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In the fall of 2007, in response to controversy
about security matters in the Village,
the SCAA circulated a survey to Saltaire residents.
The results are published below.
SCAA SECURITY SURVEY TALLY November 30, 2007 The total number of responses as of this date is 181.
81 YES 83 NO 14 No definitive answer
Question #2: 80 YES 69 NO 28 No definitive answer
Question #3: 47 YES 79 NO 58 No definitive answer
Question #4:
Question #5:
Question # 6:
Question #7a:
Question #7b:
Question #8:
Following are observations based on all of the written responses to questions. We attempt here to explain some of the anomalies encountered due to responders’ misinterpretation of some of the questions which could have been more clearly phrased. In cases where these responses tended to skew the results, we point this out. We did not list all of the responses, which would have taken fourteen pages, but tried to present a representative sample of viewpoints that generalize most of the responses to each of our questions as well as good ideas or strong expressions of dissatisfaction. For the most part we eliminated duplicate responses except in cases where trends emerged when the majority of residence overwhelmingly agreed on the same issue or express a particular viewpoint many times over in many questions.
Observations:
Trends of Note: As to the constabulary, what was of note was how vehemently many respondents felt about their negative answers, either by comments or by underlining their answers. Overwhelming response to patrolling and by bicycle and not by cart or SUV. Numerous comments concerning the lack of interaction of Security personnel with the village residents, Security not understanding their job description, the need for better training, their lack of visibility and of enforcement, and the size of the organization. Virtually all comments, directly or indirectly, about Chief Walter were negative. References were made to his lack of community interaction, his work schedule and some references to nepotism. Comments made about noise, drinking on the walks and around the Yacht Club. Many felt that village residents should be hired for Security in that they are a part of and better understand the nature of the community. Most respondents did not want a roll-back of night bike riding to the 2006 level nor did they want entire elimination of night bike riding.
Comments by Survey Respondents: We are hopeful that when reading these comments, you will glean a better understanding of some of the concerns of our residents.
Question #1: “They seemed to be doing absolutely nothing this summer – and we seemed to have twice the number of young people we usually do. They were always in two’s talking to one another oblivious of anyone else around them. Totally unfriendly as well. Why do we need two’s???” “I rarely see them except by the bay – they seem courteous but obviously are new to Saltaire. Perhaps they could be introduced to kids in camp for bike safety instruction, etc. (& how to park!)” “I think there are too many security officers. Fewer and better trained personnel who truly respond to requests would be an improvement.” “I think we are overstaffed for the job at hand. Budget for this is crazy. Seems like they could be not efficiently managed.” “I feel nighttime supervision of loud teenagers drinking and riding bikes at 2-3 AM could be done more effectively.” “I have witnessed numerous people – children and adults riding bikes on the dock with security present and not addressing this issue. I have seen people struggling to either get on or off the ferry with security present but not assisting at all – it’s a disgrace.” “If we have laws that make sense, like insisting that those riding at night have lights, they should be enforced. Much too often I saw young people racing through the town without lights. It’s really lucky no one got hurt.” “The current staff does not seem to be involved with the community members – as staffs in the past were.” “Saltaire is a special community where my family and friends feel safe and secure. While the Security personnel are not police, they provide a valuable service to the community.” “They often did not show up at Ferries. I saw older people getting off the Ferries without help by Security.” “They are responsive when called on – They have picked up my father-in-law from ferry and driven him to our house – very helpful. This is the extent of my contact with them.”
Question #2: “No – No one answered phone @ 583-5572. Get recording.” “Very helpful providing transportation for disabled residents to and from their homes.” “No- Several noise complaints. There was no answer at the security office. “Gave me a run around & did not respond to my complaint.” “Late (11:30 PM) loud party next door – quiet 10 minutes after call to security.” “I left my bag on the ferry dock – with a name tag. They found it, were holding it – why didn’t they just give me a call. They’re not that busy and it’s a small town.” “Summer ’06 I thought my husband was missing downed and found them to act with appropriate urgency and knew how to handle the situation.” “Yes, have called. No, not satisfied. Did not answer phone.” “I was present this past summer when a woman and her dog were in the bay swimming area around 5 am – at least 2 calls were made to security – no one form security showed up. Vern Henrickson was present and he got this woman and her dog out of the water.” “Called repeatedly at night regarding late, very loud music. Got an answering machine or no answer.”
Question #3: “They don’t appear to be managed.” “The chief should be on duty on weekend nights!” “Security was much better under Mark O’ Connor and his crew. He knew everyone in the village. You felt that security was part of the village not outsiders. I truly only know Kevin on security. The other people never mingle with the village.”
Question #4: “Quality of personnel not quality of family & friends – Do we need so many?” “A retired police officer or ex-Marine to supervise the staff might help.” “Fewer, but better trained – clearly written job description & supported by chief, village and trustees!” “I would like Saltaire youths on the force. (again). Less nepotism. Not sure about older personnel.” “Absolutely. The current personnel lack poise and confidence in their jobs. They seem to be avoiding involvement and keeping as low a profile as possible.” “It seems that under previous chiefs, the personnel made it their business to gain the necessary experience, even though they were young. It’s a matter of attitude.”
Question #5: “Really resent the use of vehicles – also abuse of courtesy vehicle. The village SUV vehicle has to be a gas guzzler should not be used. My last weekend in the village, security was using it. I also wondered why the vehicle parked on Burma Road – just beyond West Walk for the entire summer. Couldn’t it be vandalized there?” “Absolutely. Sell the security car; get rid of the expense (insurance, gas, maintenance, lease, etc.) Village owns too many vehicles. Security shouldn’t be leaving the village, i.e., no taxi service to field 5, no pizza runs.” “I am appalled when I see Security driving around Saltaire.” “Yes- this would give them more of a sense of community.” “They should be more visible at night. If security was out and about rules would be obeyed.” “I would appreciate the chief’s having a higher public profile. In the old days, I knew the chief by sight. Personal relationships mean a lot.” “Motorized vehicles are great for transporting those who need it or emergency – not a way of life. The officers are getting fat and could use the exercise.” “Absolutely. There is no way they can make proper observations of anything untoward if they are in vehicles. They also must do a lot more patrolling – otherwise they have no idea of what is going on.” “Years ago we did not have a motor vehicle and the Security seemed much better.” “Even major cities use bicycle patrols – quiet, quick response. Blend into locals for better relationships.” “Many urban police forces use bicycle officers. Given the size and atmosphere of Saltaire, bicycles would be better.”
Question #6: “Bike riders speed through Saltaire at night – mostly teenagers – and can be very dangerous. More patrols are needed!” “Many times, two riders were seen on one bike. At night we would witness people riding in the dark without any illumination on the bike.” “They should be out there making note of and warning people who are not observing the bicycle regulations.” “A simple visible presence would deter all non-regulation bike riding.” “Bike riding was not sufficiently monitored, but neither was eating, drinking or dogs on the beach. Neither was construction noise outside permitted hours. Neither was illegal vehicle driving. Neither were a whole host of other problems that they brazenly ignored.” “No. Security personnel are nowhere to be found when speeding bikes are riding on walks after dark.” “These are probably relations issues more then police issues. The public needs to be educated abut the importance of complying with bike rules.
Question #7a: “Allowing night riding on only some walkways is too confusing – either all walkways or no walkways.” “Yes. Those streets are wider and well lighted whereas the other streets could be dangerous. “Unenforceable.” “But only if it can be enforced. If not then roll back to 2006 level.” “Even with proper bike lighting, it is too dangerous to mix riders with pedestrians at night.” “The distances in Saltaire are short. They have not gotten longer since night bike riding was prohibited. My wife and I are in our 70s, and live on Anchor Walk. We find a round trip walk to the Saltaire market or the dock easily doable an good exercise. Permitting night bike riding increased the noise, busyness, and mischief in the village. It reduced the quality of life for the Village as a whole, to benefit a minority who felt being able to ride at night was important.” “Yes. (eliminate). Safer for all – especially families with children and older citizens.” “Absolutely not!” (moved to 7b from 7a) “No. Absolutely not. Being able to ride to neighboring communities to restaurants or friends’ houses safely and responsibly is a huge plus to quality of life!” (moved to 7B from 7a)
Question #8: “We just need an empathetic and effective security patrol like the old days; guards who actually worked. We can always call Suffolk County for serious crimes.” “The Suffolk County police can be called in a situation that requires their presence. We do not need a constabulary in Saltaire.” “This is ridiculous - - and contrary to what Saltaire represents.” “Ridiculous! I’d move out!” “Town does not need this excess. People patrolling and education will suffice.” “Enough already!! This sort of suggestion makes me ashamed to say I live in Saltaire.” “No! No! No! Poor idea – we pay taxes for Suffolk County Police Services.” “Absolutely not; that would change the character of Saltaire. In the case of serious legal infractions, we can call on the Suffolk police who frequently pass the beach in their vehicles.” “Absolutely not. The Village would leave itself open to such problems as law suits, the need to send officers to the mainland courts and detention areas, etc.- all at a bigger cost.” “There is no reason to believe that a Constabulary would be any better managed than the current Security Force. The problems come from the top – poor management and poor training.” “No. Not at all. Has there been a rise in or even any occurrences of crimes that would merit such a change? Robberies? Assaults? Vandalism? Seems like an extreme step.” “I would like a way to meet our Security people at the start of the summer ie at the pancake breakfast Memorial Day weekend or a “Bring your coffee to the gazebo” on a June Saturday.” “Downsize, get people out of carts and on bikes and have them enforce the current laws. Force the accountability of the Security team to board.” “Maybe if there was an opportunity for us to meet, greet and have more of a sense of who these peace officers are – at one time there was continuity and recognition by both parties – now very little of that.” “Streamline the Security Department. Make them more efficient and better trained. Less sometimes is more – perhaps they’ll take their responsibilities more seriously.” “More community interaction on the part of the security.” “Recording those summons issued and reason for them immediately on VOS bulletin boards.” “The idea that our Chief needs to be more highly visible is one which has been cited often by resident and we agree to its importance.” “I am not an expert on these matters, but the one thing I do know is that security seemed to do a better job when some of its members came from within the town community and the management made more of an effort to know the community.” “I strongly urge the institution of mandatory safe bike riding classes to all children, possibly as part of the day camp program. Many of the youngsters don’t understand the basic rules of the road and are therefore a menace often.” “I feel there should be more security on the walks late weekend nights to keep the noise level down and to limit drinking alcohol while bike riding.” “A specific list of duties required for the Security personnel. A clear job description.” “They should offer bike safety classes. Parents shouldn’t be allowed to put their child on handle bars and seats that aren’t baby seats.” “Better leadership all around. No family members on staff, older crew, and Village residents have a better understanding of just what Security really does on a duty tour.” “Hold the people in charge accountable – the Chief and the Board members. In prior years, there was a lot more enforcement with a lot fewer officers.” “Regular patrolling of all walks, including dead ends. (By bicycle when weather allows, by motorized means when necessary) They Village must also be patrolled regularly throughout the off season. “The next chief should be from Fire Island, know the island and different municipalities and agencies. Hire summer staff locally (from the island, no commuting) and require full time residency.” “The trustees should target specific problems and direct most of their resources to it at specified times, e.g putting 4 security people and a trustee on Lighthouse Prom at night to ticket speeders and those without lights. The trustees should oversee scheduling and make sure the security staff is on their bikes and on their feet.” “Spend less time being limo drivers for people who don’t really need the courtesy cart and more time providing for the security of the Village.” “Clearly stated and managed job descriptions, policies and procedures for all members and shifts of security staff members.” “Proper training as to their role!” “Please explain to security that they work with the community and should try to assist as a main priority.
Question #10: “Better and /or increased supervision of contractors and their staff. Better protection of materials and clean-up after project completion.” “Need village signs at Beach access streets re: No dogs, eating, etc.” “It there anything besides the loud horn blast that can be used to alert emergency personnel of an emergency? The late night awakenings are rough.” “What about the idea of universal beach chairs to be kept in the shed on Broadway for everyone’s use? Charge per house?” “As a full time resident I would like to see security pass my house at night. In the first year security was changed to Joe, they did not know I even lived there in winter.” “Problem with “elateds” (another word for drunks) walking down Marine Walk after a Yacht Club event – waking everyone up. It’s ironic, but one gets better sleep in the city.” “Fewer cars on Lighthouse Prom.; more control of the traffic – speed on the beach – especially in the off season.” “Fixing the walks as soon as possible.” “You need a two part security system. Constabulary and courtesy department.” “The future of the store.” “Reducing the deer population.
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