SYRACUSE, New York — Syracuse Police Department Chief Joseph Cecile answers viewer questions to increase transparency and community relations.
This week, we review the details of snow removal in Syracuse, as well as some of the department’s new technologies.
On snow removal details:
Syracuse Police, along with the Department of Public Works, will be looking for people parked on the wrong side of the road or who are parked illegally. If you park in the wrong place or block where a snowplow might pass, you risk being towed. “It’s important because in the winter, the roads narrow, and if we block their ability to clear snow, we’re going to have a problem,” the chief said. Most of the time, DPWs call a tow truck when they can’t plow the snow the right way. This hinders an emergency vehicle’s ability to use roadways.
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On new technologies in the department:
“When the first cameras were installed, there was so much apprehension that there was a petition not to install them,” the chief said. “Now everyone is asking to have them in town.” The chief said the same apprehension was seen with the police department’s drone first response program. “Really, it helps the officers,” he said. The drone would be able to arrive on scene before police and determine if there is apparent danger, or give officers an advantage in responding to a situation.