SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse Police Department Chief Joseph Cecile answers questions from viewers to increase transparency and community relations.
This week, we go through the snow removal details in Syracuse, as well as some of the new technology in the department.
On snow removal details:
Syracuse Police, as well as the Department of Public Works will be looking for people who are parked on the wrong side of the road, or are otherwise illegally parked. If you are parked in the wrong spot, or are blocking where a snow plow would drive, you are at risk of getting towed. “It is important because in the winter, the roads narrow, and if you are blocking their ability to remove the snow, we’re going to have a problem,” said the Chief. Most of the time, DPW will call for a tow truck when they cannot plow the right way. It impedes an emergency vehicle’s ability to get down the roads.
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On new technology in the department:
“There was so much apprehension when those first cameras went up, that there was a petition to not put them up,” said the Chief. “Now, everyone is asking to have them up in the city.” The Chief said that same apprehension was found with the drone first response program at the police department. “Really, it helps officers,” he said. The drone would be able to arrive on-scene before police do, and figure out if there is apparent danger, or give officers an edge on responding to a situation.