Sheriff's Springfield walk shows decade of progress
Neighbors, pets greet him as he describes anti-crime efforts.
By MATT COLEMAN, The Times-Union
Jacksonville Sheriff John Rutherford joined about 20 officers Tuesday on a crime-prevention stroll through Springfield, but they didn't spot any suspicious characters.
The main hazard was getting slobbered by the many dogs that lined their path.
Police embarked from Klutho Park about 5 p.m. and passed out paperwork for the Sheriff's Advisory Council, a community-focused collaboration designed to eliminate crime and educate youth.
Many of the residents had to find a place to stash the pamphlets before getting tugged in another direction.
Wilson Livingston, a recent Springfield transplant, was walking his two dogs, Max and Lexi, when the sheriff and his entourage headed his way.
"You've got your hands filled, but how would you like some paperwork?" Rutherford said.
A small circle of humans and canines surrounded him as he described the benefits of First Coast Crime Stoppers. Livingston was doing his best to be attentive, but his dogs were already headed another way.
"I was trying to listen and be courteous, but I was a little tied up," Livingston said, gesturing to the two dogs pulling their leashes in opposite directions. "It's not every day you get to meet the sheriff."
A pair of city code compliance officers followed police on the walk, jotting down addresses for a few dilapidated buildings that stood out against a backdrop of well-tended houses.
Cyndi Polkey, an eight-year Springfield resident, said she and her husband have seen the best and worst of the area. Robberies and vandalism were standard when the couple first moved in. But an influx of middle-class residents with a community focus rejuvenated the once-stagnant district.
"There was a man that crawled underneath our house eight years ago," she said. "We were told by police that he had shot a cop. We haven't had anything that interesting happen since."
Assistant Chief James R. Ross reiterated Polkey's point. He said there has been a marked reduction in area crime the past decade.
A neighborhood of abandoned buildings and broken-down cars has been reborn as the home of giddy children and yapping dogs.
"Crime isn't too much of a concern for the people that live here now," Ross said. "It was a long time coming, but things in Springfield look pretty good."
matt.coleman@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4654
I noticed he didn't walk through the areas where there typically are problems...and of course, he walked in the daylight...another big difference. If he wanted to find criminal activity, then he should stroll around at night, and should check out 8th street, around Boulevard up to Main.
Yes, JBM...there are still pockets of crime that need improving though. But it is hard to argue that the area hasn't improved DRASTICALLY since 2000. I remember the early days when you DID NOT want to be in the area at night. Now, other than your relatively innocent prostitute or homeless guy, things are fairly safe.
Trust me, I know all too well how much better this area has changed...I've lived in Springfield for over 10 years. My point was, that they make this big deal about him strolling through the area, looking for crime...but he didn't walk where the crime happens....but then again, they probably didn't want him being approached by one of our local working girls/guys
here's the link to the T-U site with photos...
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/102208/met_346908837.shtml
Cool. Those dogs look a lot like my tenant's.
Quote from: Driven1 on October 22, 2008, 05:38:07 PM
relatively innocent prostitute
where is it again that I can find the innocent ones? its not for me, but a "friend" thanks.
Karl, what neighborhood do you live in? If we can find any left around here, we'll know where to send them...
Quote from: zoo on October 23, 2008, 08:21:03 AM
Karl, what neighborhood do you live in? If we can find any left around here, we'll know where to send them...
well I too live in the urban jungle of downtown and am familiar with the ladies? of the night who troll the Springfield area known locally as "hampsterdam", (the 8th and boulevard area) but just haven't run across any of these innocent ones. My friend who lives close to this "hampsterdam" is really interested in talking to one of the innocent prostitutues, know what I mean, nudge nudge? research for a book.
Quote from: Karl_Pilkington on October 23, 2008, 09:27:25 AM
Quote from: zoo on October 23, 2008, 08:21:03 AM
Karl, what neighborhood do you live in? If we can find any left around here, we'll know where to send them...
well I too live in the urban jungle of downtown and am familiar with the ladies? of the night who troll the Springfield area known locally as "hampsterdam", (the 8th and boulevard area) but just haven't run across any of these innocent ones. My friend who lives close to this "hampsterdam" is really interested in talking to one of the innocent prostitutues, know what I mean, nudge nudge? research for a book.
all the innocent ones hang out at 8th & boulevard.
Quote from: Driven1 on October 23, 2008, 09:41:57 AM
all the innocent ones hang out at 8th & boulevard.
:D :D :D :D
good one! no really, where are they?
Quote"Crime isn't too much of a concern for the people that live here now," Ross said. "It was a long time coming, but things in Springfield look pretty good."
This man is an idiot. The only way this guy could be more out of touch with what truly happens in Springfield would be for him to be on the SPAR executive board. He is a joke. He needs to follow the "tis better to be silent and let people think you are stupid than to open your mouth and confirm it" rule.
You are absolutely correct!!!!
I second that assessment!
You are so spot on it is just insane!
This is the cuckoo clock man!!!!
Quote from: 32206livedraps on October 24, 2008, 01:42:53 AM
Quote"Crime isn't too much of a concern for the people that live here now," Ross said. "It was a long time coming, but things in Springfield look pretty good."
This man is an idiot. The only way this guy could be more out of touch with what truly happens in Springfield would be for him to be on the SPAR executive board. He is a joke. He needs to follow the "tis better to be silent and let people think you are stupid than to open your mouth and confirm it" rule.
totally agree. When is Mr. Ross going to retire? We will throw him a big party at hamsterdam. :D :D :D
Hey, we'll all chip in on that party....and will gladly wave as he leaves!