Murder Sparks Calls For More Community Policing

Brian Schiavetti, 21, was shot and killed in  on William Street in Montclair, an area just off Valley Road not known for violent crime.

As a result of the murder, which is still being investigated, many Montclair residents have called for more community policing—or police patrols visible on the streets. The same sorts of demands were made following the shooting death of a young man on Mission Street in February.

But many argue that community policing is an idea that isn't always well-defined or easy to implement.

"We try very hard not to be reactionary. Sometimes it is necessary to let folks know that we are aware of certain situations in various areas across the entire township which require our special attention," said Councilor Renee Baskerville on Tuesday. "We have been working with folks in town to try to figure out what is the most expeditious way to get community policing visible at all times on our streets. I think that we will hear from the Montclair police in the next few days to help us with this."

Baskerville said that she and other don't have a lot of information about the William Street shooting other than to say that there is an investigation underway.

"I will be hosting another meeting to discuss the need for enhanced community policing right now in our township at the beginning of August," she said.

Deputy Mayor Bob Russo said Tuesday that he visited some of the residents who live on or near William Street.

"I wanted to reassure that we are concerned and in touch," he said. "I have five families I know well on William Street and Central Avenue. This is a police matter and the mayor and the other council members are also on top of the issue."

In April, the township council voted to include $24,000 in the town budget to pay for overtime for community policing.

Mayor Robert Jackson said Monday that following the  more street lighting has been installed, just in the last two weeks.

"This is an action-oriented council and we will be taking action in this case," he said.

Jackson added that the council would be discussing the idea of creating more police patrols, but cautioned that the issue "is a personnel matter."

He said he's waiting to receive input from the police department.

Stay tuned to Montclair Patch as we gather more information today about the effectiveness of community policing and what steps are being taken to address safety concerns.