CH police chief says each call is important

Recent disturbances involving rowdy or violent youth have left many Cleveland Heights residents wondering how they can avoid becoming victims and how they can keep their homes and neighborhoods safe.

In a recent conversation, Jeffrey Robertson, chief of Cleveland Heights Division of Police, repeatedly emphasized two words, "Call us." Chief Robertson clarified that on-going investigations and/or prosecutions often mean that only certain details can be made public. A critical part of his department’s dialogue is the exchange of information that occurs as the situation unfolds.

"We need residents to communicate with us. I’m all about getting out into the community," Robertson said. He noted that his department is trying to get closer to residents and establish a rapport through the department’s Meet the Police sessions, which occur on Thursday evenings at city hall.

Robertson is continuing the long-standing practice of having officers visit neighborhood meetings, both to discuss specific incidents of troublesome neighbors or vacant houses and to hear comments of concerned residents. In addition, Chief Robertson has created bicycle patrols, which involve officers riding bicycles through some of the business districts during warm weather months.

The department has also embraced social media with a recently created Twitter account, http://twitter.com/#!/clvhtspolice, and a soon-to-be established Facebook page.

While he emphasized that all emergency calls should be placed to 9-1-1, Chief Robertson envisions the social networking tools as a digital two-way street for residents to learn more about police announcements, initiatives and criminal activity. He hopes residents will use the social media to inform the police about hot spots and other problems.

Robertson stressed that these modes of communication will be effective only if residents use them. "The most important thing is for people to call us. If you see something suspicious or someone being disruptive, call us. Trust your gut. Make the call."

While some residents feel frustrated when they place calls about neighborhood problems and do not see an immediate solution to the problem, Chief Robertson said it is often the cumulative effect of the calls that enables him to interact with other city departments to find solutions.

"For example, when we get calls about specific addresses, we are able to track the number and frequency of repeated calls and visits to the site," he said, adding that "We coordinate with other departments, particularly our housing department. If we keep getting calls to go out to the same house or business, it can result in [that location] being designated a public nuisance under city law. We log every call and use them in further enforcement activities."

Robertson explained that a designation of public nuisance allows the city to fine the owner or resident, or the landlord of a rental property, and possibly implement other financial sanctions, such as those that can lead to the revocation of public housing certification.

Chief Robertson reiterated that citizens should not feel as if they have to tolerate problem behavior. But that in order to remove it, he said, "We have to know what’s going on."