Good news, bad news
for the 2nd Police District

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

Capt. Michael McCarrick, commander of the Philadelphia 2nd Police District, offered good news and bad news to members of the 2nd Police District Advisory Council last week.
"The second district has seen a steady decrease of about six percent in total crime," McCarrick said, adding that the 2007 decrease follows another in 2006.
The bad news is that this time of year doesn’t bring out the best in everyone.
"We have too many people out there robbing people. They start robbing people after Thanksgiving on a street level — delivery guys, commercial and residential," McCarrick said.
Additional officers are on the street to combat the problem.
Police were able to clear 12 cases when they cracked a ring out of West Philly that had been robbing delivery men in Lawndale and Crescentville. Another arrest cleared seven knifepoint robberies on Rising Sun Avenue.
That’s why, McCarrick said, it is important to recognize the officers of the month in this format to realize their impact.
Officers Rick Bose and Anthony Glaviano were recognized as September Officers of the Month for their work in apprehending three suspects in a Sept. 7 bank robbery. Officer Valerie Felici was likewise recognized for that apprehension at the PDAC’s November meeting.
Officers Kenneth Tilly and Scott Gill were chosen as October Officers of the Month for their work in arresting four suspects on aggravated assaults, three narcotics arrests and one robbery arrest.
Battalion 12 Chief Anthony Sneidar, based at the firehouse at Cottman and Loretto avenues, was on hand at the 2nd PDAC meeting last week to ask for assistance in keeping neighbors safe this holiday season. Sneidar pointed to the fire hazards associated with Christmas trees, candles and lights and the need for smoke alarms.
"This time of year can be very hazardous," he said.
Dwight Levy gave members an update on the 2nd district curfew center at the Max Myers playground, 1601 Hellerman St. The center, which opened Nov. 20, also serves the 7th and 8th police districts.
"Our success depends on volunteers," he told the group.
To volunteer at a neighborhood curfew center, call 215-683-5770. ••
The next 2nd PDAC meeting will be held Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 7:15 p.m., at the Philadelphia Protestant Home, 6500 Tabor Ave.
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com