hiding from these people with the illegal guns, too. They want us to be successful and see this stuff stop,” he said.
As part of the effort, police are working with the owner of the Shell Gas Station on Market Street to stop large crowds from gathering there and prevent acts of vandalism and violence. The station will now close from 2 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. Foley said.
Police have posted “No Trespassing” signs around the property, and there will be a heavy police presence in the area. Foley said the station and neighboring buildings have been a hot spot for loitering and violence.
Foley said he plans to take similar reduction efforts to different parts of the city in the future. He said the effort was paid for without using overtime. Officers, he said, adjusted their work times or used flex time.