SHOCKING NEWS FROM PPD: UP TO 1,000 GANG MEMBERS NOW IN PITTSFIELD
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THURSDAY, NOV. 19, 2015) — A loaded gun found in a middle school is not the type of story you would expect to vanish — if you lived in a city that had a corner office, school committee, and superintendent committed to public safety and transparency. Pittsfield citizens do not have such a team in place. Instead, it has a disengaged, lame-duck mayor; a feeble, indisposed school committee; and a superintendent who hides bad news.
Everything’s great. Nothing to see here. You can all go home and forget this ever happened. You get the idea.
Except THE PLANET does not forget, not when it comes to fighting for the rights of citizens. Thus, while all other Berkshire County media have played along and pretended the Herberg Handgun Hijinks never happened, THE PLANET has alone continued to dig. We shall present the results of our investigation once our probe has finished. What we’ve found so far isn’t pretty. Be forewarned.
Classrooms Out of Control
Herberg principal Gina Coleman heads a school that, for whatever reason, cannot control its young charges. If you are a parent and your child is at Herberg, you might want to consider finding another middle school. Many others have.
A recent briefing conducted at Herberg for worried parents said Pittsfield has an estimated 500 gang members. These are validated, known members. Off the record, Pittsfield police say the actual number is probably double that. One thousand gang members — think about it. Police say that, counting splinter groups, there are probably 20 “deonominations” or offshoots of gangs such as the Bloods, Crips, and Latin Kings. Membership includes a mix of out-of-towners — primarily from New York City, Springfield, and Hartford — and “generational” or homegrown youth.
It may shock you to learn that the No. 1 cause of death in Pittsfield teens 13-17 years of age is homicide. Gang activity occurs in all parts of the city, with the West Side and downtown the most prominent locations. As far as North Street is concerned, once one moves north of Columbus Avenue, the risk of gang activity increases by the block. Even venues such as Hotel on North and upscale condo-apartment rentals haven’t been able to dent the gang grade.
According to one law enforcement official who requested anonymity, “[Gang] bangers come to Pittsfield [from larger cities] to recruit new members and mine new turf. The larger cities, gangs consider those areas their core businesses. So they look for small- to mid-size cities to expand.”
Five Risk Factors
According to the Pittsfield Police Department, five risk factors determine if a young person joins a gang:
- Family — Gang members usually come from broken homes. No shock there. The typical “ganger” family is poor, with a history of criminal behavior. In nearly every case, there is little to no parental supervision.
- Community — At-risk kids usually live in neighborhoods with lots of drugs, easy access to guns, a personal sense of risk, and a lack of safety.
- Peer Pressure — The “one bad apple” model. One spoils two. Two infect three or four, and so on.
- School —Kids who fall easy prey to gangs don’t study, miss class frequently, show up late, don’t expect to go to college, can’t do basic math, and can’t read or write well.
- Individual — A kid who’s antisocial has a good chance of joining a gang. He or she shows lots of anger, with aggression and violence. Other signals include trouble with authority figures; use or abuse of drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes; failure to take responsibility for one’s actions.
Clearly, there’s no easy solution to the enormous problem of 1,000 gang members terrorizing the city. Like every other problem facing Pittsfield right now, the solution lies increating a functioning economy not dependent on seasonal recreation-and-resort venues for jobs. That is the most important step the city can take in trying to get at this and other problems.
Building a $200 million new high school won’t do a thing in responsibly addressing this public safety scourge. If fact, borrowing this money will only create new stressors in the community with punishing new tax hikes. It will also help to have city and school officials level with us, which brings us back to Gungate.
The worst is yet to come.
Do you think anyone in office cares?
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“The great nations have always acted like gangsters and the small nations like prostitutes.” — filmmaker Stanley Kubrick.
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
The views expressed in any comment section are not those of PLANET VALENTI or endorsed in any way by PLANET VALENTI; this website reserves the right to remove any comment which violates its Rules of Conduct, and it is not liable for the consequences of any posted comment as provided in Section
No worries, help is on the way. Barry Tyer is going to hire 27 new cops. Good news cause we’re gonna need em.
I suggest this Mayor will step up and make the current Mayor the indifferent fool that he is. Acknowledging that there is a problem is the first step. Linda Tyer publicly acknowledges that as fact.
“sensible gun laws work great”
Just ask the morons from Basstun.
What will happen with ISIS, demonrats?
Do we even have 27 candidates in the pipeline?
Being that the Planet is a little irratated with Photo 39 comment, my response to Gatos was already mentioned in another post. The three outcasts of the Bianchi administration with Mazzeo’s help, Krol, Clairmont, and Lathrope, shows animosity just as much as joy in the celebratory picture, pictures, as the Tyer victory was all about them, in my opinion.
I see nothing special about image 39. I think that most of the people in those 101 images have no clue how of if things will change. They might just as well been there to cheer for their favorite sports team. Just a cult of personality.
And so, how many of these gang bangers are students in the Pittsfield school system? And please break it down by the school. i.e.
PHS _____
Herberg ____
Taconic _____
etc.
A forward thinking superintendent might consider moving all the gang types into one school to save the city gasoline money when the police, ambulances and fire trucks need to go there. And the school nurse should get some MASH training. Pre op at least.
Linda would you like to take the lead on this one?
According to Raidsonline.com about 45 police calls/reports on the 4 schools thus far. PHS has the most Herberg a close second. Ranges from A&B, A&B with dangerous weapons, A&B on staff members.
Dusty dare i say that if you suggest putting these students in one location to save the taxpayer you have no chance. But phrased as follows: PPS in an effort to cut carbon emmissions and to lessen the impacts on greenhouse gasses would it not be wise to place those students affiliated with local gangs in one central location? ot only will this allow for the enviromental concerns as outlined above but would facilitate them in communicating and expressing themselves in ways that are known and acceptable to them but oh so misunderstood amongst the general tax paying public.
Just sayin
Fascinating site Joe. You are probably right about the saving taxpayer money angle. How about this?
“It would probably cost the city a lot more money to house all the delinquents in one school but lets do it anyway?”
Ask any special ed teacher/staff at PPS and they will inform you that they have more than likely been hit, kicked, bitten or assaulted at some point. The administration poo poos on reporting these things. It’s common knowledge that you will lose your job if you complain too much; especially the support staff. As a former teacher in PPS I have experienced these things first hand on all accounts. It’s disgusting. A student could kick you in the face, spit in your mouth and they’d get away with it because the administration and the gamut of social workers care more about feelings than right/wrong
These ‘gangbangers’ are out of town rejects who live by setting up shop here with woman and selling dope. You can find them on every street corner in the city..so the new 27 officers can be deployed on the streets corners of the seven wards divided by three shifts, which wold be about one and a quarter cops for every ward. The new Mayor will also commit to paying for this, whatever it takes, which is code for, taxes are going up. But trufully, there aren’t enough officers to get to twenty seven.
Taxes are going up. Taconic High School and Sabic loss of 300 plus extended family insure taxes are going up. I am in favor of additional Police Protection. I am not in favor of a new High School when the population of students are dropping like flies. Good or Bad. Most are going to be institutionalized through the school of hard knocks.
When you have progressive types of course taxes are going up, how much is the question? I’d calculate about 70 bucks to the average home owner.
Or about one extra shot of novacaine, from a Dentist.
There are not 1000 gang members in Pittsfield. What an absolute joke of fear mongering. I’ve been in and out of every downtrodden building in town and I call shenanigans on this phony assertion. There are not enough opportunities for employment, which is why people sell drugs. Fast money. Pittsfield doesn’t have a gang problem, it has a punk problem.
How many would you say there are? And how many does it take to have a gang problem?
But what a relief to know that we are in the clear.
SHAKES
Let’s begin with what Pittsfield Police Officer Ortega said in a public forum: Ortega said there are at least 500 “known” gang members. “At least” and “known” I took as qualifiers for a larger number. After questioning of PPD staff and sources, off the record, they basically agreed that for every known member, there would be “about” one other member who wasn’t known, for a variety of reasons (they’re in the gang but not official members, they’re not yet “made,” they’re pleding as in frats, etc.). That puts the number at 1,000. That doesn’t count, as one commentator pointed out, groups such as Hell’s Angels. You can “call shenanigans on this phony assertion,” and you can massage the matter by saying they are “punks” and not “gang members,” but that will not change the facts on the streets. You have “been in every downtrodden building in town” as part of your job, at a safe time of day, dressed for the job, but have you been in these places, and others, after the sun goes down. Try 1:38 a.m. on any given morning at some of these spots. See how that works out.
Besides, they are always nice to the pizza delivery guy.
The sad part of this was/is Pittsfield could have some what controlled the gang infestation back in 2003-5. Ask any PPD officer who has been there from at least then until now. My friend told me that officers were telling the chief that the gang problem needed to be addressed. The officers were told under NO circumstances did Mayor Ruberto want public knowledge of gangs because it would hurt the “new Downtown image” (i.e.-the Colonial Theatre).
It would be interesting Dan if you could ever ask former Chief Riello, even off-the record, if he would shed light on this.
Shakes, you might be right, maybe our crime analyst can give us an update? but, you would be surprised on the people that have good jobs and do drugs.
Also be surprised at those that could have a good job, but sell drug’s.
There is not enough money on the west side or any other part of central Pittsfield to support the dealers. The users are not all poor.
Hell’s Angels: gang members or motorcycle club members?
Hey lets change gang members to “punks”. That will make people feel safe and warm and fuzzy.
27 more cops to handle 1000 punks. Yeah thats it.
Let’s keep this information out of the papers, and let’s make a pathetic attempt to debunk Planet Valenti. That’s it.
Pittsfield politics is a perfect storm of bad news!
Growth of the underclass, violence, poverty, crime, gangs, drugs, while hundreds of jobs are lost, including Sabic Plastics moving from Pittsfield to Houston, TX.
Pittsfield politics is going to raise taxes to record high levels, while population loss is in the thousands.
The Good Old Boys club is more powerful than ever before. That is the point! The worse off Pittsfield gets, the better off the G.O.B. gets.
I don’t know who’s doing what on the gang front, or who to believe? On another note look for D T R to give Mel Maz, Barry’s Girl and Kitten Boots a run for the best dressed award .
Every time I drive by Unistress they have a huge help wanted sign out for skilled and unskilled labor.
In order to be in a gang, you have to pass initiation.
These are usually a crime. Even robbing, stabbing or murder of innocent victims.
The city gets divided up. Once a dominate gang establishes its turf, rival gangs may want that same turf.
What was the final outcome of the 4th of July murders? I missed it in the papers.
There is a huge market for drugs on the streets in the city of Pittsfield. Gangs protect their interests.
Pittsfield Massachusetts: a destination.
Selling drugs much easier than working at Unistress. Plus you can make your own hours.
I to would like to see this Photo 39 because I would like to know what you guys are talking about?
It is a photo of Jonathan Lothrop giving Tom Sakshaug a congratulations hug at Mayor Elect Tyer’s victory party.
Barry
Wow, two close friends celebrating a victory. What is the problem. They should celebrate , they worked hard and Linda is our Mayor. Time to move on, and give her a chance. She deserves that, and we need her to succeed.
Photo 39 has been banned.
You have to have area 51 clearance to view it.
Photo 127 is disturbing.
Remeber the infamous Client 39? Wasn’t that former New Ork Governor candidate? Elliot Spizter?
Mr. Clairmont appreciate that, but where does one go to see it..The Eagle? I’ll check. Thanks anyway!
MI, it’s in IBerkshires a online newspaper. You can scroll down to the pictures and there you will see Linda Tyer and friends at Hotel North, there is 101 pictures. All looked like they were having a great time.
Barry knows where it is, how many times do I have to tell you guys, there are over 100 photos at the TYER VICTORY CELEBRATION.Photo 39 caught my eye, that’s it!!!!!!!
This is the most juvenile thing I have ever seen. Ridiculous doesn’t define it.
So What? What is the issue?
I checked out that photo and see absolutely nothing wrong with it, or why it would even catch anyone’s eye.
Move on, Shelly.
1000+ gang members? Oddly enough there about 1000+ school department employees.
Its safe to stay at the HON.
Pittsfield is totally safe.
You can walk down any street day or night and feel safe.
I’ve been in and out of every single business in Pittsfield and there are no gangs.
Thank you Deb, looks like V E Day lol. I see the g o b out in force, at that party. Looks to me like J Lo had an emotional surge, that’s all, I think? if I knew how to put the pics on the Planet, they’d be there for the viewing, but I’m not to puter savvy.
http://www.iberkshires.com/media_viewer/new/ss_new.php?ss_id=3728
On the Lew Markham show on 16, Tom Hickey said that he doesn’t believe that there is a GOB network…..then a few minutes later he mentions how he was a close associate of Gerry GOB Doyle.
If I was part of it I would not admit it either.
Rule number 1 or Fight Club; Fight Club does not exist.
hiring more police officers is nice but not going to help the gang -drug problem here in Pittsfield, are system is to flawed, arrested one day back out on the street doing the same thing the next day, locking them up for long periods of time costs to much money, so what is the answer ,
I say for every refugee we take in from a foreign country, we send a gang member or drug dealer back, or busted three times for dealing drugs we cut your hand off, or even worse take your I-pod away.
do the crime and face stiffer penalty’s, !!
Not drastic enough lakeside, you gotta go where it really hurts……the e b t card.
Just had a chance to watch a rerun of Lou Markem’s pctv show . He had Tom Hickey as a guest. Hickey had some interesting takes on PEDA, the alternate school, the charter and city government .It was worth the time. How did ward three vote this guy out in favor of the the clown they have now.
No offence to Mr. Markem but he said he was an educator at BCC…..wasn’t he the gym teacher? What did GOB who’s not a GOB Tom Hickey do for a living?
Hickey was with Doyle on consent decree, remember that?
Good Job Kernel, and don’t see much there, other than a good old fashion, there you go Tes, man hug!
Could a conservative, who believes that we should not allow Syrian refugees into our country (What would Jesus do ?) explain why, when an armed gunman kills 20 children there is silence or staunch myopic interpretation of the 2nd amendment…. mass death is the end result in both situations, but conservatives seem to be on both sides depending on who perpetrates the act… This is why Liberals don’t understand you .. Please explain … I am listening… no ranting or talking points please..
The same can be said on crime committed by illegal aliens or US citizens , a crime is a crime ,, if ur against crime then address it …. me thinks its because that is what is not really at play in conservative minds… they fear the browning of America ..
I don’t fear the “browning of America” as you refer to it, but ISIS has said they intend to take over countries by getting as many of their people into the countries as possible. In other words taking over from within by radicalizing people after they arrive here. I think we should be very careful who we let into the country right now. It’s common sense not paranoia. There is no silence on my part when a gunman kills schoolchildren. In fact I usually cry when I see it on television.
Thank you for the rational response to my question with no talking points and sound analysis. I do understand ur point…
I believe that the phrase “Freedom isn’t free” does not just apply to military sacrifice. Any citizen who wants to live in a free society accepts the risks from those who want to do harm and use our freedoms against us to attack . and test our fortitude.
yes
Simple, we should not allow anyone into our Country unless we no who they are. That includes all religions and races. We must protect are borders. I know we haven’t but it’s time for a change, for the safety of all religions and races.
I agree especially since the radical terrorists have said that one of the ways they would take over countries is to get enough of their people in the country to create murder and mayhem as they are doing now in France. The French people are glad that the terrorists have been caught (except for one who is still at large), but they are still scared because they don’t know who their neighbors are and whether a terrorist is living next door.
Agreed joetaxpayer, I don’t know why anyone would have a hard time understanding that.
I was very happy with the vote in congress today.
I listened to a few minutes, as that was all I could stand, of an NPR radio show today with Alan Chartok and they were really saying nasty things about FOX news. Only old and ignorant people watch FOX news they were saying (Chartok is in his mid 70’s) and what big meanies Americans are for not taking Syrian refugees who can’t be vetted into the country. I only listened for a few minutes in order to “keep your enemies close” as they say, but I don’t know how anyone could listen to this terrible NPR radio on a regular basis. Unbelievable that this man lives in Great Barrington or maybe it’s not so unbelievable.
Paul, I was happily surprised with the vote for common sense. Something very rare under Barry Obama.
Pat, I suggest that Chartok and his band of followers pony up the money to house and feed them. But maybe they could come up with the money to feed and house all the homeless vets that provided them with their freedom. Furthermore maybe they could chip in a little bit to the VA so we don’t have to die waiting for care.
I hope Alan is prepared to take responsibility for anouther Boston bombing should it occurs. I’m sure his bleeding heart thought it was a good idea to allow that crew to come here and suck up all the freebies they enjoyed. Look how they repaid us.
Bye Bye, Baba Louie’s. Doors are closing Wednesday. Must not have read the Lorax.
Never been in the joint, Baby Louie’s!.
Had the scanner on today, unbelievable. Domestics, overdoses, threats, weapons, breaking and enterings, all day long it seemed and night, you name it, it was absolutely unrelenting. P P D officers do not make enough.
Thats to bad. Tryed it a couple of times and didn’t care for their menu. They seemed very busy at the time. The food business is tough.
OMG history may be repeating itself!
Hiring 27 cops at once? Remember the problems that occured back in the early ’70’s when PPD hired at least that many at once?
Mis, mal & non feasance prevailed! That was one of the downfalls of the PPD! No qualified training officers; all put on mids, bad habits became the norm, the Peter Principal flourished and, well, the ship went down and good people bailed.
“……………and the three men I admire(d) most
The Father, Son, and the (un) Holy Ghost!
They caught the last train for the coast (E & W), ((the Cape Cod one returned, OMFG!)).
“Those that don’t remember the past are bound to repeat it.”
…………………and so it goes!
PLEASE…Get a big industrial sized broom and sweep the PD clean!!!!
Linda Tyer said she wants to hire 27 police officers but not all at once, it will be over the next 4 years. That is a big difference.
Does the 1000 figure include the people across the street, in the bank building the city is renting, the PD, and DPW?
Valenti is number one, everyone one else is number two.