TUF - Police Interview

TUF Interviews Police Spokesman
Sept 30, 08

Phil Kramer's TUF decided to follow up on the Home News Tribune's article of Aug 23 titled "Statistics show crime actually declining in Franklin". On Sept 4th, I met for two hours with Lt. Robert Vornlocker and Sgt. Philip Rizzo. I thought the article perhaps missed some problems but if there are major issues I was unable to uncover them. The message they were giving me was that violent and gang related crime was under control. I centered my questioning on violent crime. This is what I learned (much of it was in the HNT article).

As indicated in the HNT article there were four murders last year and one to date this year. This year's murder was at the Ten's Enough and was a crime of passion provocation. Last year's four murders include:

Ammar Simmons who was killed at the little league field - gang related.
Terrell Spruill was shot and killed in front of his house - crime of passion provocation.
A man died after a fight in his backyard over a domestic issue - crime of passion provocation.
The woman found dismembered in her car at Somerset Mews - crime of passion provocation.

There have been some rumors that the July 22nd Exxon robbery pictured in the media showing a person wearing headgear was gang related. That appears to not be the case. Two weeks later the same person tried to abduct a food delivery man. When that failed he ran down the street shooting. He was apprehended by our police department and bail was set at $300,000. Commentary - Fortunately he has not been able to meet bail and is currently incarcerated awaiting trial. When dealing with someone of that nature it is hard to imagine how changes at the law enforcement level would change this individual's behavior.

There are about 80,000 calls for service every year. In 2007 there were 215 brake-ins in Franklin, this includes any car break-ins with the intent to steal. Violent crime decreased from 2006 to 2007. There were 87 violent crimes in 2006 and 65 in 2007. Violent crime includes murder, assault, rape and robbery.

I asked about gang crime. Sgt Rizzo acknowledged the there are local groups that have some association with nationally known gangs particularly the Bloods and the Crips. Lt. Vornlocker responded, "The efforts of the Crime Suppression Unit of the police department has made it very very difficult for gang members to carry on criminal activity here in Franklin." He continued indicating that there are individuals who are selling narcotics which is one of the principle methods of income for gangs. Thus it is the county and police departments' Crime Suppression Unit's main focuses. If they can stem this money source they can significantly hinder gang activity or at least get it to go somewhere else.

When I asked how they make the crime more difficult they were reluctant to give away any secretes that would give away their advantage. Lt. Vornlocker stated that they utilize undercover work, informants, surveillance and added, "everything you can think of and a few more too."

They are not at this time considering cameras on the street. Lt. Vornlocker felt it would not necessarily save money because he felt that it will not reduce the number of police needed. There are of course some constitutional issues.

Bicycle patrolling was disbanded due to manpower issues in 2001 but now it's back. The bikes are ready, the uniforms are on order, officers have lined up to volunteer and three experienced bike police officers have been selected. Sgt Rizzo is heading it up but his other responsibilities will have him in the seat only part time. Two patrolman are full time. They will be out both during the day and night and all months of the year but not during unsafe weather. They will be involved in community outreach as well as regular police work in focused areas such as Hamilton Street, the apartments in Parkside and in Somerset Estates.

Finally, what can citizens do to help, report ANYTHING suspicious when it happens. Both Vornlocker and Rizzo emphased their frustration when people call or even emailing the next day because they didn't want to bother the police. This produces lost leads. If you think something is wrong, call. Get the notion of it being a bother to the police out of your head.

Phil Kramer