Newly appointed Chief of Police David Fallon is fully engaged in a systematic transition plan intended to maximize department efficiency while integrating community policing strategies.

By Jim Clark

The Somerville Police Department’s newly appointed Chief, David Fallon, has announced the implementation of a 120-day transition plan that will include discussions with individual police officers, assignment of Command Staff such as District Captains and Deputy Chiefs, assessments of forensic capabilities, and review of report writing procedures, among other things.

Chief Fallon has indicated that he is intent on emphasizing community policing and data-based decision making at all levels within the department, with an eye on community policing and problem solving.

In a public statement, Chief Fallon said, “My core belief in the importance of community policing comes from witnessing over 16 years what the police and the community can do together. Community policing is a philosophy that emphasizes collaboration with community organizations, businesses, nonprofits and residents, and the SPD is best able to address public safety challenges when we work in conjunction with citizens and other city institutions to solve the issues that we face as a community. I look forward to working with every member of the community and department to make Somerville a national model of community policing.”

“Data analysis and tracking is essential to effective policing, and the important next step in our department’s use of data is to layer crime analysis into each level within the police department from commanders to front line officers,” said Fallon. “My intent is for every patrolman to have an evidence-based understanding of the issues affecting the community and to be trained to effectively record data for future crime analysis.”

Mayor Joseph Curtatone praised the new Chief’s transitional initiative saying, “David Fallon exemplifies what we want in the Somerville Police Department—dedication to this city and its residents, a desire to find ways to reduce crime that go beyond arrests and convictions, a commitment to evidence-based decision making, and a spirit of collaboration. He has helped lay the foundation for the city’s progress on public safety over his past 16 years with the department, and as Chief of Police, I am confident he will continue to effectively serve the community by building upon that progress. I am extremely pleased to work with Chief Fallon as the next leader of the Somerville Police Department.”

Fallon’s appointment as Chief of Police was confirmed unanimously by the Board of Alderman at their last General Meeting.

According to reports, Fallon has already begun the process of appointing two new Deputy Chiefs and two District Commanders, and announcements are forthcoming. The transition plan also includes meetings with every member of the Board of Aldermen to discuss ward-based and community-wide issues.