Police, city officials say multifaceted approach needed to cut crime, vandalism
By Kyle Carrozza, Staff Writer, The Times
COATESVILLE – Officials from the Coatesville Police Department emphasized that stopping gun crime is a multi-faceted task at the City Council meeting on Monday night — and can’t be limited to Saturday’s gun buy-back program.
During his presentation to the council, Officer Rodger Ollis talked about the city’s gun buyback program taking place on Saturday but made sure to clarify that the program is just one part of a greater effort to stop gun crime in Coatesville.
Ollis cited the GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training) program being taught at Scott Middle School, which uses class projects to educate students on peer pressure refusal, conflict resolution, and other incidents that can cause violent crime.
Other measures include more quality of life issues: covering up graffiti, removing shoes from power lines that signify illegal activities, and proper disposal of waste, such as the hundreds of illegally dumped tires that the department recently cleaned up.
“One tire turns into a bumper then a couch,” said Ollis.
Taking the matter further, Ollis said that the department will participate in efforts to beautify the city, along with community volunteers.
“It’s about changing the environment,” he said.
Even the buyback event itself will not only be about the firearms that are brought in. Counselors will be present to help people deal with mental aspects that often lead to gun crime.
Police officials also emphasized that Second Amendment and gun control politics have not played a role in organizing Saturday’s effort.
“This is not a political thing, not a gun control thing — it’s a safety thing,” said Ollis.
Police Chief Jack Laufer said that he realizes that the people who bring their guns in are generally not the people who would commit the crimes, but they are still helping by reducing the number of weapons available to potential criminals.
“Gun ownership is a responsibility, and a lot of people are not ready for that responsibility,” said Laufer.
Commending the program, the City Council approved money to pay for buybacks in case the donations collected do not cover all the costs.
“I think our job as council is to donate as well,” said council member Jarrell Brazzle. “They’re trying to bring our city up.”
Ollis also talked about a prescription drug take back program, which will be held on April 27. The department hopes to keep unused pills out of the hands of the youth.
“We want outdated and unwanted pills to not be improperly used or shared,” said Ollis.
The department started this program in 2011. That year, they collected 16 pounds of unused pills.
City Council members also addressed the issue of feral cats. Residents have been complaining about feral cat “hotspots” in the city. Aggressive cats, which often carry rabies, have made some people afraid to leave their homes, they said.
The council has examined various rescue and spay and neuter programs, such as LaMancha Animal Rescue and the SPCA. But, council members did not feel either of these programs satisfactory enough on a cost-benefit basis to merit a vote, members agreed to continue look for more options to address the issue.
In a non-agenda item, Parks and Recreation Commission member Marie Hess introduced the Coatesville United Soccer Program. The program will work with the JT Dorsey Foundation, US Soccer Foundation, and Adidas to provide a place for children to play and receive coaching.
Adults looking to get involved can sign up to coach. A coaching clinic will be held on Saturday.
Hess said that those involved hope that the program will become a feeder for Coatesville’s high school team.
