> Is this a problem that would be somewhat mitigated if we had more cops on > the streets; that is, partially a problem of the decreased police force? > Maybe it is an argument for more cops. Except that in my experience the > cops have never been very responsive to anything less than murder, even in > their salad days in the '80's.
Sue Jeffers hosted the AM1500 program, "The Next Big Thing" today, and brought up this very issue. Dave Shegstad's citizen's arrest was discussed, and Sue had an internal memo from police higher-ups (the Chief, I believe) directing officers to stop making arrests and start writing tickets. She also talked about an incident at Kocielski's gun shop a couple days ago, with three men attempting to break into the gun shop. Kocielski was there, and apprehended one of the burglars. The police issued a loitering citation, and released the guy. Loitering! He was trying to steal guns. Our outrage shouldn't be directed at the beat-cops, who have their hands tied by a highly politicized police department. Changes obviously need to be made at administrative and procedural levels Rybak's 71 replacement cops aren't going to do one bit of good if they aren't allowed to detain criminals. Maybe they'll generate a tiny bit of revenue for the city coffers with fines (if they fine people who will actually pay). So, we'll be protected from people who don't wear their seatbelts, but on burglary, rape, murder, assault, and robbery, we'll still be on our own. So, yes. We need more cops, but more important is how they are deployed, and utilized. Dan McGrath Longfellow http://www.shegstad.us REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
