Three squads responded in short order, and when the kids saw the squads coming, they scattered immediately. The next morning, our suspicions were confirmed when we found a 5" knife lying in our front yard. One of the youths more than likely tossed-it as they were fleeing.
As the weather has warmed-up, the number and frequency of kids playing in the middle of the street has increased. Many of the kids aren't old enough to be in school. I'm talking 2-4 year-olds, relying on the good graces and commong sense of the drivers going up and down the street to come to a complete stop and honk their horns, instead of hitting them.
Today, thinking it was appropriate, I called and spoke with the desk sargeant at the 4th precinct. I was told by the desk sargeant that I should be thankful that the kids aren't out causing trouble. I was told that there really wasn't any other place for the kids to play basketball because the hoops had been removed at Jordan Park because there was too much trouble occurring at the courts. I was told there really wasn't much that cou;d be done anyway, as the City didn't have a place to take the hoops, even if they did confiscate them. However, if I was to witness anyone blocking traffic why playing basketball, I should feel free to call 911 and someone would check-it-out. The most humurous part however (to me anyway), was when I was asked by the desk sargeant if I was aware of what went-on in the neighborhood I called regarding. I (probably not very nicely) responded that I did.
I'm left scratching my head. Is this the best we can do for our children? A B-Ball hoop in the street?
Dennis Plante Jordan
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