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Date: 12/11/2019
CHICOPEE – In an effort to fast track the legislation necessary to create a C3 police unit for the city – with its first deployment in the downtown neighborhood – the City Council met in a special meeting on Dec. 9.
The councilors listened to Police Chief William Jebb describe the plans for the unit, which is based on the successful effort in Springfield. The legislation was sent to the Ordinance Committee, which was scheduled to meet on Dec. 10 to approve the change for the command structure of the department.
The ordinance would then go before the full council on Dec. 17.
Counter Criminal Continuum Policing was created by Massachusetts State Trooper Michael M. Cutone based on the work he did when he was stationed in Iraq as a member of Army Special Forces. Using the strategy in Springfield’s North End, Cutone addressed gang activity in the neighborhood with the results bringing national attention.
Jebb explained the unit would consist of one sergeant and two patrolmen who would work out of the police substation on Center Street. The work of the unit would be in addition to the police activities at the substation, he said.
C3 policing emphasizes community interaction between the unit and the neighborhood. Jebb said the unit would look to sponsor or participate in more downtown events and activities that would involve youth, meet regularly with business owners, work with the Care Van program of the Elms College and with mental health professionals.
The unit’s officers would work from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, but the schedule will have some flexibility, Jebb added.
The police chief noted, “C3 policing won’t take anything from what we’re doing.”
He added the unit could be moved from one neighborhood to another based on where there are problems to be addressed.
Some of the councilors questioned the cost of the program, but Jebb said that it would not cost the department any additional funds.
City Council President and Mayor-elect John Vieau praised the program