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ron_newmanThe police log shows seven people all arrested for "disorderly conduct" at the exact same time and place: April 30, 3:18 pm in Davis Square.
Anyone know more?
Anyone know more?
ron_newmanRambling thoughts about 911
Mar. 12th, 2015 10:11 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
achinhibitor.livejournal.comI recall that there was some heated discussion about a posting. The OP had seen a bus whose front sign was flashing "Call MBTA Police at xxx-xxxx." Unfortunately, the OP couldn't remember the number and so called the Somerville police at their business number. The person answering the phone said to hang up and dial 911, and the OP found this to be rude or something, eventually leading to LJ drama.
The background that probably isn't known to ordinary people but is well-known to police and other emergency-response folks is that 911 does not simply route you to the local police department. There's a whole specialized infrastructure behind 911. (I know this because I worked in VoIP for years and had contact with the "emergency dispatch" community/industry.) Your call doesn't go to the local police department, but rather a specialized dispatcher who is trained to know how to route your particular problem to the emergency service that can deal with it -- fire, police, ambulance, etc.
The 911 system tells the dispatcher where you are -- there's a complete database of the physical locations of all landlines and the cellphone system uses various tricks to locate you within 100 meters (IIRC). So the 911 dispatcher knows where you are -- even if you don't.
Calls to the 911 system are prioritized. In the old days, special wires were reserved for 911 calls, and even if the ordinary lines were overloaded, 911 calls would get through. These days the systems may be more sophisticated, but it's still set up that ordinary calls can't block 911 calls.
The point being, if the problem needs to be dealt with now, call 911 to maximize the chances of a "successful outcome". Other numbers don't work nearly as well.
The background that probably isn't known to ordinary people but is well-known to police and other emergency-response folks is that 911 does not simply route you to the local police department. There's a whole specialized infrastructure behind 911. (I know this because I worked in VoIP for years and had contact with the "emergency dispatch" community/industry.) Your call doesn't go to the local police department, but rather a specialized dispatcher who is trained to know how to route your particular problem to the emergency service that can deal with it -- fire, police, ambulance, etc.
The 911 system tells the dispatcher where you are -- there's a complete database of the physical locations of all landlines and the cellphone system uses various tricks to locate you within 100 meters (IIRC). So the 911 dispatcher knows where you are -- even if you don't.
Calls to the 911 system are prioritized. In the old days, special wires were reserved for 911 calls, and even if the ordinary lines were overloaded, 911 calls would get through. These days the systems may be more sophisticated, but it's still set up that ordinary calls can't block 911 calls.
The point being, if the problem needs to be dealt with now, call 911 to maximize the chances of a "successful outcome". Other numbers don't work nearly as well.
courtney o'keefeJust wanted to give you a head's up that I received a phone call today from a blocked number telling me that a family members was getting served with a civil complaint and could I get the message to them.
Sound familiar? It should.
It's a scam and the Better Business Bureau is aware, but so widespread that it's difficult for them to keep up. I also called the Somerville Police Department and was invited to come down and fill out a form. According to my research and conversations I had, they call the family members to scare the person into paying money they don't owe. Nice, huh?
Before anyone gets a phone call and flips out that their loved one owes money and placed you down as a reference, please research the phone number, the company and insist something is sent to you in writing. Then, tell them never to call you again.
Details...
Civil Complaint being delivered by US Document Services (or American Document Services)
They will give you a case number
1-866-809-7595
Anyone else go through this?
Sound familiar? It should.
It's a scam and the Better Business Bureau is aware, but so widespread that it's difficult for them to keep up. I also called the Somerville Police Department and was invited to come down and fill out a form. According to my research and conversations I had, they call the family members to scare the person into paying money they don't owe. Nice, huh?
Before anyone gets a phone call and flips out that their loved one owes money and placed you down as a reference, please research the phone number, the company and insist something is sent to you in writing. Then, tell them never to call you again.
Details...
Civil Complaint being delivered by US Document Services (or American Document Services)
They will give you a case number
1-866-809-7595
Anyone else go through this?
Packages Stolen from Porch
Dec. 28th, 2014 06:49 pmaurewl.livejournal.comI just want to give a heads up to people in the Willow Ave / Morrison Ave area that my building (a 3-family) has had 3 packages apparently stolen from our front porch over the last couple weeks. All the packages were delivered in the middle of day on weekdays while we all were at work. Has anyone else in the neighborhood had any problems like this recently? I'm very sad to have to do signature-required delivery from now on.
Helicoper fly-overs tonight
Sep. 14th, 2014 08:57 pmsharalee fieldAnyone know why we've been constantly buzzed by a helicopter (or low flying prop plane) for at least the last hour this evening?
St James/Elm Street Car Vandalism
Aug. 28th, 2014 06:13 ampakoo.livejournal.comHi
I realize that this is a total long shot but just in case anyone witnessed this:
Apparently there was an arguing couple on the corner of Elm and St James yesterday and the guy threw a punch on the back of my car's rear window and shattered the window and caused significant damage---I would greatly appreciate it if anyone could pass along any identifying info (yeah, I know the odds---but my insurance co is about to drop me--someone also jacked this car to steal its tires, someone else broke in and stole stuff from the interior, and another jackass keyed it). I am so over paying deductibles, I have really had it--
thanks--
I realize that this is a total long shot but just in case anyone witnessed this:
Apparently there was an arguing couple on the corner of Elm and St James yesterday and the guy threw a punch on the back of my car's rear window and shattered the window and caused significant damage---I would greatly appreciate it if anyone could pass along any identifying info (yeah, I know the odds---but my insurance co is about to drop me--someone also jacked this car to steal its tires, someone else broke in and stole stuff from the interior, and another jackass keyed it). I am so over paying deductibles, I have really had it--
thanks--
trysha.livejournal.comFrom my last post, I followed this and did some research..
The Department of Homeland Security has given Cambridge (and other cities) a grant to install "shot spotter" technology around in urban areas.
My understanding is that this coming to Somerville soon.
This is a series of microphones placed on poles all across the city that constantly analyze the sounds in the area. Once the system detects a sound pattern that matches a "gunshot" it triangulates the location and sends this information to the police. It saves the recording of this event and the system operators have access to this recorded data.
The Cambridge police have assured us that this can only detect high decibel events.
However, this system is capable of recording voices (at least loud ones).
Now, I know that Cambridge and Somerville police are not plotting nefarious schemes here.
They are excited about cool new toys and cool ways of helping people.
Let's step back for a second.
The police are placing microphones across the city and then saying "trust us, we will only use this to help find gunshots". The good guys have this today.
As a software engineer I can make reasonable guesses as to how the system works. Let's just say that I am concerned.
The shot spotter website:
http://www.shotspotter.com/news/article/producers-blog-privacy-and-security-in-the-balance
Essentially says (paraphrased) "You have no reasonable expectation of privacy in a public area, you give your info to advertisers all the time anyway, so what does it matter".
The Department of Homeland Security has given Cambridge (and other cities) a grant to install "shot spotter" technology around in urban areas.
My understanding is that this coming to Somerville soon.
This is a series of microphones placed on poles all across the city that constantly analyze the sounds in the area. Once the system detects a sound pattern that matches a "gunshot" it triangulates the location and sends this information to the police. It saves the recording of this event and the system operators have access to this recorded data.
The Cambridge police have assured us that this can only detect high decibel events.
However, this system is capable of recording voices (at least loud ones).
Now, I know that Cambridge and Somerville police are not plotting nefarious schemes here.
They are excited about cool new toys and cool ways of helping people.
Let's step back for a second.
The police are placing microphones across the city and then saying "trust us, we will only use this to help find gunshots". The good guys have this today.
As a software engineer I can make reasonable guesses as to how the system works. Let's just say that I am concerned.
The shot spotter website:
http://www.shotspotter.com/news/article/producers-blog-privacy-and-security-in-the-balance
Essentially says (paraphrased) "You have no reasonable expectation of privacy in a public area, you give your info to advertisers all the time anyway, so what does it matter".
trysha.livejournal.comStarted 30 minutes ago, seems to be 30 minutes or so left.
Twitter/Facebook hashtag #AskCambPD or @cambridgePolice
Twitter/Facebook hashtag #AskCambPD or @cambridgePolice
Claim your missing mail!
Feb. 11th, 2014 09:02 pmlittlecitynames.livejournal.comAccording to the Somerville Times, a Malden postal worker was found to have thousands of pieces of mail in his apartment belonging to people from Somerville, Medford, Malden, and Melrose. USPS will be delivering the unopened mail, but much of it was opened so they don't know who the intended recipients were. If you think your mail is missing, you should contact the USPS at their contact info bolded in the article below.
( Full text of the article under the cut. )
( Full text of the article under the cut. )
teko.livejournal.comSeveral houses along Milton St. are reporting their cars have been broken into over the past few days, but all the thieves are taking is spare change and, in the case of one neighbor, their handicapped placard. Sun visors and glove boxes have been rifled through but nothing major stolen. Since the only cars broken into are ones with electronic remote locks, it sort of sounds like some kids who got their hands on an "open any car door" doohicky and are being naughty scamps.
Home invasion near Tufts
Sep. 27th, 2013 09:08 amgingicathttp://medford.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/home-invasion-on-berwick-road-gun-knives-shown
Four men broke into a Berwick Road home early Thursday morning with residents inside, according to a Tufts Police report.
One of the intruders had a gun, the others had knives, the victims told police. The break-in occurred at about 12:25 a.m.
No one was injured, and no further details were available Thursday.
Four men broke into a Berwick Road home early Thursday morning with residents inside, according to a Tufts Police report.
One of the intruders had a gun, the others had knives, the victims told police. The break-in occurred at about 12:25 a.m.
No one was injured, and no further details were available Thursday.
Impact the Future of Davis Square!
Sep. 2nd, 2013 09:57 pmfrancescadavis.livejournal.comAn email from Brad Rawson of the city planning department:
Tuesday, September 10th Location: 377 Summer Street
9am – 8pm - public Open Studios
9am – 10am, 11am-12pm and 3:30pm – 7:30pm – public stakeholder sessions (see flyer for descriptions)
Wednesday, September 11th Location: 255 Elm Street Street (Davis Square Theatre)
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm – Pin Up Presentation
Good afternoon,
We are pleased to publish a detailed schedule for the Davis Square design charrette event on September 9th, 10th, and 11th.
Monday, September 9th Location: 377 Summer Street (vacant storefront next to Rosebud Diner)
9am – 8pm - public Open Studios
11am – 12pm and 3pm – 8pm – public stakeholder sessions (see flyer for descriptions)
9am – 8pm - public Open Studios
11am – 12pm and 3pm – 8pm – public stakeholder sessions (see flyer for descriptions)
Tuesday, September 10th Location: 377 Summer Street
9am – 8pm - public Open Studios
9am – 10am, 11am-12pm and 3:30pm – 7:30pm – public stakeholder sessions (see flyer for descriptions)
Wednesday, September 11th Location: 255 Elm Street Street (Davis Square Theatre)
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm – Pin Up Presentation
Please see the flyer for details. And please visit www.somervillebydesign.com, which has recently been reformatted.
From: Davisactiongroup.com
Common to have items taken from porches?
Jul. 29th, 2013 05:29 pmskreekyI really don't want to start a flame war - this is an honest question for people living in the area between Davis and Ball Square.
When I was younger I lived in JP. I loved it. However, it was a town where you didn't bother to put out a pumpkin in October because it would be smashed by morning, and you tried very hard to be home for deliveries because boxes would be stolen from the porch.
I've spent the past decade in West Roxbury, where you could have anything at all on your porch and yard and it would not be disturbed.
Now, in the process of moving in, I've been tossing empty boxes on the front porch. Some are broken down, but others are not obviously empty (full of packing material). The idea is to eventually post to Craigslist that there are empty boxes at *address*, and they go away. However, I have not posted that yet, because I have recently placed a number of mail orders, and I don't want my items to be taken by "accident" with the empties should they arrive. The problem is that I just got home, and someone has helped themselves to my empties anyway. On the face of it, that's fine - I wanted to be rid of them.
What I am wondering is, is this the sort of neighborhood where I ought to be trying to have my deliveries taken around to the rear for safety? Do people generally help themselves to things on porches? Some of my neighbors have quite elaborate sitting areas on porches and I figured there was no problem with respect of that space.
I'm "fine" with living in either sort of neighborhood, but I'd rather not find out the hard way which this is.
When I was younger I lived in JP. I loved it. However, it was a town where you didn't bother to put out a pumpkin in October because it would be smashed by morning, and you tried very hard to be home for deliveries because boxes would be stolen from the porch.
I've spent the past decade in West Roxbury, where you could have anything at all on your porch and yard and it would not be disturbed.
Now, in the process of moving in, I've been tossing empty boxes on the front porch. Some are broken down, but others are not obviously empty (full of packing material). The idea is to eventually post to Craigslist that there are empty boxes at *address*, and they go away. However, I have not posted that yet, because I have recently placed a number of mail orders, and I don't want my items to be taken by "accident" with the empties should they arrive. The problem is that I just got home, and someone has helped themselves to my empties anyway. On the face of it, that's fine - I wanted to be rid of them.
What I am wondering is, is this the sort of neighborhood where I ought to be trying to have my deliveries taken around to the rear for safety? Do people generally help themselves to things on porches? Some of my neighbors have quite elaborate sitting areas on porches and I figured there was no problem with respect of that space.
I'm "fine" with living in either sort of neighborhood, but I'd rather not find out the hard way which this is.
Crime alert - Davis and Powderhouse area
Jul. 20th, 2013 08:43 amron_newmanI got this robo-call and e-mail from the city last night:
The Somerville and Tufts University Police Departments report that over the last three weeks three late night robberies have occurred in the area between Davis Square and Tufts University, with the most recent robbery having occurred very early in the morning on Friday, July 19. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, particularly when walking at night, and, if possible, should not walk alone after dark*. Three separate assaults and robberies were reported in the vicinities of Powderhouse Blvd and Leonard St, Cottage Ave and Walker St. The incidents are believed to be unrelated, and three suspects in one incident has been arrested.
* (editorial note by Ron: I don't find this "should not walk alone" to be useful or sensible advice.)
The Somerville and Tufts University Police Departments report that over the last three weeks three late night robberies have occurred in the area between Davis Square and Tufts University, with the most recent robbery having occurred very early in the morning on Friday, July 19. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, particularly when walking at night, and, if possible, should not walk alone after dark*. Three separate assaults and robberies were reported in the vicinities of Powderhouse Blvd and Leonard St, Cottage Ave and Walker St. The incidents are believed to be unrelated, and three suspects in one incident has been arrested.
* (editorial note by Ron: I don't find this "should not walk alone" to be useful or sensible advice.)
Help catch a Davis Square bike thief
May. 28th, 2013 06:17 pmelements.livejournal.comJust caught this via a local bike blog. Seems the theft was last week, but is just being posted about today.
Transit Police detectives are seeking the identity of the male subject depicted within. If you know the whereabouts or the identity of this individual please contact our Criminal Investigations Unit at 617-222-1050 or (as always) if you wish to assist our investigators but seek to remain anonymous you can simply text your tip to us at 873873
On Monday, May 20, 2013, at approximately 9:45 AM, the male subject depicted below arrived at the Holland Street side of Davis MBTA Station on a bicycle. He was observed loitering near the bicycle racks for approximately 30 minutes, before placing his bicycle next to another bicycle, which he subsequently stole, leaving the original bicycle behind.
Transit Police detectives are seeking the identity of the male subject depicted within. If you know the whereabouts or the identity of this individual please contact our Criminal Investigations Unit at 617-222-1050 or (as always) if you wish to assist our investigators but seek to remain anonymous you can simply text your tip to us at 873873
On Monday, May 20, 2013, at approximately 9:45 AM, the male subject depicted below arrived at the Holland Street side of Davis MBTA Station on a bicycle. He was observed loitering near the bicycle racks for approximately 30 minutes, before placing his bicycle next to another bicycle, which he subsequently stole, leaving the original bicycle behind.
found: ring of shopper's cards
Apr. 20th, 2013 02:57 pmintuition-ist.livejournal.comapparently because our yard is near an intersection, people have chosen to make it a dumping ground for random stuff. I'm betting someone wants this particular stuff back: a ring of (now rather dirty and damp) shopper's cards with 15 cards, one of which is a Costco gold star member's card. send me a message identifying a reasonable number of the others to verify it's yours.
EDIT: owner found!
EDIT: owner found!
Why no lockdown?
Apr. 19th, 2013 11:42 ambeinneighe.livejournal.comI'm not trying to be alarmist, but anyone know why Somerville isn't in lockdown? Maybe it's just me living two houses from Cambridge, but especially when it was ascertained that the suspects lived in the Central Square area... we're not all that far away...
(I don't need an official order to be told to stay close to home today, but between this and not getting any notification that the MBTA was down...)
(I don't need an official order to be told to stay close to home today, but between this and not getting any notification that the MBTA was down...)
ENTIRE MBTA SHUT DOWN
Apr. 19th, 2013 06:15 amron_newmanWBZ radio reports that there will be NO MBTA SERVICE anywhere this morning while the manhunt for the second suspect goes on in Watertown. Residents of several towns (including Cambridge, but so far not Somerville) are being asked to stay home.
Possible scam alert - Just Energy
Apr. 9th, 2013 03:04 pmkoloratur.livejournal.comTwo people from "Just Energy" seem to be going door to door trying to get people to switch to Just Energy for gas/electric. A little googling shows that they are shady at best:
http://www.bbb.org/kitchener/business-reviews/natural-gas-companies/just-energy-in-mississauga-on-17632
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_Energy#Controversies
http://consumerist.com/2010/03/10/deceptive-just-energy-salespeople-cruising-brooklyn/
http://www.bbb.org/kitchener/business-reviews/natural-gas-companies/just-energy-in-mississauga-on-17632
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_Energy#Controversies
http://consumerist.com/2010/03/10/deceptive-just-energy-salespeople-cruising-brooklyn/
