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Pocono News Section
Former Police Chief Embraces New Role
Former Police Chief Embraces New Role - Friday, March 7, 2008 at 5:38PM EST
Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Friday, Mar 7, 2008 @05:38pm EST
Williamsport, Lycoming County-
A familiar face is back at city hall in Williamsport, helping fight crime in a brand new role. Former police chief Curley Jett is now serving in a volunteer capacity, as the city’s crimewatch coordinator.
With 28 years of experience as a cop, Curley Jett knows a thing or two about criminals. He also knows the important role crimewatches can play, acting as the eyes and ears of a neighborhood, and providing important information to police. "This is sending a clear message to anyone who would commit a crime, that somebody's going to see you. If you attempt to do something in those areas, you're going to get caught," Jett noted.
There are just over a dozen crimewatch groups scattered throughout the city, such as the Newberry Crime Commission, and the Isabella Street group, to name a few, watching over many of Williamsport's streets. Jett's goal is lofty, to achieve 100% participation in crimewatches, and get them all working together.
"This would send a clear message to those who would commit crimes that we're not going to put up with it any longer. The citizens of Williamsport are tired of it, and they want it to stop," he added.
Curley Jett also works as a prevention specialist in the Williamsport Area School District. City officials here say his previous experience as a police chief will be invaluable in his new role. Mayor Gabe Campana explained, "Curley Jett is seasoned, he knows what's happening on the streets."
Christy Haberstroh helped start the Newberry Crime Commission three years ago. She knows the group is making a difference, and hopes the addition of a crimewatch coordinator will help even more. "With his experience being a police officer, he knows what the criminal mind is thinking, and how they handle the drug activity," Ms. Haberstroh said.
"We're doing our very best to put a dent in the crime, but we can't do it alone. We need the citizens help, and we're very encouraged that more citizens are stepping up to the plate and more crimewatches are being added in our great city," Mayor Campana added.
Curley Jett retired from the police force in 2002. Again, he is serving in a voluntary capacity as Williamsport’s crimewatch coordinator.
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