Pubdate: Fri, 22 Jul 2005
Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (NY)
Copyright: 2005 Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Contact:  http://www.democratandchronicle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/614
Author: Joseph Spector, Staff writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
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DUFFY UNVEILS CRIME PLATFORM

If Elected Mayor, He Plans To Curb Illegal Gun Sales

As Rochester police chief, Robert Duffy said he took numerous steps to
lower crime in a city with the highest homicide rate in New York.

As mayor, Duffy said he would bolster crime-fighting initiatives,
announcing Thursday that he would establish a crime commission to
coordinate efforts among agencies.

The idea was part of Duffy's crime platform, which includes cracking
down on illegal gun sales, adding police officers and possibly
starting a community court to handle minor crimes.

Duffy's record as a police officer for nearly 30 years and as chief
from 1998 to March is at the heart of his campaign, but also is his
opponents' biggest target.

Violent crimes persist in the city, including several recently
involving preteen victims. And Duffy has been the public face of the
city's crime battle -- as chief and now as a Democratic candidate for
mayor.

Duffy, who retired to run for mayor, reiterated Thursday that
homicides and violent crimes fell during his tenure. From 1991-98, the
city averaged 61 homicides a year, but dropped to an average of 41
while he was chief.

Still, in seven of the last 10 years, Rochester's violent crimes and
homicides per capita gave it the unofficial title of New York's
"murder capital."

If elected, Duffy said he would have a broader ability to fight crime
and crack down on illegal guns and drug sales -- which are at the
heart of the problem.

He said he would seek to add officers and fill vacancies by offering
more civil service exams. He didn't offer specifics on how he'd pay
for more cops, saying instead he'd look for government cost savings.

He talked about expanding successful collaborative efforts between
police and social services agencies, saying a crime commission would
"add a whole different level of cooperation" to get at the roots of
crime.

His opponents were quick to knock him.

"You mean he hasn't had a plan for the last 10 years as police chief?"
asked Democratic candidate Chris Maj, who says that crime can be
curbed by legalizing marijuana, taxing and regulating its use.

Chris Christopher, spokeswoman for Democratic candidate Wade Norwood,
said that when it comes to crime, Duffy "had seven years to show us
what he can do and he's not shown us much."

Republican candidate John Parrinello said he would "assemble the
toughest, meanest, most aggressive cops as a special anti-drug,
anti-gun, anti-violence squad to take out the bad guys and the gangs."

Duffy, Norwood, Maj and Tim Mains are vying for the Democratic
nomination in a Sept. 13 primary. Mains could not be reached for
comment Thursday.

The winner, as well as third-party candidates, will face Parrinello in
November.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin