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Mayor Richard Alcombright wants to keep the same public safety management structure.

North Adams Still Grappling With Public Safety Structure

By Andy McKeever
iBerkshires Staff
08:00PM / Friday, January 27, 2012

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Public Safety Committee in trying to balance costs and needs when it decides on a management structure for the police and fire departments.

Mayor Richard Alcombright is proposing what he believes is a lower-cost option to fill the public safety commissioner position that E. John Morocco is leaving empty with his retirement. The proposal is a clear-cut replacement of the position and it would continue the way the fire and police departments operate.

"For all intents and purposes, this is what we have now," Alcombright said when he presented the committee draft job descriptions and flow charts for both dividing the position into two and keeping the status quo on Thursday. "This is a management structure that works."

Morocco's retirement, delayed two years through a home-rule petition, had been eyed as an opportunity to review the organization of the public safety department. The city is one of the rare municipalities in the state using the commissioner structure, which was installed nearly three decades ago as a cost savings. Officials have been trying to determine if that still holds true.

Alcombright wants a new commissioner to be hired in April. His timeline includes a decision by the committee at the end of February and interviews in March and April.

However, members of the committee are wondering if this is an opportunity to put more officers on the street.

Members Jennifer Breen Kirsch and Lisa Blackmer peppered Morocco and Alcombright with questions about the departments' operations. Dividing the commissioner's responsibilities into police and fire chiefs would add more mid-level staffing and Alcombright estimates that it would cost at least an additional $88,000 to do that. Even then, he felt the salaries would not be attractive enough retain officers. Morrocco said that in recent years, about eight police officers have left for higher paying positions in other cities or towns.

Kirsch insisted that the Police Department is currently understaffed despite Morocco saying otherwise. Kirsch questioned if eliminating the court officer or changing shifts to reduce overtime would help in reducing the costs so that the city could hire additional officers. Blackmer also questioned overtime and asked if adding more officers would reduce that. Several officers are currently out on disability or family leave.

"In the long run, we're spending more on overtime," Blackmer said. "I'm trying to get ahead of this."

Morocco and Alcombright said crime is becoming a bigger issue in the city but the current staffing is enough to handle it on a day-to-day basis. There are currently 24 officers on staff.

The job descriptions and flow charts are available below.

Public Safety Job Description, Structure

Tags: public safety, public safety commissioner,

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Kirsch looked like an idiot questioning Morroco. She should stick to what she is good at (this ain't it)
from: Fact	on: 01-27-2012 08:36PM I Agree (12) - I Disagree (38)
Editor: Excuse, were you there?
I Agree (10) - I Disagree (0)

There are no stupid questions only stupid answers. Kirsch asked fair questions and the mayor and commission answered them. They can disagree but that doesn't make either one wrong.
from: Ask	on: 01-28-2012 12:26AM I Agree (20) - I Disagree (1)

I suggest that the same structure remains in place. A new description for the Commissioner and a second look at the heads of the Police and Fire and the departments they are responsible for. Everyone should be very clear about what is expected of them. Eliminating the Commissioner's position would create difficulty in who was in charge in certain situations.
from: Laurie	on: 01-28-2012 06:39AM I Agree (5) - I Disagree (35)

Well, there are many idiots on the Council, but, Kirsch isn't one of them. I think she will be the next mayor.
from: Observer	on: 01-28-2012 08:12AM I Agree (15) - I Disagree (19)

If morocco worked in the private sector he would have been fired. He has the same tired excuses for going over budget year after year. The mayor told us two years ago when he hired police that it would save money . Another person that would have been fired for incompetence.
from: Excuses	on: 01-28-2012 10:02AM I Agree (18) - I Disagree (7)

Kirsch, Is good at her job, P.D. ( thats Public Debate).
from: N.A. voter	on: 01-28-2012 10:46AM I Agree (10) - I Disagree (2)

This is an opportunity for North Adams to eliminate a wasteful position that is certainly not the model used in Massachusetts. Not only is it time to abolish this unnecessary title, it's also long overdue to completely review the public safety structure in North Adams in its entirety. For a community that barely exceeds the population of its neighbors, is it wise to staff a day shift in the Police Department with a Commissioner of Public Safety, Police Director, Lieutenant, Sergeant and maybe two patrolman? I don't advocate eliminating all these positions (only the commissioner) I simply believe these resources can be better distributed throughout the department. Although I fully support a full-time Fire Department, is it sensible to NOT handle life threatening medical calls, yet respond to box alarms and incredibly minor motor vehicle accidents that don't even require the response of an ambulance? Box alarms are a technology that became extinct when the home telephone was introduced. Choosing to respond to a ridiculously minor motor vehicle accident, yet remain in quarters when someone is having a heart attack when the city employees a full-time Police & Fire Department is simply negligent. This problem is magnified when North Adams Ambulance Service is unavailable to handle a 911 call due to ambulances handling non-emergency transfers, and mutual aid from Williamstown or Adams is required. In Melrose Massachusetts, the full-time Fire Department recently took over EMS from a private firm. This move was able to fund the positions of 8 firefighters due to the estimated monies that ambulance calls generate for profit. If the City of North Adams would take over EMS, the new fire fighter positions created would solve the dangerous staffing numbers that are presently in place, especially when responding to serious fires. I support both the Police & Fire Departments and would like to see the staff numbers for both agencies grow. However, a new approach and restructuring is essential as the current system no longer reflects the reality of the community.
from: Time To Change	on: 01-28-2012 03:52PM I Agree (55) - I Disagree (10)

Editor, yes I was. And Observer thanks for the comic relief. I actually laughed out loud at what you said.
from: Fact	on: 01-28-2012 09:13PM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (4)

Well, from what I've seen, and I only watch the meetings on Channel 17, Kirsch has already won my respect vote. Fact, you seem to have a different level of dedication than I do--I am not able to attend committee meetings at City Hall, but I do watch the Tuesday meetings on TV. If the committee meetings were televised, I would watch those too. Kudos, though--for actually going to city hall and attending cmte meetings. From what I've seen though, Kirsch is smart. In the last meeting, she demonstrated who is actually out of their league, and she does it without being rude or out of line, which makes certain councilors look even worse (Blackmer and Harpin). Atleast the others don't talk when they don't know what's happening. Bond gives speeches, but doesn't have the same level of depth, Bona agrees with all things Alcombright, Marden and Bullett don't talk much at all, and Barrett has an understanding that is on the same level as Kirsch. She differs though, because she hasn't taken sides, and I respect her. She is also highly educated and well-spoken. I can see why so many people love to hate her. I hope she continues in her ways, and ignores the longtime nitwits like Blackmer and Harpin.
from: Observer	on: 01-29-2012 08:10AM I Agree (23) - I Disagree (3)

Oberver again thanks for the laughs. You are the same buddy of hers who wrote these sames essays during the campaign. Whatever. Having seen her in action I am not impressed. Her knowledge of legal procedures is what can be found in a high svhool civics class and note she has voted with DA every time so far. Every time.
from: Fact	on: 01-29-2012 10:25AM I Agree (5) - I Disagree (14)
Editor: Considering there have been only two meetings, that's not a lot to base on, plus she was one of the four that voted against setting the public hearing requested by the mayor. So everytime ... not so much.
I Agree (13) - I Disagree (2)

The problem with reorganizing a huge department like Public Safety, comes down to this, one person to coordinate at the top or two or three. In some cases, its easier to have one person making the sole decision, but in others its best to work with others. I've seen how the North Adams structure works and it is effective, however, this could be a better time to reorganize. The Police Director and Fire Director know their jobs and would be capable in handing their respective department.
from: Two Cents	on: 01-30-2012 10:56AM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (1)

"I suggest that the same structure remains in place. A new description for the Commissioner and a second look at the heads of the Police and Fire and the departments they are responsible for. Everyone should be very clear about what is expected of them. Eliminating the Commissioner's position would create difficulty in who was in charge in certain situations." Anyone with a basic knowledge of emergency situations knows you defer to what is called a "unified command." Our public safety departments are professionals, and I do not think there would be a problem over who is in charge at an emergency scene.
from: NotFoolingMe	on: 01-30-2012 11:46AM I Agree (3) - I Disagree (6)

Another point which I believe is dangerously overlooked with the Commissioners' position is what type of training the Commissioner actually holds. In the event the City decides to keep in place this position and Lt. Sacco or Director Cozzoglio (two Police Officers who certainly have the credentials to lead the NAPD) are promoted to Commissioner, how does this benefit North Adams with regards to the fire service? I seriously doubt either man has received any training what so ever in fire fighting (and why would they, they're full-time police officers) What if the City decides to appoint Fire Director Meranti to Commissioner (Dir. Meranti is certainly competent in running the NAFD) how does this benefit law enforcement for North Adams? Again, I am just as confident that Dir. Meranti has received no police training in his career (which makes sense, why would Dir. Meranti be concerned with case law & criminal procedure when his job is to put out fires?) The present Directors of the Police and Fire Department's are well trained, educated and can competently lead their respective agencies without the oversight of a Commissioner of Public Safety. Because each Director can easily manage their respective agency, the Commissioner's role is an unneeded waste of money. Nonetheless, if the elected officials of North Adams (with a population that barely exceeds that of Williamstown & Adams) believe this city requires a position to oversee the Director's, I would suggest they start conversing with our neighbors for advice as the two aforementioned communities are doing quite fine with the "Fire Chief" and "Chief of Police" structure. I would also highlight there are no other Massachusetts communities trying to imitate the public safety configuration we have in North Adams. I don't believe this is a case that we (North Adams) are ahead of the curve on this one and the rest of the state is playing catch up!
from: Time To Change	on: 01-30-2012 06:15PM I Agree (20) - I Disagree (0)
Editor: Williamstown & Adams have fire departments operated by independent fire companies that elect their own officers. Not good examples. Pittsfield would be better.
I Agree (5) - I Disagree (9)

Editor: 1. Although both Williamstown and Adams are Fire Districts which were created by an act of legislation, they are very much different. Adams holds Fire District elections (registered voters within the Fire District boundaries) to appoint the Prudential Committee, clerk treasurer, Chief Engineer and the assistant engineers. In Williamstown, the only elected officials are the three (3) Prudential Committee members and the Clerk Treasurer (like Adams, elected by voters within the Fire District boundaries.) The Chief Engineer and the assistant chief engineers in Williamstown are then appointed by the Prudential Committee (In a Fire District, those are the official titles set forth by statute, which is why you don't see Captains, Lieutenants, etc. in these communities.) 2. The Alert Hose Company in Adams supplies the firefighters for the Adams Fire District. The Gale Hose Company in Williamstown is a completely separate organization with no ties to the Fire District after a law suit in the 1980's outlined the distinction. Therefore, there is no "fire company" in Williamstown. 3. I respectfully disagree that using Williamstown & Adams are "not good examples" and I suppose you're simply missing my point. I am depicting the similarities of the communities sizes, not engaging in a debate regarding the political system in each community, nor am I promoting that North Adams seek legislation to adopt a Fire District (if such a political transformation was approved, North Adams would then by law be required to form a Forest Wardens Department which is present in Williamstown & Adams.) My line of reasoning when comparing North Adams to its neighbors is to demonstrate that communities of comparable size function very well without a Commissioner of Public safety (regardless of their political structure.) However, as you have mentioned Pittsfield, all the more reason why North Adams should abandon the unwise position of Commissioner. I'm certainly confident if having this position was beneficial, you would see it in Pittsfield, Springfield, Worcester, Boston and beyond. Again, North Adams is not the example for communities to follow or this would be adopted by other cities & towns.
from: Time To Change	on: 01-30-2012 08:52PM I Agree (23) - I Disagree (0)
Editor: I was focusing on the current organizational structure - paid, full-time departments, not volunteer - rather than with communities of comparable population. It seemed to me the original reasoning for evaluating the commissioner's post was cost, not structure. If it costs the same or less and puts more patrolmen on the street, should the city get rid of it? If it costs more, the question I would think answers itself. "Because it's always been like that" isn't a good answer in any case.
I Agree (2) - I Disagree (1)

My question is just exatly what are a commisioner's or a Director job consist of? That the rest of the crew can't do.
from: 911	on: 01-30-2012 09:20PM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (0)
Editor: The job description is posted with the article.
I Agree (1) - I Disagree (0)

Editor: I would like to see you or another local media source engage in investigative journalism and begin to examine the current public safety structure in North Adams. Although before I continue, I will first affirm my support for the full-time Fire & Police Departments in North Adams which should expand in size, not decrease. With that said, how can we presently defend a full-time Fire Department which responds to considerably minor motor vehicle accidents for the purposes of accumulating runs to justify positions, yet remain at the fire station while a community member suffers a serious medical emergency? Editor, you mentioned Pittsfield, in an earlier post, well it should be noted, they are a F.D. which responds to all medical calls with almost all members being certified Emergency Medical Technicians. The North Adams Police Department is grossly understaffed, yet the day shift is unwisely staffed a majority of the time with up to four supervisors while other shifts are undermanned or operate without a ranking officer. These two issues only scratch the surface of a public safety system that needs to be examined in an effort to better serve this community. The realities of today are not what they were 15-20 years ago. North Adams' managing of its public safety agencies is simply prehistoric, which is why we remain one of the only communities in the state which still hang fire boxes on telephone poles. I will guarantee you, if a study was conducted as to how many times a fire box was pulled to report an actual fire in the last 30 years, in comparison to how many unnecessary false alarm runs there have been, the number would be stunning. It's time to ditch the fire boxes and start handling medical calls. Its time to start seriously considering a city run ambulance to generate profit which will create new firefighter positions. It's time to eliminate the Commissioners position and start hiring police officers. The taxpayers deserve a better service, and the members of the Police & Fire Departments deserve better staffing.
from: Time To Change	on: 01-31-2012 12:24AM I Agree (20) - I Disagree (1)

Other than the C.I A.The north adams commissioner seems to have an limitless budget.
from: CIA	on: 01-31-2012 09:50AM I Agree (3) - I Disagree (1)
Editor: In what way?
I Agree (2) - I Disagree (1)

The population of North Adams no longer warrants the need of a Commissioner of Public Safety. Use the money for more police on the streets, and not white collar jobs. Steamline N.A governement, and lets begin to cut out the fat cats.
from: Taxed 2 the Max	on: 02-01-2012 10:24AM I Agree (12) - I Disagree (1)
Editor: Part of the argument for the commissioner post is that it does put more police on the street by eliminating "mid-level" commanders.
I Agree (1) - I Disagree (1)

What wrong with ending this 30-year system with a return to a police chief and a Fire Chief? Both would work for the Mayor, and each would rise from the ranks in each department. Then we'd have police who would be directed in police work, and firefighters who would work for a chief raised from their ranks. Even if the population and the resources continue to decline, this system would provide public service without the costly upper crust of non-specific managers.
from: f.w.goudy	on: 02-02-2012 09:31PM I Agree (5) - I Disagree (0)

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