15th district captain
will host community forum

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

A captain’s forum is coming to the 15th Police District.
Capt. Frank Bachmayer, the district’s commanding officer, announced at last week’s Police District Advisory Committee meeting that he will begin holding the forum, which will be open to the general public.
The initiation of the forum comes in response to requests of 15th district residents who want to bring their concerns directly to the captain, according to Officer Joanne Kitz, the 15th district community relations officer. The PDAC meetings are only for representatives of organizations in the district.
The captain’s forum will be held from 8 to 9 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month, after Town Watch meetings at the 15th district headquarters, Harbison Avenue and Levick Street. The first meeting will be held on Aug. 30.
Officer Sharon Krauss returns this week as community relations officer. Kitz will be the victim’s assistance officer.
In other business:
• Officer James Putro was recognized as the June Officer of the Month. He observed a handgun inside of a car that matched the description of a vehicle involved in a shooting on the 2100 block of E. Letterly St., where two men were shot.
Both the driver and passenger were taken into custody and the vehicle was secured while officers waited for a search warrant. Both men were positively identified as the driver and the shooter by witnesses.
• The 15th PDAC is planning a community day, to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6, at Wissinoming Park, Frankford Avenue and Comly Street. Interested businesses, community groups and non-profit groups are encouraged to call 215-685-8698.
The next PDAC meeting will be held Monday, Aug. 27 at the John Perzel Community Center. ••
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com