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City of Newburgh Police Need Your Help
Greetings,
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.
Please note that
the public comment forum on the proposed budget is on November 9th in Newburgh. Please attend and
show your support for the PSOA and PBA
membership.
Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):
City Manager Richard Herbek
Council Member Christine Bello
Council Member Marge Bell
Council Member Mary Ann Dickinson
Council Member Regina Angelo
Mayor Nicholas Valentine
Below is the sample letter:
Subject: Don't Let Budget Cuts Threaten Newburgh's Safety
Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],
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]
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What's At Stake:
The Unions that represent the men and women of the City of Newburgh Police Department need your help. Due to the economy and fiscal irresponsibility, Newburgh is in a financial crisis and the city is proposing massive cuts for 2010. Each city department has been asked to make substantial cuts, including the already understaffed Newburgh Police Department. As it stands, the cuts to the Police Department would see the removal or demotion of at least 15 positions within the force, including liuetenants, sergeants, and detectives. As you may know, Newburgh cannot afford to lose a single member of their police department; Newburgh is the most violent city per capita in New York State. Even before the cuts, the city maintains one of the lowest supervisor to subordinate ratios in the state.
There are many different departments that will be affected by these proposed cuts. Officers that are assigned as community resource officers at North Junior High, South Junior High, and the Newburgh Free Academy will be eliminated. The Detective Bureau, Crime Scene Bureau and the Narcotics Unit will be neutered through the loss of detectives and supervisors. With so few resources, this will force each unit to decide which cases to take on, while criminals continue to roam the streets.
As it currently stands, the City of Newburgh Police Department is severely understaffed. In 2005, an independent study and audit found that the department needed more personnel to be an effective force. The report found that "the absolute key to Newburgh's renaissance rests on its ability to emerge from the shadows of drug dealing and violence." Now, in 2009, the force is 20-25 officers short of the recommendation provided by this study. Further cuts will undoubtedly deter the city from emerging out of the shackles that are furthering Newburgh's depression and poverty.
The brave members of the City of Newburgh's Police Superior Officers Association (PSOA) and the Policeman's Benevolent Association (PBA) are fighting to maintain the safety and security of the City of Newburgh and need your help. Please fill in the form to send the letter to local decision makers and be willing to stand with the membership in protecting their jobs and the safety of their city. Please participate in the public forum concerning the budget on November 9th in Newburgh.
Campaign Expiration Date:
December 31, 2009
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