Sarasota News Leader

02/14/2014

Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/260020

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 68 of 114

Kelly believes any threat to the Olympics will come from the former Soviet socialist republics that have problems with Russia. He also noted the attack at the Munich summer Olympics in 1972 did not occur until the ninth day of competition. POSITIVE CHANGES Kelly stated crime overall is trending down- ward. There has been a dramatic decrease in criminal activity, including a record low for murders, during his most recent 12 years as commissioner of the NYPD. In addition to an emphasis on community policing, new officers are concentrated where crimes of violence are spiking. Kelly examined the department's technological resources and decided to bring in computers to replace white boards and paper files. Through effective use of technol- ogy, he pointed out, information acquired is quickly communicated to officers throughout the city, enabling prompt arrests. KELLY ON KELLY In reflections of a more personal nature, Kelly told the audience he was born on the West Side of Manhattan, the youngest child in his family. They moved to Queens when the neighborhood changed, becoming rife with a variety of troubles, including crime and gangs. Kelly followed his three older brothers into the Marines, and his service included a tour of duty in Viet Nam. He said the Corps does a great job of providing leadership and other training to foster the development of skills which transfer well into police work. Kelly's interest in law enforcement began early. He was once a police cadet whose job was operating the telephone switchboard. He was appointed to the NYPD in 1963, but shortly thereafter accepted a commission to the United States Marine Corps Officer Program. He returned to the police depart- ment in 1966. Kelly obtained a law degree from St. John's University and worked in the legal depart- ment for a year, but he "wanted to go back to the action." He finds police work not only provides "a real world opportunity to make a difference," but also is extremely rewarding and exciting. AMONG THE PROGRAM ATTENDEES Two or three high school students from Sarasota County public schools (Booker, North Port, Riverview, Sarasota, Suncoast Polytechnical and Venice high schools, Pine View School and Sarasota Military Academy) usually participate in the media briefing prior to each morning lecture in the Ringling Town Hall series. They are among approximately 16 seniors selected by their principals or desig- nees for their leadership, academic record, community service and interest in the speak- ers to attend the evening lectures. The students also have the opportunity to meet the speaker prior to the start of the pro- gram. Funding is provided by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, in coop- eration with the Ringling College Library Association. The Foundation also provides tickets for stu- dents attending Cardinal Mooney, Lakewood Ranch High School and St. Stephens and, through a donor fund, from the Out-of-Door Academy and Boys & Girls Club. In all, the Foundation sponsors 30 students and two adult chaperones at each lecture. % Sarasota News Leader February 14, 2014 Page 69

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Sarasota News Leader - 02/14/2014