Albany police chief says crime up in summer

ALBANY —In the wake of a homicide on West Highland Avenue recently and several shootings in all three Albany police district, Albany Police Chief Michael Persley is calling on Albany residents to use common sense to reduce the opportunity for violent crimes.

“We don’t know right now if any of these incidents are gang-related,” Persley said, “but many of them happen in the middle of the night. One of the things we’ll focus on is more curfew enforcement for minors.”

According to Persley, curfew for Albany minors is 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, with an extension to midnight on Friday and Saturday evenings.

“It’s a free country,” so people can go anywhere they want to go, Persley said, “as long as they abide by the curfew. For adults, if you’re leaving from a nightclub or a party, try to be with other people. Avoid walking in dark alleyways or in vacant lots. If you need a designated driver, get one.”

Speaking at a media conference at the downtown Law Enforcement Center, Persley appealed to the public to be vigilant for their own safety and also to report suspicious or criminal activity to the APD or other law enforcement agency.

“Most of our information comes from the public,” Persley said. “It’s not about being a snitch. Without help from the public you could be the next victim. Say something. The important thing is that the people committing these crimes are brought to justice.”

Persley attributes the recent uptick of violent crimes in part to the summer season, when schools are out of session and daylight hours are longer.

“Especially for younger people, there are more freedoms in the summer,” Persley said, “and they tend to be out late when the temperature is more bearable.”