Capt. Frank Bachmayer, commander of the 15th Police District, announced at last week's 15th Police District Advisory Council meeting that some of the department's 152 Police Academy graduates would join the district, supplementing its foot patrols.

The district's four foot beats include the areas around Frankford Avenue and Margaret Street, Torresdale Avenue and Bridge Street, Torresdale Avenue and Levick Street, from Orthodox to Herbert streets and from Large to Oakland streets.

The PDAC applauded not only the additions to the district, but the accomplishments of veteran officers as well.

The organization recognized Officers Charles Hettinger and Ismael Vazquez as the April Officers of the Month for their work apprehending two people they observed during a robbery in progress at 5000 Torresdale Ave.

The officers chased down and apprehended the suspects. They recovered the victim's purse along with 23 small plastic bags of marijuana.

Officers Richard Dennell and Robin Knight were likewise recognized as the May Officers of the Month.

The officers observed a fight around 3510 Cottman Ave. A woman approached the officers stating that she had been robbed by a man with a large knife.

The suspect, the woman's ex-boyfriend, was known to police and had several active arrest warrants for burglary, theft and a point-of-gun aggravated assault.

The officers saw him enter a club, approached him from two directions and took him into custody without incident. They recovered a large Bowie knife and a glass jar of PCP.

"It was an excellent job," Bachmayer said.

PDAC vice president Nancy Doerr presented Letitia Hernandez a plaque in grateful recognition for the support she and Sam Barquawi, owner of Sugar and Spice in Frankford, have given to the PDAC, for community events and police appreciation.

In other business, Bachmayer updated PDAC members on year-to-date crime statistics.

Total violent crime is up 8 percent while property crime is down 8 percent.

Bachmayer attributed the increase in violent crime to a 37 percent increase in point-of-gun robberies. That figure is down significantly from March when those crimes were up more than 100 percent.

The captain also warned that, if 15th district officers have to respond to a block party for fights, underaged drinking or the like, Bachmayer will ensure a permit will not be issued for the same block next year.

"Block parties are the responsibility of the permit-holder. Don't let it get out of hand," he said.

While crime and community concerns don't take a break over the summer, PDAC members will get to enjoy long weekends. The organization will meet on Tuesdays during July and August for the convenience of those members that might like to take long weekends.

The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, at the John Perzel Community Center, 2990 St. Vincent St.

Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com