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Night Watch Offers Different View of Town
Thursday, November 4, 2004
Master Patrolman Kevin Defeo's been on the night shift for a while. Actually, most of his career with the Georgetown Police Department. But his role as one of the town's protectors in the night is something he has grown more than accustomed to.
"It offers a unique perspective," said DeFeo, who began his career with the department as a dispatcher in 1987. He was quickly hired on as a reserve officer, and made a full-timer in 1996. "You see the different habits people have - the things they do to feel safe at night."
These little habits, like leaving the television on, or the front porch light, become part of the nocturnal Georgetown personality. They also become signs for the night officers to watch, ways of detecting when something isn't quite right.
"It's easier to pick up things that are out of place at night," said DeFeo.
The officers know when businesses close for the night, when to expect activity at each location in town to draw to a close. Being familiar with these characteristics, DeFeo said, allows officers to know when something is amiss.
"You know X business closes at 11 p.m. So if there's someone wandering around at 1 in the morning, you know something isn't right," said DeFeo.
DeFeo can remember the exact incident that inspired him to become a police officer. He was living in Saugus in the Blizzard of 1978, and recalls listening to the police scanner.
"I knew I wanted to help, to make people feel safe," said DeFeo.
DeFeo also handles the department's Web page, which can be accessed through the town's page (www.georgetownma.gov). He maintains information and announcements there, and creates links to profiles and stories about each officer. The Haverhill native and Salem State grad has been teaching himself the coding he needs for this duty. While he admits his skill in the area is limited, he has plans to learn a few more tricks and add some splash to the site.
He plans to begin gathering old police-related photos to publish online for visitors to see the history of the department.
Among his other duties, DeFeo applies for certain department grants, such as the one providing bulletproof vests. He also creates the street updates used to train new officers for learning their way around town.
"With all the building going on, it's tough to keep up," said DeFeo.
The best part of the job, DeFeo said, is working an event like the Topsfield Fair because it provides a chance to see people at their best.
"It's non-confrontational. The kids will high-five you," said DeFeo. "It's also a chance to interact with other departments. It's just a happy environment."
The worst part of the job? Any time he's had to arrest someone.
"In that situation, you're the bad guy," he said. "You're seeing people at their worst. But as (Chief James Mulligan) says, you never know what you're stopping by making that arrest. You could be saving someone's life."
 
This article originally appeared in the Georgetown Record on Wednesday, November 4, 2004 , by Matt Phillion/ Mphillio@Cnc.Com
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