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March 19, 2007 – In commenting on the nomination of James McCall as Police Commissioner by the Senator Rules Committee at a meeting Monday afternoon, Senator Louis Patrick Hill stated he was impressed by McCall's experience in curtailing gang and drug related homicides.
Stated Senator Hill, "I find the rise of gangs among our youth as one of the most alarming and insidious elements facing our community". Hill pointed out that in one jurisdiction after another, the presence of gangs has introduced an element of "gang culture" that has a particularly devastating impact on the younger children of a family.
Senator Hill said he was also impressed by McCall's mind-set regarding the rank and file of the police force. Said Senator Hill, "McCall believes law enforcement officers should receive meritorious promotions and should be given extensive training opportunities, especially those provided by off-island academies where state-of-the-are weaponry and techniques are employed".
The Senator said he found equally impressive McCall's working relationship with Director Kenneth Blake, a relationship that led to the establishment of a Joint Task Force which embarked on numerous initiatives that netted seizures of drugs, paraphernalia, fugitives and weapons.
Hill said he is hopeful that McCall will continue to build solid professional relationships with the rank and file as well as the top echelons of the Police Department. However, Senator Hill flatly stated that though he feels McCall will change the Police Department for the better, if he is unable to, he should then resign.
