Though occasionally accused of being too aggressive and militaristic of law enforcement initiatives for such a small city, the Aberdeen Police Department’s surveillance camera system and Rapid Response Team (RRT) have undoubtedly helped proactively combat crime and clean up city streets.
At a ceremony in Glen Burnie on Tuesday, those efforts by Aberdeen Police were officially recognized when the law enforcement agency was the recipient a pair of crime prevention awards handed out by Gov. Martin O’Malley.
The Governor’s Crime Prevention Award for Outstanding Proactive Crime Prevention Programs in Maryland was awarded to the Aberdeen Police Department for both its Camera Surveillance Project and its Rapid Response Team Safe Street Initiative.
In attendance at the ceremony were Det./Sgt. Kirk Bane, Cpl. Dan Gosnell, Ofc. Dave Swain, Ofc. Todd Fanning, Ofc. Jeanette Giganti, Chief Rudy, Capt. Henry Trabert, Councilman Mike Hiob and City Manager Doug Miller. Ofc. Tim Helf, who is also a member of the team, couldn’t be there because of his duties in Iraq.
Mayor Mike Bennett was apparently invited by Rudy, but did not attend the event.
According to Bane, “there were about 25 tables at the event and when the Governor arrived, our table was the only one he stopped at and he put one hand on my shoulder and the other on the chief’s and said ‘Is this the Aberdeen table?'”
“He then said it was good to see us and went to his table. When he left we again were the only table he stopped at to say goodbye,” Bane added.
The group from Aberdeen alaso posed for pictures with Patrick Bradley, the Executive Director of the Maryland Police & Correctional Training Commission, left, and to his right, Gary Maynard, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
The awards are handed out each year through the Maryland Community Crime Prevention Institute, along with the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions and the Maryland Crime Prevention Association.
There were 56 award recipients this year, each of whom have made outstanding contributions to the furtherance of crime prevention programming. Other law enforcement agencies received awards for such endeavors as creating “Airpark Security Council” for businesses in Montgomery County, producing an educational DVD aimed at high school seniors vacationing in Ocean City and developing a comprehensive public safety video geared to college campuses.
Although it was honored Tuesday for being among the best and most proactive law enforcement agencies in the state, the Aberdeen Police Department lost perhaps its biggest booster of forward-thinking police tactics when former mayor Fred Simmons lost his re-election bid to Bennett in November.
Can APD maintain its aggressive pursuit of excellence without Simmons? With Bennett?
Will APD be better off without the micromanagement of a full-time, ride-along mayor or will it miss his hands-on support?
Or will Bennett, a retired Maryland State Police lieutenant, use his more than three decades of law enforcement experience to guide APD to greater successes and accelerate the process of cleaning up crime in the city?
Congrats to the APD for their award! Keep up the good work!
Congrats!!! You all are doing a great Job. Don't let people get you down.
Another Contrats guys, well deserved!
Hey Dave. Go crawl back under a rock. what did you get 300 votes for all your "great work"? I guess everyone elese is wrong too Dave.
Award for a camera? Show me and every other tax payer that the camera has solved any or as many crimes as another officers would have for that $180+ K!
If the goof above and Hiob would have helped S. Fred invest that $$$ for the buy in for our retirement maybe there wouldnt be any cryin about the LEOPS now would there!
oops…I mean CONGRATS! (pardon the mispelling!)
Congratulations and well deserved. Please convey my wishes for a timely and safe return to Officer Helf. It is interesting that the mayor was invited but didn’t attend. Is that because he felt that it wasn’t his place since the work was a Simmons administration initiative or is it because he had his head filled with falsehoods as to these folks being the brutal militaristic jump out thugs that some have painted them to be? I suppose we shall never know.
Can anyone in the know advise if the award winning carema system is the same one that Ruth Elliott had a problem with? Just wondering. All the negative things that were put out about the police department and here you have it, recognized by the entire state for a great job.
r-winger
perhaps he didnt attend because he knows when you look up republican in the dictionary you see the past mayor’s photo. he switched mid-stream to endorse omalley who is a die heart democrat so that he could win his favor (cha ching). he didnt fool omalley and he didnt fool us–not for a second. they both used each other. whats ironic is seeing rudy next to omalley in the photo. rudy is a die heart republican gone bad as well. guess these two need to go back to republican 101 class. gosh, yah cant ride the fence your whole life boys.
Congratulations to my fellow Brothers & Sisters at APD for another job well done.
For those of you who doubt the cameras I can tell you they are great when a crime occurs at capturing the “real” details of the crime not to mention a great tool at stopping those who are thinking about a crime.
The Mayor didn’t attend? It would make sense that he felt out of place however no reason/excuse not to support the men and woman of APD. I hope he at least sent a “Congrats.”
I am so tired of hearing about Republican v. Democrat in this Country. This is why nothing gets accomplished. Set aside the political BS, political parties…and lets get this Country back on track!
If the men and woman of APD are reading this, please excuse “Hmmm’s” comments…there was no doubt that some uneducated jerk would post something negative. Again, from DE….Congrats!!!
Frank G
Newark, DE
Who cares what party anyone is – the award was about the great work of the APD not Simmons and not Bennett. It is a shame the Mayor was not there to show support but he is irrelevant.
Congratulations to the entire APD. The guys and gals of this department are top drawer. We knew it all along but having the Governor recognize it is truly a step in the right direction.
Does it look to anyone else as though the guy who calls himself “hmmm” sound an awful lot like the one who was a “punisher” in previous posts. Sympathy is in order for that one.
Keep up the great work APD.
By the way Dave. Wasn’t it Bray and Denu who got you tha huge AFLAC account with the City?
Once, again…immature posts by the Punisher and Hmmm, and again sounding more and more like Joe Bray.
And Hmmm….if you are going to have an opinion in this country, whether you be a die hard Democrat or Republican, you have to know when a individual is the best for the job. If you strictly voted due only to who is in what party, that's just plain ignorance. I think most would agree. So please keep leaving your rude comments. This article was only to be about the APD doing a great job. Whatever grudge you seem to hold against the former mayor, get over it, he's not in office anymore.
Congrats APD, keep up the good work.
I would like to express my congratulations to the APD for the great job they do and yet another award from the governor. I've been around Aberdeen since the mid 60's and have seen this police force at all 3 levels, the good, the bad and the ugly and I can tell you that this current force and it's outstanding leadership has made Aberdeen a better place to live. The ethics shown by these men and women are to say the very least "outstanding" no matter what the current mayor and his henchmen say. Keep up the good work Aberdeen PD and pay no attention to the negative junk that shows up here, like many things it's always easy to be critical of others for your own failures.
A word for the new mayor – you have a great city and lots of good people, drop this "witch hunt" transition team and get on with the business of running this city. I'm sure Art will collect all his "chits" for the next two years, already has one good tax break.
The reason why mayor Bennett did not go to the award ceromony is because he did'nt finish his vegatables and Mr. Helton wouldnt let him out to go play.
it has been said. a medal would'nt buy you' a cup of coffee & trust me it won't award's are no different.they only concern the people who are awarded.
as for the public it's ho' hum'
they rarely grace the office wall's, more likely to be found in a dark dusty closet where a very expensive camera system stand's watch.
hopefully they will be taken home, and discussed with the family' as to what gallant deed was done to deserve this quiet' lonely award.
Here's my issue with Bennett not going. The Governor was going to be there. We have this thing called BRAC coming up. Last I checked, the governor doesn't make his way to Aberdeen very often. So what better place to introduce yourself as the new mayor of Aberdeen and get some face time? Even if it's for a couple of minutes.
steve it would appear' our friendy' mayor is not that at all. let's give fred simmons his due. he at least supported the police department. democrat republican liberal what ever he should have been there.
oh he's busy running the day to day operations' of the city' and that's a big if and maybe. two thousand nine better hurry' I think we are in trouble.
Gosh punisher I must have forgotten. I guess if I was a real good politician i would have stayed bought. One good deed, for that matter several does not erase an egregious error in judgment. I am grateful for help received in the past but when the same guy or gal decides to self destruct it's a bit hard to help. Those two had better stop trying to blame someone else for their mistakes. Grow up and accept responsibility.
Dave
So Dave. Lets hear the logic behind the camera system, the planning and its use. I'd like you to show all the tax payers just how that all came about.
Notice the quesion was never answered about the productivity of the $180+K camera vs. a officer's work.
Officer = 30+ arrests, 150+ tickets, countless business checks and a thinking,talking,touchable person.
Camera = O!
Thats brilliant! Great investment for the people!
I say sell it back and buy us 7 more police cars we need. After all we only have 9 new cars in a fleet of 40+.
P.S.
Congrats to ALL APD officers. By comparison to other agencies with the same demographics they have always done a great job collectively and on their OWN!
Notice they are not the problem.
To (especially) hmmm and all others,
It appears someone is using the "hmmm" moniker to rile you up.
The person using "hmmm" is not "hmmm….".
As I said in the posts "Return to Sender" on December 12th, 2007 6:51 am, I was going to just sit back and read the post from now on. The whining statement was not dis-respecting the police, it was only pointing out characteristics of a few people who happen to be representing or be police officers posting on here.
I've stated before that I respect law and the police dept. I had some questions that were only partly answered in the "Return to Sender" post. Whether I agree with them or dis-agree, that appears to be all that I will get…que sera, sera.
Everyone has opinions and ideas that they are truly passionate about. (Republicans or Democrats) They all seem right to the person expressing them, to others its all wrong or mis-informed information. Thats why this blog exists.
I will congratulate the RRT for their award. And I hope the program does not get cut.
Signed,
hmmm….
(not hmmm or hmmm is right)
the likely' hood of the rrt being cut is unlikely, unless it's affectiveness is questioned simply by cost verse's affectiveness.
how much is one willing to pay for a reasonable degree of safety? we better be finding out. it's very likely the police department will need to expand with the advent of brac looming ever so closer.
but there is new transition team, in town made up of retired personal etc.who seem to think, there is no crime in aberdeen. and some of them do not live in town.
"The reason why mayor Bennett did not go to the award ceromony is because he did’nt finish his vegatables and Mr. Helton wouldnt let him out to go play."
ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!
Vet,
Your post is interesting in light of the front page article I just read in the Record titled "Police Programs In Doubt'. I hope you are right because the RRT doesn't cost the city any extra – its made up of the regular officers, just organized into a special unit focused on proactive measures.
The article was an interesting read.
sorry I did'nt have a copy' of the record. the rrt is doing a very' good job and need's to continue, with out harrassment.of which I fear is on the way.
the one's most likely to cry foul are those who are being arrested.
I just happened to be in position' to witness some drug raid's a few years back, professional's at work. well trained & well done. if the public could see what there paying for I think they would be pleased.
no body' is holloring at the fire department. until there house burns down.the police department know's best what it's need's are.hopefully the mayor will embrace his brother's. and give them what they need.
This place and all of you are too funny…….Don't ask Dave Swain (the FOP Pres.?) to respond to any comments. I met him once & he had the personality of a wet noodle. I have been told there are only a handfull, maybe that many that can stand to listen to him. (so they made him a Detective? with how many years of experiance? ) As for the rest of the ones in the photo, what have they done? is it just this group that should get credit? The rank in that group you can smell & it's not very good. A bunch of under age over promoted guys with swelled heads. I pitty the APD future & worry about my community. You all should fear a re-structure, that place seems to need it. Promote the worthy not the friends. All of you need to grow up, listen to a select few that can give true words of wisdom. But they wont be in here. Maybe at the Town Meeting?
I know Dave Swain ( and his numerous friends in the department) personally, and based upon your post, you CLEARLY do not know him.
You seem to have an inflated opinion of yourself to presume to know him based upon "meeting him once" and what you 'have been told' others think about him. Since I DO know him I can tell you if you feel he 'has the personality of a wet noodle' he likely didn't care for you, as he tends to just not interact with people of questionable character and motives rather than get drawn into any kind of negative conversation.
You question what the group in the photo have done. Why don't you take the time to do a little research and find out just that. If you really did, you would understand exactly why they are/were on the team and why they received an award. But I guess you think you can better determine that then the governor and the people from the state that present these awards.
As for his years experience, again, you clearly don't know him and have no business posting a personal attack. His experience goes back way before APD and his performance at APD is evident in his stats if you care to check them out.
So, to your promote the worthy and not the friends comment, anyone who checks out real facts about the individuals currently and formerly on the RRT will see that THAT is exactly what occurred.
Not the promote based upon years in the department that so many want to see implemented.
Oh, and Mr/Ms?? Just Watching,
does your attack apply to Officer Helf as well? He is not in the picture, but did receive the award. How about the officers currently on RRT? If so, you have managed to bash the accomplishments and qualifications of 8 Aberdeen Police Officers.
Who in your estimation SHOULD have received an award or IS most qualified to be part of this proactive specialized unit?
Stats? Check them out? How many are convictions? The Governor must have been asleep when he signed that award. Maybe your right, I dont know his past (Dave) but I'm sure it was not worthy of a position as he holds now. I would like to see experiance solve the crimes commited all around me, not a guy that is too busy with FOP stuff to help me find the punks who broke all of our windows. It's not his job but it sure could have been that Baine detective to find someone who could. But he is still a kid himself with a 8 year or so under his belt and that bald one holding the "award" he has a promotion / rank and he has how many years of experiance. I know how you guys get promoted. A test (written) & because someone scores a little bit better, that makes him the better man/woman. You guys should place the experiance will it will best serve us, the people.
Maybe things will change? I hope to see some demotions or at least a re-structure (followed by your law suits) and a new more powerful productive Police Department.
Maybe I'm being too hard on all of you guys. Maybe I would like a little satisfaction on the punks that hurt alot of people up here.
Maybe they will get rid of this damn website.
Maybe I will stop being such an ass.
Sorry to offend, and it's too late to take back the Dave comments. True I dont know the true Dave Swain, but from the few I have talked too welllllllllll I'll stop there. Again I say stop all the B.S. do what is right.
Maybe just maybe we all could be friends.
As for Helf. He is doing enough for all of us. I dont think you should mention his name. Current RRT? What happened to this group?
You have 8 officer's on RRT ??? I dont read about any arrests?
There are 8 officers who have at one time been in the RRT.
As for Officer Helf, I am friends with him and so is Swain, so I bring up his name since I take exceptional offense at someone trying to take away from the validity of this award and their hard work. They indeed belonged on the RRT and did tremendous work in that unit.
As for stats and convictions, I haven't done the exact math myself, but per "the Man"'s post on December 7 under another post, "I have been doing some calculations from Maryland Case Search. I show Swain having a 92% conviction rate"
I would consider 92% an excellent conviction rate.
What happened to the RRT? Officer Helf left, Officer Swain is now detective, and other very qualified officers are continuing the efforts.
Bottom line, back to the original article, this team has made a true difference. They have great stats. They all are and were the 'right people' for the job they were asked to do and rose to the occasion to do it.
Its easy to take pot shots at people without finding out the facts. There are a lot of great officers at APD and likely some who don't like seeing good work rewarded.
Dave Swain did not deserve your attacking comments. He is a great officer and a great person who despite your first impression and the negative comments made by the few you may have talked to, has a lot to offer APD.
92% of 5 arrests? anyway I'll stop the comments / attacks. A good officer maybe but not great. I've seen great officer's at work in the thick of it. This City has it's rough spots but none like Georgia, Virginia, Florida or the big City New york.
Don't puff your chest and pat your backs for a job a monkey could do. (well a very good trained monkey). I hope the RRT? can keep the City from getting like Virginia / New York etc. & I hope the Detectives can solve a serious case or two.
Good luck….as bitter as I am…..I still wish you all no harm, Stay safe, keep your head down & wait for back-up. I will not respond or be here anymore. (maybe) (something might dig at me)
I just re-read your post and something troubling jumped out at me you said (of Dave) "a guy that is too busy with FOP stuff to help me find the punks who broke all of our windows"
Your post implies that he is neglecting a case of yours? involving broken windows. Is that what you meant to say? Was he assigned to the case? That doesn't sound like the Dave Swain I know.
If I misunderstood your post, please correct me.
5 arrests? You are WAY off. Not even warm.
Swain won the award for leading the department in arrests. If you believe that number was 5, I either feel sorry for you, or for the department and city if that number won a departmental award.
I will try using very simple words so that the punisher can understand. The question is how many arrests by camera vs an officer? Perhaps it should be changed to how many apples can you put into a grape basket? A camera does not make arrests. Arrests are no more made by a camera than by a fingerprint kit. The cameras first an foremost provide a level of deterrence. Admittedly they are not hugely more effective than a parked patrol car with a sleeping cop. The most important function is to have the digital image available for future investigation. To suggest that the money spent could have provided spit toward the retirement program truly shows the level of thinking to which one is willing to sink.
It should be obvious to the casual observer that a couple of former cops have linked up with the Hiltonistas and are willing to spew any amount of venom to discredit the fine guys and gals who wouldn't jump to their defense when they went over the wall.
Dave please, compareing a camera to a sleeping cop? the camera supposedly never sleep's. hopefully we will never see a sleeping cop.
on duty that is. yes they' pull over for a rest brake, to do paper work etc. I also have heard the remark's made about them doing that. I suggest we walk in there shoe's' a few day's and night's.
I do believe officer garvey. gave us and invite to do just that. just sign a waiver. there was a remark. about officer helf I do believe this young man is dodgeing bullet's & car bomb's in Iraq. and unable to speak in his defense. I can speak' very well of the officers at aberdeen' both patrol & detective's. detective cox. officer garvey officer testerman officer severn chief rudy' and the list goes on.
Please brother Vet read again what I wrote. I said that the camera is no more than a sleeping cop. The meaning is NOT that any of our guys do that but that the presence alone, whether awake or not is a deterrent and stops some crime just by being there. Further thinking about it the astute on duty cop is a whole lot more than the deterrent presented by the camera. I have ridden with most of our Guys and Gals and would never demean any of them.
Dave. Just how many cameras are there and how many arrests and convictions have been made with these "didgital images for future investigation"?
I thought you were literate, but I was wrong. The next statement was and something you admitted yourself…" a police officer dollar for dollar is worth hundreds times more dividens than the camera system.
Ridden with most of our Guys and Gals? Sure you have.
Rick/Punisher: delusion is a great way to maintain your sanity. Hang in there old buddy. Somebody, somewhere still thinks you're a good guy.
I notice still no answer to the questions.
There is no cogent question, just like there is no cogent thought process!
Guys, please for the love of all things holy, STOP! Your making urselves look very stupid and childish. Let it go!!!
Hey' dave I under stood very well what you meant' I simply thought I would bring some humor along with it.
they are great guy's& gal's. as for ( punisher) if it's rick denu. I can not and will not speak' out anything bad about this man.
it could be his fellow officers can' but I can not. he was a good man doing a tough job.
semper-fi
Not Rick Denu, not possible.
sandi I'am old and grouchy'. and just feel the need to pick. our guy's & gal's at aberdeen p.d. are top of the line. now let us direct' our attention to the bel air sheriff's department.
some of there men and women are nothing more than ( obese) now these are deputy's that are well payed' and apparently corn fed'
some are so large' they could'nt run 10 feet. they like to think of them self's being para military. so maybe we can suggest a training program to get them some physical training. shape up or ship out.
VV-“Corn fed”.
Funny.
I suggets the MNPTAEC.
Otherwise known as the Ma ‘N’ Pa Tactical Assault Environmental Challenge. I’ve seen it work wonders.
Dave Yensan your the best! I was there election day and based on all the hugs and kisses you alone received more than 300 of them. I also observed that Ruth Elliott stood alone almost all day except for her daughter. The actual voter outcome really surprised me based on my election day observations. Maybe Art Helton had more out of towners vote.
Veitnam Vet, thank you for your service to our country!