First off, I think that we need to make clear the distinction between racial
profiling and CODEFOR. As far as I understand it racial profiling
involves the development of statistical profiles that are then used
to select individuals for investigation. In my opinion racial profiling is
a clear violation of individual rights. CODEFOR on the other hand
applies not to individuals, but to geographic areas selected for "enhanced"
policing. If I stated these concepts incorrectly please let me know.
Scott McGerik wrote:
> Rather, I think the point being missed is that there is apparently an
> unequal application of law. And CODEFOR is just a cover for that
> unequal application. If I correctly understand the premise of CODEFOR
> is that in a CODEFOR area, crime laws are more strictly enforced, such
> as for broken tail lights, loud music, broken windows, loitering,
> etc., whereas in non-CODEFOR neighborhoods, these crimes are generally
> ignored. To me, this creates a socially acceptable cover/excuse for
> harassing undesirable groups.
I'd like to preface my comments by stating that I have had probably
had more police contact than most of the people in this list. I say
this so that I don't come off as a well-to-do conservative who doesn't have
any idea of what it's like to be harassed (or worse) by the police.
I think that people who are opposed to CODEFOR need to think about
what constitutes effective policing. First off, there is a correlation
between traffic stops and crime reduction (the Oklahoma City bombing
is just one example). So, I believe that one method for reducing crime
(and increasing revenues) would be to step-up traffic enforcement. In
the case of CODEFOR this is done within a specific area; I would
support it being done city wide.
> Actually, they have complained because I am one of them. I am trying
> to live a safe life, do a good job at work, and have a good home life
> in one of those so adversely affected neighborhoods. Four of the
> houses on my block have been burglarized in the last 18 months, cars
> have been burglarized, fences and garages have been tagged with
> graffiti, drug usage on city streets, prostitution activity on
> streets, loud music in cars, gang activity, homicide, rape, assault,
> the list goes on and on.
If you don't support CODEFOR what crime reductions alternatives would
you suggest?
I would welcome CODEFOR as long as the traffic stops were legal.
I also understand that CODEFOR would not be sufficient to lower
crime rates. Networks of informants, computer databases, and
detailed evidence collection are also important for effective policing.
Since there have been two stories about traffic stops in
Prospect Park I would like to include my own. Several years ago
some of my wife's relatives were visiting. My wife's cousin and
husband rented a car and while they were searching for our house they
were pulled over. They explained to the police that they were
looking for our house. The police pointed it out and that was the
end of it. Was either of us upset that they we stopped: No.
I would hope that the police has a legal reason to pull them over
(they might by been weaving a little as they looked at the map).
I would also hope that they were not pulled over simply because
they were Asian. However, the most important factor to me is
that they were treated courteously. When I moved to Tennessee,
I was pulled over within the first two minutes after I crossed the
state line. Was it legal? Probably not, but I was so impressed that
the state patrol officer treated me respectfully that I didn't
perceive the stop as harassment. It was such a contrast to the
LAPD that I found it acceptable.
Just an aside, during the riots in LA the only police agency
that could accompany the fire trucks was the CHP. Why?
Because people knew that they played by the rules and were
respectful to everyone, regardless of race, class or income.
If the MPD can follow this model, as they have in my experience,
then I believe that if you live in a high crime area you will have to
expect an increase in policing if you want a decrease in crime.
Mike Atherton
Prospect Park
Ward 2
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