Dean Zimmermann wrote:
>
> Rich McMartin sets out a wild and provocative suggestion that perhaps we
> should just abolish the police force in Minneapolis and see hat happens.
> When I first read it I was aghast, surely he must be kidding. But, then,
> really, is the alternative any better?
Just for the record, I was kidding. Yes the alternative is better. Law
enforcement attracts its group of people who violate the rules and
behave inappropriately. But I think that most truly desire to help the
communities they serve become better places to live.
There are a number of opportunities for us to become involved in working
with the police. Your SAFE team in conjunction with a block club is one
of the easiest ways. In Lyndale and other places there have been stroll
patrols who work with their SAFE team. I helped to start a stroll
patrol in Bryant with Luther's advice. In Bryant we have an issues
committee that meets monthly and deals with crack houses, whore houses,
public urination, gun shots, bad roofs, barking dogs, and elderly people
that need help.
There is also the Third Precinct advisory committee that meets the 4th
monday each month at the 3rd precinct station. That would be a good
forum for you to bring up bad police behavior. While you are at it
compliment the many jobs well done. If you don't see the many jobs well
done you aren't looking.
Police are human beings. They are not some alien force sent here from
planet Xiccarph to keep order. Much of the rhetoric on this list lately
paints the police as non human and not deserving of the support and
atta-persons that the rest of us pure citizens deserve.
The police departments have been reaching out in recent years to become
part of the communities that they serve. Lets not shut that effort down.
Lets work with law enforcement and the local judicial system to solve
problems.
The alternative is chaos. I don't like chaos.
COMPLEMENTS:
Brian Herron (When he was a CPS) comes first. He got me involved with
the issues committee after the frequent crack houses on my block.
CPS Sue Roethele - she has worked extremely hard to help her
neighborhoods. Recently she has been helping to get crime and safety
information to residents Bryant who speak Spanish, Mung, Latotian, and
Solali.
Officer Nelson: This man worked above and beyond to help find the people
who were shooting guns every night.
The 3rd Precinct: They have been very supportive to crime reduction
efforts in Bryant.
--
Rich McMartin
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://tcfreenet.org/people/mcmartin/
Bryant Neighborhood of Minneapolis
