Photo: Getty Images
The Kingston Police Department in New York has launched a new Community Response Team (CRT) to enhance public safety. The team, consisting of 12 volunteer officers, will focus on identifying community "hot spots" where additional services are needed. These officers will work closely with the Detective Division and a crime analyst from the Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center to implement evidence-based policing techniques.
According to Mayor Steven T. Noble, the CRT aims to work collaboratively with the community to achieve safety goals. "This innovative approach developed by Chief Tinti and our leadership brings together the best resources we have," Noble said. The team will share information seamlessly across shifts and jurisdictions, continuing their partnership with the Town of Ulster Police Department.
Kingston Police Chief Egidio Tinti emphasized the team's focus on problem-oriented policing techniques. "By investigating and monitoring areas that are deemed problematic by data and assessing the needs, we can then work across departments and agencies to solve problems," Tinti said. The officers will submit daily reports to command staff and the crime analyst to determine the next steps.
The CRT will operate during regular patrol hours, allowing officers to gather information and solve problems beyond traditional methods. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure the safety of Kingston's residents and visitors.