Telephone conversation Captain Hassan Aden and Glenn Eugster regarding Safety and Health Concerns in Marlboro Estates, Alexandria, VA.

Telephone conversation Captain Hassan Aden and Glenn Eugster regarding Safety and Health Concerns in Marlboro Estates

Wednesday January 30, 2008

In response to an e-mail message I received on Jan. 29, 2008 I called Captain Hassan Aden of the City of Alexandria’s Police Department.  Captain Aden is the Sector 3 Commander.  Sector 3 is the West End, the largest district in the City, and it includes Marlboro Estates.  He said that it includes 2/3 of Alexandria and is a monster of a district in terms of the work required to serve an area of this size and number of people.  He noted that he has good officers working this district.

The Captain said that he was doing an in-depth look at crime in our area.  We talk about my earlier conversation with Officer Boyle.  The Captain said that he was very familiar with the incidents we have had in our neighborhood.  

We discussed the recent burglary on North Early Street and the Captain clarified that the incident was a burglary not a robbery.  He indicated that the house that was burglarized did not have a security alarm and had a door with a broken lock.  He noted that there was no forced entry into the house.

We discussed how safe this neighborhood has been and how we sometime have a false sense of security.  He stressed that he emphasizes crime prevention and we discussed how all of us need to take steps to help make our homes and neighborhoods safe.  I mentioned the neighbor’s interest in creating a Marlboro Neighborhood Watch group and posting signs that indicate the presence of such an effort.  

I explained some of the incidents that have occurred over the last five months, and other issues that have been identified by other neighbors.  We discussed the link between the park and the crime we have encountered recently.  I also raised the issues related to the park maintenance yard and the problems we have encountered with illegal dumping and out-of-town visitors to the yard.  Captain Aden said that he would not be able to help us with the maintenance yard or the dumpsters but that we should work with the Parks Department.

Captain Aden asked what exactly do our residents want the Police Department to do.  I told him that we would like: 

1) more patrols in the neighborhood; 

2) more patrols in Ft. Ward Park;

3) the gate to the park closed after hours, and; 

4) the garbage dumpsters to be removed from the park maintenance yard.

The Captain indicated that they do periodically patrol our area, including North Early Street.  They also patrol the park at night.  He added that he has assigned Officer Troy Boyle to our area and that they will have officers continue to patrol our area and go into the park in the afternoon and evening between 3:30 and 5:30 or 6:00 pm.

Captain Aden indicates that the assignment of Officer Boyle to our area is unique and we will have another opportunity to talk with Officer Boyle when he returns from personal leave in a week.

Captain Aden said that he thought that the park should be able to shut the gate during the hours that the park is closed.    He indicated that they will increase patrols in the park and see what they learn about the concerns that we have raised.  He said that if necessary they can add police bike patrols to the park in the springtime.

Captain Aden believes that he and his officers can help us and asked that we give him a chance to work on the concerns that we have raised.  He encouraged me to have us communicate and work with Officer Boyle and him directly.

He discussed his background and approach to management.  He indicated that he has worked for the Mayor’s office on accountability issues and also worked for the Mayor and City Council. He talked about the working relationships that he has with different city managers and the importance of communication.

Captain Aden’s approach to police services emphasizes setting performance measures that are based outcomes and recognition that the Captain is the person that is accountable.  He said that hopes to have the Chief invite community leaders to meet with them to look at the accountability system.

Captain Aden suggested a meeting with Police Chief Baker.  I asked if it would be okay to bring 1-2 additional neighbors to such a meeting and he agreed.  We discussed a meeting that will include a walk in the park sometime on February 7, 2008. Captain Aden said he would check the Chief’s schedule and get back to me soon.