Monthly Captain's Meeting: Connecting People and Sharing Resources
- lyneceaustin
- May 25
- 6 min read
This month's Captain's Meeting was held at the prestigious TGR Learning Lab in Overbrook Park, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of community stakeholders. Captain Metellus graciously welcomed everyone in attendance and provided refreshments in honor and celebration of Mother's Day.
The meeting began with a review of recent crime statistics by Captain Metellus. As violent crime decreases, the 19th District will amplify its focus on property crimes to enhance residents' quality of life. Vehicle thefts, especially of Hondas and Acuras, are on the rise. Offenders now use software to bypass security systems rather than physically hot-wiring vehicles.
Common High-Tech Methods
Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) Hacking: Thieves break into a car and connect a laptop or specialized tablet to the OBD port, which mechanics use for repairs. They then use software to reprogram the car's computer to accept a new key fob or bypass the ignition lock.
Key Fob Cloning: Thieves access the car's internal computer network (CAN bus) through the OBD port or by tampering with external components such as headlights. They clone the wireless security codes from the engine control unit and transfer them to a blank key fob to start the vehicle.
Relay Attacks: Thieves use a laptop or a specialized antenna to intercept the key fob's signal from inside a nearby house. The device amplifies and relays the signal to the car, which then unlocks and starts as if the owner is present.
To deter theft, Captain Metellus recommended using a steering wheel club and a Faraday bag. Faraday bags block key fob signals, helping prevent theft by signal cloning. These bags are available on Amazon for about $20.
In furtherance of efforts to improve the quality of life, Captain Metellus and his team will resume "Block Meetings" this Summer. Block Meetings allow residents direct access to Captain Metellus and his team to hear and address their concerns, while providing resources to help build stronger communities.
Common topics discussed at Block Meetings include neighborhood safety, property crime trends, youth engagement, upcoming community programs, traffic concerns, and crime prevention strategies. Residents are encouraged to suggest topics or questions in advance to ensure meaningful discussion. To schedule a Block Meeting, please contact Community Relations Officer Moreau at least 2 weeks before your preferred date by email at Marc.Moreau@phila.gov or by phone at (215) 686-3190 or X3191.
By extension, Captain Metellus announced the "Ring Camera Program" to be rolled out in the 19th District. Residents who live between Market and Callowhill Streets and between 52nd Street and 63rd Street are eligible to receive a free Ring Doorbell Camera with a one (1)-year paid membership. To participate, eligible residents must complete a short application form, which will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. There is a limited number of cameras available for distribution, so early application is encouraged. The camera will be the sole property of the resident. PPD has no right to the data. PPD can only request access when investigating a crime, and it is up to the resident whether to share data with the police.
If you live in the area stated and wish to apply for the Ring Camera Program, please contact Community Relations Officer Moreau by email at Marc.Moreau@phila.gov or by phone at (215) 686-3190 or X3191. Further details about the application process and deadlines will be provided upon inquiry.
Lastly, as another measure to combat crime, the PPD has implemented a "Drone Program". The PPD uses its drones as a tactical tool, such as a "first responder model". Drones are dispatched immediately, ahead of police arrival, and have been essential for gathering data and assessing dangerous situations. Drones have been utilized in assisting high-risk scenarios, SWAT operations, drug busts, fugitive arrests, search and rescue operations, and traffic management.
To address privacy concerns, all drone use is governed by PPD policy and oversight. Drone video footage is stored securely, accessible only to authorized personnel, and used strictly for law enforcement purposes. The department has established protocols to protect residents' privacy and ensure responsible use.
The meeting progressed with the first guest speaker, Alice Hunt of the Firehouse Active Adult Center. The Firehouse caters to adults 50 and older, offering fitness and exercise classes, arts and cultural activities, billiards, line dancing, computer instruction, and lunches five (5) days a week.
Ms. Hunt announced an upcoming community event, a Senior Resource Fair, hosted by Nicholas O'Rourke, Council Member At Large, in conjunction with PCA (Philadelphia Corporation for Aging), at the Firehouse, 5331 Haverford Avenue, Phila., PA 19139, on Saturday, May 30th at 10 am. The fair is open to all seniors in the community, and no pre-registration is required. The fair promises to be a lively event with a grocery giveaway, aerobics, workshops, and more.
Captain Metellus then welcomed Heather Aires, Deputy Director of the Office of the Victim Advocate. Her office, staffed by four members, provides essential victim advocacy resources. Three key programs discussed were:
(1) Relocation
(2) Homicide Victim Assistance Program
(3) Crime Scene Clean Up Program
The Relocation program assists residents facing imminent threats to their safety. To date, it
has relocated over 400 individuals, with a 72-hour response time to prevent escalation. As of May 1st, the Homicide Victim Assistance Program provides $2,000 upfront for funeral assistance "to bury loved ones with dignity."
And lastly, the "Crime Scene Clean Up Program": this is the first to be implemented nationwide. Historically, the Phila. Fire Dept. would be called to wash down bio matter, which may or may not occur. Now, with this program, the SLA (service level agreement) is 90 minutes from when a call is placed to when a crime/accident scene is addressed. For more information, please get in touch with Heather.Arias@phila.gov or call
215-686-2115.
Community Relations Officer Moreau announced an upcoming three-game basketball tournament, best of two out of three, starting June 6th at the Tustin Playground.
"This event is open to all and will be a great opportunity for community members and officers to come together, build positive relationships, and enjoy some friendly competition. The tournament is intended to promote teamwork and sportsmanship, and to strengthen the bond between the police and the community in a fun and engaging environment. We encourage everyone to come out, support the teams, and enjoy the event with family and friends."
- Marc Moreau
To participate or for more information, contact Officer Moreau at Marc.Moreau@phila.gov or (215) 686-3190 or X3191.
Meredith Foote, Executive Director of the TGR Learning Lab, touted numerous and exciting upcoming summer programs for junior, middle, and high school students.
Programs offer something for everyone and every interest, including 3D Game Design, filmmaking, zoology, robotics, drones, gardening, printmaking, golf, fashion design, podcasting, and much, much more! Summer programs are free, and there are currently 200 slots available for high school-aged children! Don't miss out, call now to get your child enrolled. For more information or to schedule a tour of the TGR Learning lab, please call (267) 900-3970.
Rounding out the night's speakers was Ronald Ryan of Town Watch Integrated Services (TWIS). Town Watch Integrated Services (TWIS) trains, organizes, and equips residents who want to join Town Watch groups in their communities. Town Watch volunteers patrol areas and document and report any suspicious or criminal activities.
Beyond assisting communities in organizing efforts to reduce crime and blight, TWIS also supports:
• Safe Corridors, a program that ensures safety for students traveling to and from school.
• Citizens Emergency Response Training (CERT), which educates groups on disaster response procedures.
• Initiatives focused on drug prevention, leadership development, and anti-bullying
For more info, don't hesitate to contact Mr. Ryan at Ronald.Ryan@phila.gov or by phone at (267) 251-8937.
The 19th District Captain's Meeting occurs every third Monday of the month. These meetings provide a vital platform for community engagement, resource sharing, and addressing stakeholder concerns. We encourage you to mark your calendars and get involved.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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