Democracy In Albany - New York Politics ||

Albany Home Invasions

By DIA, Section News
Posted on Thu Apr 17, 2008 at 10:23:05 AM EST

It looks like we've had three incidents involving guns and drugs in the past two days. No comment yet from the Chief if gangs are involved. Maybe he is busy with some other issue.

Three men broke into a Garfield Place apartment before dawn today, bound two victims with plastic zip ties and stole numerous items including stereo equipment, cell phones, a computer, money and a car, police said.

The incident occurred at 1 a.m., police said, when three masked gunmen entered a second-floor apartment at 12 Garfield Place and tied the wrists of two victims together. The suspects, who had a sawed off shotgun and two handguns, ransacked the home before hitting one of the victims in the head with a handgun and leaving in the stolen car, police said.

After freeing themselves, the victims ran to a nearby gas station and called 911. Police said detectives are looking into whether drugs were the motive. The incident had no apparent connection to two home invasions that occurred Tuesday, police said.

In the first of Tuesday's home invasions, a man was shot in the stomach inside a Broadway apartment. One suspect was taken into custody. Later that night, five suspects were taken into custody during a break-in on First Street.

In all three incidents, suspects pistol whipped at least one victim. Police said drugs appear to be the motive in all three incidents.

Have a look at the neighborhood.

Update [2008-4-17 13:5:24 by DIA]: Heat waves and crimes waves go hand in hand.

The young man, whose name has not been released, surrendered to authorities after a police tactical team surrounded 424 First St. and called several times over a public address system for him to come out, police said.

He did after about 10 minutes.

Police said they were summoned to the area by a report of shots fired in the vicinity of First and North Lake Avenue at 1 p.m. today. Witnesses reported seeing a man with a gun enter the First Street building.

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Albany Home Invasions | 28 comments (28 topical, 0 hidden)

Come on be serious (none / 0) (#1)
by professor on Thu Apr 17, 2008 at 02:38:01 PM EST

You are blaming the Chief of Police for the problems in crime that city is experiencing?
I am as "liberal" as the next guy, but someone has to stand up and talk about the real problem and that is the prevelance of violence among the members of the black community.

I haven't seen one post address the problems that have become an epedemic inour city. It sems like you are supporting and evn promoting folks like Corey Ellis and Dominick who actv as if our Police Officers are the enemy.

I mean where is Alice Green and Anne Pope when there is a serious discussion of the problems within the community they represent?

We don't need to second guess everything that the Police Chief does. Can you honestly say that there has been any Police Chief in the past 30 years that has been as accesible to the media and the people as Tuffey is?

Do you really believe that bhe has anything but the best interest of the citizens in mind?

Come on. Lets look at the real problems. Alice and Ann will tell you that the problems within the black community have to do with the repredssion and the discrimination of the community. That is probably partly true, but it laos goes far deeper into their own responsibility to teach respedct for the law and redspect for partents. There has to be a new dialog.

no (none / 0) (#2)
by DIA on Thu Apr 17, 2008 at 02:44:23 PM EST

i'm blaming the chief of police for saying we don't have a gang problem in this city.

If we can't discuss the problems honestly, they won't get solved.

The police aren't the enemy. I'm not sure where you get that idea but it is horseshit. Go ask any one on the force if there is a gang problem in albany. See what they say. So why does the chief lie about it?

Anne Pope? You mean the woman who was defending the criminal Wilcox? Yeah, let's get her more involved. That should reduce crime.

If you are so eager to have new dialogue, call up your buddy tuffey and tell him when he says there is no gang problem, he looks like he is out of touch or lying.

And the chief told us he was reducing crime and we should hold him accountable. So, yes, if crime goes up, he is on the hook. Just doing what Chief wants.

[ Parent ]

The Mayor and Chief are both to blame! (none / 0) (#3)
by Breakupthemachine on Thu Apr 17, 2008 at 05:09:08 PM EST

First the mayor spends more money every year in the beer improvement district so people can drink than he does in the poor (read) black communities of Albany. Check his political donations and find out how many bar owners donate to him. See a conflict?

The near million dollars a year he spends at the golf course. Wonder who benefits from that? You got it, his contributors.

The Chief ended community policing in favor of an occupational force called the SDU which by the way is at the center of all the recent police abuse cases.

The people in the poor communities fought to have the beat officers stay but Tuffey took them away. Now they don't know the officers, don't trust them and some are in fear of them.
~~~~In Vino Vertas~~~~
[ Parent ]

Professor, is Tuffey accessible to the media (none / 0) (#4)
by FedUp on Thu Apr 17, 2008 at 06:35:13 PM EST

for the best interest of the citizens of Albany or the best interest in himself? What it comes down to is we have a chief who is in over his head, who does not have the respect of his force, and does not lead by example. The politics has taken priority over the people and that's just not acceptable.

You are right professor that Tuffey is not directly to blame for the increase in crime in the city. He is, however, to blame for not leading a strong management team to deal with the increase. His actions time and time again run counter to what is recommended by groups such as the International Chiefs of Police and what has been proven to work in other parts of the country. It's all about maintaining secrecy and control with Tuffey.

This is what happens when managers are selected and promoted on the strength of their political connections rather than their abilities. They are ineffective leaders who don't know what to do when the chips are down (ie - 5 chiefs in 10 years). You can blame Jerry for that part....

[ Parent ]

: Well said (none / 0) (#7)
by Tom Paine on Fri Apr 18, 2008 at 04:59:31 AM EST

very well said

[ Parent ]

Sorry DIA (none / 0) (#5)
by one flew east on Thu Apr 17, 2008 at 11:17:06 PM EST

"The police aren't the enemy. I'm not sure where you get that idea but it is horseshit".

That idea probably came from you.

one flew (none / 0) (#6)
by DIA on Fri Apr 18, 2008 at 02:44:18 AM EST

the idea came from me? Because I think cops who commit crimes should be held responsible?

one flew, can you help me out? Are cops supposed to catch people who break the law and hold them responsible? so if i support that, am i supporting the police? And if you don't support that, are you saying you are pro crime?

of all the silly notions (none / 0) (#8)
by albany layman on Fri Apr 18, 2008 at 06:13:55 AM EST

I have seen written by commenters on this blog, this is one of the silliest. This idea that, by asking for accountability and good management with our police force, that makes someone "anti-police." It's ridiculous.

Keep flying, OFE, keep flying.

DIA (none / 0) (#9)
by one flew east on Fri Apr 18, 2008 at 06:35:44 AM EST

A little sensitive today, aren't you? The problem with you DIA is that you talk out of both sides of your mouth. One day you support the cops, the next day you don't. People get confused.

Yep, I'm about as pro-crime, as you are conservative.

: People get confused? (none / 0) (#10)
by Tom Paine on Fri Apr 18, 2008 at 07:10:20 AM EST

I don't think "people" get confused, I think maybe YOU get confused. It's not that complex. We have a lot of very good officers on the APD - I have little doubt that the vast majority are honorable. Every single one I've dealt with has been excellent.
What we ask is that the few who aren't honorable be dealt with fairly, and that the APD's business - which , after all, is the public's business - get conducted in accorance with the law, in the open as much as possible, and within the basics of good management. We aren't getting that.
Why do you hate america?

[ Parent ]

Tom (none / 0) (#11)
by one flew east on Fri Apr 18, 2008 at 08:27:38 AM EST

"We have a lot of very good officers on the APD - I have little doubt that the vast majority are honorable. Every single one I've dealt with has been excellent.
What we ask is that the few who aren't honorable be dealt with fairly, and that the APD's business - which , after all, is the public's business - get conducted in accorance with the law, in the open as much as possible, and within the basics of good management".

I agree with every word you wrote, my problem is that DIA is hardly fair when it comes to what he says about the Albany Police. Funny, you want to hold me to a higher standard then you hold him.

Hate America........... How did you get that from what I posted.

Or is it, if I don't agree with you I must hate America.

Sarcasm (none / 0) (#13)
by Tom Paine on Fri Apr 18, 2008 at 08:46:53 AM EST

The "hate America" bit was a little attempt at humor. My point is simply that a productive discussion has to recognize nuance and not unfairly paint people into corners they haven't gone to on their own. This notion that one is either "for" or "against" the police is silly.

[ Parent ]

: FOR ONCE TOM PAINE (none / 0) (#16)
by AreYouFuckingHigh on Fri Apr 18, 2008 at 12:41:17 PM EST

I maybe sorta kinda agree with you.

[ Parent ]

Granny Get Your Gun (none / 0) (#12)
by A Muse on Fri Apr 18, 2008 at 08:45:52 AM EST

"Taking guns off the street" is a general statement that I do not understand. In a City like Albany having a registered handgun with obligatory training in the use of firearms is not a bad thing. Having a registered firearm means taking responsibility. For some people this makes sense. Drug dealers and hoods are not going to register their guns.

The fact sadly is that the police can not protect the citizens of Albany. Police report crimes after they happen. They create a few of their own which may be proportionate to the general population. They are better at not getting caught. The police file a report after a violation occurs and in some cases, just luck out and are successful in taking a criminal off the street.

The way things are in Albany residents should legally arm themselves, take a course in the use of firearms, and take precautions and use gunlocks and or safes. Parts of the City are at war and since the Police can't protect the residents and have rejected outside help, it is the Citizens responsibility to do so under the laws of the United States of America.

That is not the function of a police force (none / 0) (#14)
by Tom Paine on Fri Apr 18, 2008 at 08:53:06 AM EST

The police do not exist simply to report crime. If that's all they did we could turn the job over to amateurs or even - gasp - bloggers.

It seems to me one of the primary purposes of a police force is to deter crime. Putting trained, armed officers on the streets with the authority to use force, including deadly force, is a very strong deterrent. That's one of the main things we pay them for, and its something the rest of us cannot do except under very limited circumstances.

Putting more guns on the street, even in the hands of folks who'd taken a gun usage course or two, would be insane. You'd be surprised how stupid we all get under extreme stress. I challenge you to find five urban Police Chiefs who would endorse your idea.

[ Parent ]

Residents get your guns (none / 0) (#19)
by A Muse on Mon Apr 21, 2008 at 02:32:09 PM EST

Have you been smoking something out of the evidence locker? The Diallo Case is one of many that have made it sadly clear that the Police are not trained properly and the selection of officers is poor. When officers are stealing drugs, and guns out of evidence lockers, shooting innocent civilians, involved in high speed chases resulting in deaths of innocent bystanders or other officers, protest the existence of a Police Review Board, protest the right to drink up and until they come on to the job, it shows that you have a highly paid group of ill trained and uneducated individuals that need to sit in the corner with the dunce cap on. I guess they do that only when the cops are egging the general public.

If I am to be shot in error by a gaggle of ill trained cops, I would at least like it to be ones who have not only graduated from high school but have a minimum 4 year degree. At least an Associates and finish the other two years on the job, and let the employer (taxpayer) pick up the tab. Additionally, there are States like Vermont that border NY where it is not uncommon to find people with registered weapons on a gun rack in the back of their car or on the seat or dashboard behind the counter where they work. It just might make the general public, cops and criminals be more respectful of each other. Fear is the most powerful motivator.

Times have changed and the police are under attack. Some departments are making changes that have and will continue to help officers do their job. In some countries like England, video cameras are everywhere and it has found to be helpful. In Albany the traffic lights do not even work properly. Video cameras in patrol cars have been found to be helpful both to police and those accused of a crime. Cops work for the citizens not for the politicians. They apparently have forgotten this. A Police Review Board trumps the governing body in any city or town. If the police are afraid of having one, there is something very wrong with the department. Additionally, if you work for the City of Albany, live here, pay a commuter tax, or get out. This goes for the Mayor also who lives in the Albany portion of Slingerlands. It does not hurt the City to have local cops living in it. There is a very strong statement made when City employees do not want to live in the town or city they work in

Buy a gun that fits your style, register it, get trained, get it painted any color that goes with your outfit, and get a job with the City and move into an inexpensive home in Arbor Hill. If the Mayor had some nuts (Planters of course) that is where he should move. Where you live often gives you a different perspective. Someone run for Mayor and promise nothing but that you will live in Arbor Hill.

[ Parent ]

I disagree (none / 0) (#20)
by AlfredMoisiu on Mon Apr 21, 2008 at 07:48:56 PM EST

Guns are a great equalizer. That's why a 5'2" woman can be an effective cop. Back in the day, most cops never unholstered their weapons, and instead beat the shit out of people with nightsticks.

And that's in an era where anyone could buy a gun on Pearl St for a couple of dollars. My dad bought his first gun when he was 13 -- in Brooklyn.

IMO, if guns were more common, the crooks would be deterred from using them, and lose the edge they have in terms of power. They're not soldiers -- just thugs. Targets that shoot back are less appealing.

Still, if you want to reduce crime, making guns available to more people would be a a distant second place to legalizing drugs.

[ Parent ]

Disagree all you want (none / 0) (#22)
by Tom Paine on Tue Apr 22, 2008 at 05:48:09 AM EST

You are as entitled to your uninformed opinion as the rest of us, but the experts all disagree with you. It isn't the weapon that makes a police officer effective, whether that weapon is a nightstick or a pistol. And adding more guns won't reduce crime. We can be certain it will increase accidental shootings, and it would have other stupid effects, but reducing crime isn't one of them. I say that as someone who started shooting when I was five. I hope my aim has improved slightly since then ;)

[ Parent ]

: How can you say that? (none / 0) (#25)
by AlfredMoisiu on Wed Apr 23, 2008 at 06:20:13 PM EST

Police derive their authority from the fact that they are agents of the government and have the legal authority to use force.
The proliferation of paramilitary SWAT and rapid respsonse teams is an illustration of that. The NYPD has men in full body armor, helmets and submachine guns walking around Grand Central Station to intimidate would be criminals or terrorists.
I know a few cops who are avid gun collectors who qualify as "gun guys" by any definition. Yet they are strongly in favor of gun control. Why? They don't want to get shot (the primary reason). They also know that cops will be exempted from these rules or extended professional courtesy. It's good to be a cop in a police state.

[ Parent ]

If police lived in the city (none / 0) (#15)
by mailer daemon on Fri Apr 18, 2008 at 11:23:45 AM EST

that they were forced to protect and serve, there would be far less crime in the city of Albany.

Not only that, the poor are the responsibility of the COUNTY by charter. They are treated like vermin by many of those who are charged to help them.

I am not saying that the Mayor should not put more money into the neighborhoods that need it, he absolutely should. But explain how you can force an absentee landlord to fix up his crappy apartments?

Interesting story on CNN where they have been faced with a HUGE increase in vacant buildings. I would love to hear others take on it.

http://money.cnn.com/2008/04/08/real_estate/radical_city_plan/index.htm?cnn=yes

: Thanks for the link, mailer (none / 0) (#17)
by FedUp on Sat Apr 19, 2008 at 09:29:27 AM EST

I believe there are many things that can be done to restore hope to Albany; the article points to just one good suggestion that can be used along with programs like Habitat for Humanity.
I firmly believe that the Albany leaders think only they know best what's good for the people of Albany. There are many good ideas available in communities outside of Albany and by tapping into local community leaders/some of the highly-regarded urban researchers at the local colleges and universities / other communities like in the article.
It's such an incestuous relationship - Jennings and Tuffey only promote like-minded individuals who support their positions. Money is wasted on political patronage jobs (ie - Mayor's PR person and driver) instead of spending it in the community / researching other options from other communities.
The only way to break this cycle is to appoint people from outside of Albany to some (not all) of these positions. Tuffey and Jennings don't get it that you want people in key positions who can present different points of view about what works/what does not - in the PD, in the schools, in the community.
Albany desperately needs to appoint a police chief from outside as a start..someone without a hidden agenda; someone who does not have long-standing family ties and friendships within the department; someone who really IS accountable, transparent and ethical. The community AND the 97% of the honest APD members deserve nothing less.

[ Parent ]
: Interesting story (none / 0) (#21)
by AlfredMoisiu on Mon Apr 21, 2008 at 08:03:20 PM EST

The decaying Midwest city is a different animal than old cities like Albany. Places like Youngstown were all about the middle class -- hardworking skilled laborers in big industry. The jobs and people went south and west, leaving a vacuum.
Here it's different, as you have lots of poor people who need a place to go. You also have lots of delusional people who'll fight the razing of any derilict building.
I think in the long run, Albany needs to look into the benefit from the Youngstown/Detroit approach. We probably need some sort of way to allow business to utilize abandoned commercial and industrial buildings without taking on the liability brownfields.
The real key to the Youngstown approach isn't the bulldozer -- it's reducing services. They're ripping up streets and shutting off sewers. Albany needs to close schools, liquidate the IDA, reduce the public safety headcount and consolidate other functions with other municipal governments.

[ Parent ]

I know cops who were or are on the APD who are (none / 0) (#18)
by hawkny on Mon Apr 21, 2008 at 11:38:20 AM EST

scumbags, real scumbags, in and out of uniform....not many, but a few...well, maybe more than a few...

You're pointing right back to leadership again (none / 0) (#23)
by Tom Paine on Tue Apr 22, 2008 at 05:53:11 AM EST

Pick any organization in the world, and you will find in it the full range of saints and a-holes. Most people are somewhere in the middle.

Leadership is the key factor that supports the saints, maximizes the effectiveness of those in the middle and minimizes the impact of the a-holes.

Leadership is what's missing in Albany.

[ Parent ]

: Leadership (none / 0) (#26)
by A Muse on Thu Apr 24, 2008 at 11:18:28 AM EST

Tom, is it a good thing to be so right and just a little wrong? We have leadership in Albany, just not the kind you and a number of others including myself do not care for. It is hard not to believe that elected officials would take actions that they know are not in the best interest of the majority. We therefore throw some cabbages tomatoes and barbs at them not wanting to believe that they just do not know what to do or that they are just not that bright.
The Mayor, not the Common Council is the Leader Of Albany. A tan man with no plan bouncing up and down on his toes every times he tells a fib. That is an unfair barb equal to one cabbage. The questions are: Has the Mayor failed in his fiduciary responsibility to the people of Albany? Are all residents treated with equity and compassion? Are actions taken to elevate the educational and living standard of all residents?
I have personal knowledge that without question he is dishonest and not a man of his word. It is sad. I believe he wants to be perceived as doing a good job for Albany. I met someone who knew him when he was at Albany High - and she said... That is just one person's observation. He was elected by a majority of voters in Albany. I see no one throwing his or her hat in the ring now to oppose the present leadership. The leadership in Albany is by race and religion. Where are the Protestants, Lutherans, Baptists, Asians, African Americans (Green and Goodhue acknowledged), and College Students (that is a race)? In other cities college students have run and done a good job. There is a one party system in Albany. Either storm the Democratic Party and Reform it, or support a Republican or Independent candidate.
People are happy, have no power, avoid political issues to their personal gain, and do not wish to oppose a partially corrupt system. The result is that people avoid Albany, if they can. How many Doctors that work at the Major Medical Centers live in downtown Albany - or anywhere in Albany? How many Lawyers live in downtown Albany near the courts? How many State Employees live near their place of employment in the Tower or Agency buildings? Even City employees, including police officers would rather live elsewhere.
The leadership will not change unless a group of individuals start today to take away the City from the present administration. It is possible.

[ Parent ]

Well, (none / 0) (#24)
by one flew east on Wed Apr 23, 2008 at 07:46:48 AM EST

I suggest you tell us all who the scumbags are. Print their names.

[ Parent ]

They know who they are and so do you! In fact my (none / 0) (#27)
by hawkny on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 04:40:01 AM EST

guess is they are some of your pals. The ones I know frequent the Iron Horse and the WT, for starters. Belligerant, heavy drinkers all.

And no, I am not going to name names. You have to be pretty stupid to even suggest that.

Hawkny (none / 0) (#28)
by one flew east on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 05:50:24 AM EST

I didn't think you had the balls to backup your shit talk.

Thanks for proving me right.

Albany Home Invasions | 28 comments (28 topical, 0 hidden)

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