The topics and issues that the selectmen discussed at their meeting on March 9th included but were not limited to an update from Chief Wells on policing and security measures being taken regarding recent incidents in the Tucker neighborhood and a follow-up on granting a liquor license to Ichiro Sushi, the Japanese restaurant in East Milton.

Selectman Hurley asked to have Chief Wells speak with them about efforts to address crime in light of a spate of violence. The Milton Police Department held a community meeting on Monday evening at the Concord Baptist Church, which was attended by large crowd of 150 or so residents (You can find the presentation here). Hurley had been unable to attend the session. Members Shields and Sweeney were there.

At the Selectmen’s meeting, Chief Wells discussed the availability of State Police to assist with efforts. Representative Timilty had appeared earlier in the meeting and apprised the board of conversations he had with state police regarding how they could help. Chief Wells said he welcomes certain forms of assistance, but doesn’t “want to see our streets patrolled by state police. . . [I don’t] want us to be an occupational force.” He noted it is a fine line between increasing patrols to enhance a sense of security and being perceived as “occupying” the neighborhood.

He said the department is ready “to roll up its sleeves” and “work with the neighborhood.” He identified two contributing factors: lighter sentencing for marijuana offenses and absentee landlords. Marijuana has become an attractive “risk-reward” opportunity due to the lightening of penalties for possession, according to the Chief. With absentee landlords, who deal with tenants on a cash basis, determining who actually lives at a specific residence can be challenging.

Selectmen Sweeney emphasized his commitment to “defend every house on every street.” He said the town has “ten thousand eyes” and this represents a great resource. Wells agreed, and his community policing initiative encourages the public to be alert “and call us.”  He acknowledged what Hurley referred to as “the intimidation factor” that some residents might have felt when they called and were asked for name, address, etc. To mitigate this, the police have set up an anonymous tip line (617-698-2677 or call email crimetips@mpdmilton.org). The Chief noted that the department had received over 800 calls, and he feels this is a good thing. Residents are calling and he explains that he would prefer 99 dead ends if it means one good tip comes in.

Wells asked to reinstate a 2nd canine unit as a “vital tool” and stated he has the budget for it. Trained dogs can be used on patrol, for ballistics, and drug detection. There is already a dog trained and available, but Town Administrator Mearn expressed reservations. He stated that he wants to ensure the budget numbers are correct and that incidents be given the proper attention but “not over attention.” He also made brief reference to a “backstory” on the issue but did not elaborate. Wells stated that “I have no costs for the K-9 team [and want] to put it back in play forthwith.”

Sweeney made a motion to activate the unit, but Shields pushed back. He noted that there had been a meeting between Hurley and Wells that he and Sweeney had not been at. “When you have one you should have the rest of us.” He said that he didn’t disagree but wanted further discussion with the Chief and recommended it be deferred until March 22nd. Sweeney said, “canines will provide additional protection,” but he confirmed that if one member requests a meeting all should be present. The motion was tabled.