City of Newburgh Police Need Your Help

Newburgh is the most violent city per capita in the state of New York. As a minimal projection in light of budget restraints, the city is planning on demoting 10 and laying off 5 lieutenants, sergeants, and detectives. We must tell the City of Newburgh that layoffs are not the answer. The city's proposal will only further endanger the citizens of Newburgh and take away jobs from the men and women who are necessary in protecting Newburgh's streets. Newburgh's police officers are the hardworking men and women of the PSOA and PBA Unions and need your support. The public comment forum on the proposed budget is on November 9th in Newburgh.

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Talking Points

The City of Newburgh is the most violent city per capita in New York State while the ratio of supervisors to subordinates is among the lowest in the state.
The City of Newburgh is facing a financial crisis and the city manager has asked each agency to drastically cut its operating expenses. The city's 2010 proposed budget includes severe measures that will compromise public safety for a meagre savings of less than one percent of the city's entire budget by eliminating a number of supervisory positions.
The cuts will see the elimination of community resource officers at North Junior High, South Junior High, and the Newburgh Free Academy. In addition, the Detective Bureau, Crime Scene Bureau, and the Narcotics Bureau will all see cuts as well.
There are roughly 100 registered sex offenders in the City of Newburgh while all crimes continue to grow.
In 2005, an independent study and audit found that the City of Newburgh Police Department was severely understaffed. The 2010 budget cuts would mean that the city is 20-25 officers short of recommended levels.
Newburgh's police officers are members of the City of Newburgh's Police Superior Officers Association (PSOA) and the Policemans Benevolent Association (PBA) Unions and work hard for the city. We cannot afford to lose them.

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

Newburgh is the most violent city in New York. The proposed budget for 2010 calls for the elimination or demotion of at least 15 different positions within the city's police department. The hardworking men and women of the PSOA and PBA Unions include patrol officers, lieutenants, sergeants, and detectives and each of their positions are vital to the safety and security of Newburgh's citizens. Already understaffed, the City of Newburgh cannot afford a reduction of officers protecting its streets. 
Although the city is facing tough times,
the compromise of public safety is not the answer. The proposed cuts to the police department would only reduce the budget by less than one percent of the city's entire budget. What would result is an increase in crime and the further deterioration of the city. The cuts will see the elimination of officers patroling North and South Junior Highs and the Newburgh Free Academy. We need to make sure that our children are protected. It is unfair to jeopardize the safety of Newburgh's citizens.
I am urging you to reconsider the budget cuts that will make Newburgh even more unsafe. The future of the city depends on it.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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City Manager Richard Herbek
Council Member Christine Bello
Council Member Marge Bell
Council Member Mary Ann Dickinson
Council Member Regina Angelo
Mayor Nicholas Valentine

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