WORCESTER TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

Funding Helps Police Get Closer To People

Money from state supports foot patrols

WORCESTER – For the eighth straight year, the Police Department received extra state funding to pay for foot patrols in five city neighborhoods.

State Rep. John P. Fresolo, D-Worcester, gave Police Chief Gary J. Gemme two checks from the state yesterday, the largest being $652,650.00 in community policing money.

The second check, for $95,000.00, was money secured by the local legislative delegation to pay for foot patrols in the Union Hill, Vernon Hill, Grafton Hill, Quinsigamond Village and Green Island Neighborhoods.

Mr. Fresolo said the foot patrols in those neighborhoods have made a difference over the years and residents have noticed.

“I continue to hear nothing but high accolades for the Worcester Police Department and the men and women that walk these foot patrols from the neighborhoods,” he said.

The sate money helps the Police Department fund programs that enhance quality of life issues for residents but would not be able to be funded through the budget, Chief Gemme said.

The gang camp, community impact patrols, foot patrols and several other programs are paid for through state cash, the chief said, noting federal community policing money has dwindled over the years.

Chief Gemme said the Police Department has three basic functions: respond to calls for service, handling serious crime and violence, and quality-of-life issues.

Without the state money, the additional programs dealing with quality-of-life issues could not be funded, he said.