Those of you who read my blog regularly know that I live in a pretty bad neighborhood here in Waycross. There's a lot of drug dealing and prostitution that goes on in my neck of the woods, and there's the occasional theft, fight, and gun shot or two as well. Additionally, since purchasing my house I've had my copper pipes stolen, my home burgled, my mailbox smashed with a baseball bat, I've been propositioned by a creepy old fellow who thinks that any woman in this neighborhood must be a hooker, and I've had a crazy man run around my house with no clothes on. As such, I have no problem whatsoever with a strong police presence in my neighborhood. In fact, just last month I found myself in a scary situation (stalker hiding in my bushes late at night) and I had to call 911 – cops were there in a minute and a half. I like that.
HOWEVER: There is a difference between a strong police presence and intimidation. Twice this past week I have, at roughly 9:50pm, witnessed what I took to be a tank (turned out to be an armored personnel carrier, but to a civilian like myself, there doesn't seem to be much difference) rolling down the city street, right past my house! It was escorted by two cop cars, lights blazing, and had three cops poking out the top, rifles drawn, pointed in three different directions. The first time I saw them, I thought for sure that a house was about to get raided. Crack houses and, er, “dealerships” in my part of town get raided rather frequently. I was a little confused when it seemed to be driving around aimlessly, not headed for any particular destination... and I was even more confused when it repeated the manuever several days later.
After my second sighting of the tank (and after one of my mom's students also mentioned having seen it as well), my mom called the police station to find out what was going on. The woman my mother spoke with in the police chief's office told her that the SWAT team had just gotten a tank, and that they had been out driving it around “like little boys with a new toy.” My mom then asked if the tank was being driven around the good parts of town, or merely the “bad” parts, but the woman claimed that she didn't know.
In theory, I have no problem with the Waycross PD SWAT team owning a tank or APC or whichever... but I do have a couple of concerns.
Firstly: my neighborhood does have a high crime rate, but it is also a 99% black neighborhood. (I'm that 1% white.) Additionally, while there are plenty of all black neighborhoods in Waycross, mine is by far one of the poorest, if not the absolute poorest. Yes, there are a lot of criminals, but there are also many families and elderly folk who are either poor or who simply have lived here since before the neighborhood fell into decline. (Back in the day, this was where the business owning black upper middle class resided, and there are still a few elderly people who have remained from that time.) I wonder if the tank is being driven through the upper-class, affluent, white neighborhoods.
I wonder how the residents of such neighborhoods would react to the tank. I mean, it made me feel like I was living in a war zone or under martial law. The first time I saw the tank, I actually wondered if I should turn on the radio to find out if there had been some kind of south Georgia terrorist attack or some such that would warrant having the thing patrolling our streets. I have the feeling that the residents of the wealthier areas of town would not tolerate the presence of the tank, and I also feel that their influence in the good-old-boy network of this small town would cause the local police to immediately cease with tank patrols in such areas, were complaints made. Most of my neighbors aren't the type to call their city councilman and complain... and even if they did, none of us in my neck of the woods have the clout to influence politics in this town.
My point here (and I am getting to it, I promise) is that it seems that the cops are out riding about in their new tank/APC, and that they're only riding it though the “bad,” all-black parts of town. This seems to me like intimidation and harassment, and I am not a fan.
Secondly: the city (like everwhere and everyone else nowadays) has been struggling to fill its coffers. They even got rid of the homestead exemption on property taxes this year, in order to help with the budget shortfalls (and believe me, having my taxes go from $60 to $450 was not a pleasant experience). Surely this tank/APC was an expensive piece of equipment. Surely maintenance and operational costs are not cheap. Surely the officers who use it had to receive special training in its operation, which I doubt didn't come free. Is this really the best way for the city to spend its money – my tax dollars – especially during a time of fiscal crisis?
I decided to go on the Green Screen, a local online forum, to see if anyone else had seen or was talking about the tank. I discovered that someone named Aimee had already started the discussion. The link to it is here, but as the Green Screen removes threads after a few days, I've copied most of the thread below. (I deleted most of the digretions of the former military types on tank-vs-APC differences, the accusations that poor Aimee must be a drug user/dealer (why else would she be in that neighborhood at night?), and most of the racist comments (the ghetto needs to be intimidated! I did not edit or delete anything from the posts that I included below). The reference to a KKK rally in one of the posts is because there's one scheduled for next weekend in a nearby community. Sigh.)
What are your thoughts?
****
Ware County?
Posted by Aimee on 2/12/2010, 4:09 pm205.188.116.16
Has anyone else seen the tank driving around Waycross after dark? I have seen it two times coming home from the hospital. I called the police and the lady stated it was the swat teams "NEW TOY" and boys will be boys.
So what is the point of driving it around the city streets. Someone at the hospital stated that it was only being driven in the "bad areas" Has anyone else seen the tank and if so where? Are they even allowed to operate a tank isn't there training needed for that? They actually had men hanging out the top. What are we in a war zone?
Re: Ware County?
Posted by Father Time on 2/12/2010, 4:21 pm, in reply to "Re: Ware County?"68.16.11.19
It is not a tank,It is a Army 113 and it is used by our Swat team. As far as training the person that drives the 113 has past military training and yes they can drive it on streets it has rubber pads on the tracks. It is made to transport people, It is called a (A. P. C) Army Personnel Carrier. It has doors on top so troops can come up from the top and fight if need be. It has a gun holder on top also for a 50 or 60 caliber machine gun.
Re: Ware County?
Posted by Aimee on 2/12/2010, 4:46 pm, in reply to "Re: Ware County?"205.188.116.67
Oh ok thanks for explaining that we now live in IRAQ. So glad to hear we live in a war zone.. And what is the proper protocol for transporting people from the hood in that thing? What do you throw them in there after they are handcuffed and shackled? I like to see that.
Re: Ware County?
Posted by Father Time on 2/12/2010, 5:31 pm, in reply to "Re: Ware County?"68.16.11.19
Every Swat team in America has a tactical Vehicle and it is usually a used Army track Vehicle because of being armored and of it being cost wise and they get it form the Government for almost for free. Now do not miss understand some city’s do have some big budgets have special high tech ones, Which we here in Waycross have a new Vehicle also if you saw it in the Parade for Bio and Hazards Response, ..So We are not in a war Zone. Also this Vehicle can be used to go in and help bring people out of the line of fire in a hostile area if you have a madman that is going crazy at the time.. So it has a lot of functions.
Definitely a Tank!!!
Posted by janek on 2/12/2010, 5:49 pm, in reply to "Re: Ware County?"72.155.57.201
I live in one of the "bad areas" of town... and I have seen the tank drive by my house twice now. Feels like former-Soviet Georgia during the Russian invasion, not Georgia, USA!! My mom called the police department and asked about this. The woman in the chief's office told her that the swat team has just gotten a tank and that they have been out driving it around "like little boys with a new toy." My mom asked if the tank was being driven around the "good" parts of town or only the bad.... but the woman said she didn't know. While I agree that my neighborhood is bad (I was out of the country when I purchased my home; the realtor assured me the neighborhood was fine), I don't think that having cops driving around in a tank is going to improve things any! And couldn't our tax dollars have been spent on something more useful?
Re: Definitely a Tank!!!
Posted by BOM on 2/12/2010, 5:52 pm, in reply to "Definitely a Tank!!!"216.240.249.159
So you think it is not useful to practice with a new tool so they will be prepared if/when they need to use it? Or you think it is not useful to have this tool? I hope you are never in need of them, but if you are, I expect you want them to use whatever they have to protect you, your family, and your property??
janek
Posted by Father Time on 2/12/2010, 6:03 pm, in reply to "Definitely a Tank!!!"68.16.11.19
Look once again it is not a tank. It is a 113 APC Not a M60 or the Abrams Tank that we use now, It is not the Russian T69 or he T70 , Let me tell you I rode in this Darn HOT thing many many time in the 60's, 70's, .80's So I should know what type of vehicle it is.. I wish the swat team did have a Tank A good M60 would scare the Heck out of some of these dope heads here in town.. A good CS round shot threw the side of the house would clear it in a flash and they would come out crying and with no one out side the house being hurt..
Re: janek
Posted by janek on 2/12/2010, 6:31 pm, in reply to "janek "72.155.57.201
I stand corrected! Although a 113 APC sure looks a hell of a lot like a tank to a civilian like myself... especially with the fellows with their guns poking out the top. (And based on what the woman at the police station said to my mom, our local cops think it's a tank, too!)
Re: janek
Posted by Father Time on 2/12/2010, 7:04 pm, in reply to "Re: janek "68.16.11.19
I can understand what you are saying if it has tracks and rolls to most people they just call things a tank.. No matter what it really is...also people use to call the M109 a tank and it is a which is a cannon on wheels, it has a big Bottom with a big turret on top and it looks like a tank but it is not, It can shoot a lot further than a tank 18 to 21 clicks down range, and you can shoot threw it with your gun! If you get close enough Because it is made of 2 inch aluminum, Sounds insane but you can..
Re: Ware County?
Posted by BOM on 2/12/2010, 5:48 pm, in reply to "Ware County?"216.240.249.159
Get over it! I hope if I ever need the SWAT team, they have tanks, planes, robotic do-hickies, etc. etc. They are practicing. Congrats SWAT!!!!
answer the ?
Posted by Aimee on 2/12/2010, 5:57 pm, in reply to "Re: Ware County?"205.188.116.67
Can anyone or will someone answer? Does this tank get driven around the good neighborhoods also? Or should I ask will it be at the KKK rally in Nahunta next weekend to show it's support. You know there "MAY" be a problem and I sure they would like to be protected. I think they should bring it. You know just in case.
Re: answer the ?
Posted by Father Time on 2/12/2010, 6:14 pm, in reply to "answer the ?"68.16.11.19
I believe the only way it will be at the KKK rally is if someone gets stupid and holds a hostage with multiple shooters and if they call the Wayx SWAT and not the Brunswick SWAT. Even then bringing the 113 would be the last resort because of the cost involved. Depending on the escalating problem verses the cost would determine if they would load it up on a low boy and bring it.. We have a very good SWAT Team unless The KKK was really out of control in the hundreds of people running crazy with guns I doubt they would use it.
Re: answer the ?
Posted by janek on 2/12/2010, 6:33 pm, in reply to "Re: answer the ?"72.155.57.201
We have a very good SWAT Team unless The KKK was really out of control in the hundreds of people running crazy with guns I doubt they would use it. In which case, couldn't our taxpayer's dollars have been spent on something else? Something that would get used? Even if they did get it free or cheaply from Uncle Sam, maintenance and opeational costs aren't going to be cheap! And like Aimee, I'd love to know if they're driving it around Cherokee Heights or if it's just those of us in the "ghetto" who get the pleasure...
Re: answer the ?
Posted by Father Time on 2/12/2010, 6:54 pm, in reply to "Re: answer the ?"68.16.11.19
Maintenance does not cost nothing if is not driven around, Only cost is fuel when it is started up to keep the engine up and going. Then reason you saw in was because it came from point A to point B the Police department from where it is stored. Also if you check it was paid for with a grant just like the new truck the PD has...Like some has said, I is better to have this and never need it, But By God if we ever need it I want them to come in Blazing full speed if they are coming to save me or someone in my family.
Re: answer the ?
Posted by swampmanjack on 2/12/2010, 7:24 pm, in reply to "Re: answer the ?"208.63.227.75
I don't live in a bad neighborhood,not yet anyway,but it's getting closer every day,but I would still like to see that baby do a few turnarounds in front of my house! Won't happen though,I live just outside the city limits. This is another thing a lot of people don't see any use for,till it is needed. If the police dept. can get this equipment free,or almost free,whats the problem with them getting it? These things can be used to get officers into an area without getting shot. They can also be used in getting wounded victims out of dangerous areas. Another use is for natures rampages,such as floods(although they don't look like they could,they swim very well),etc. Of course,one of the biggest reasons is,they scare the living h3// out of the bad guys!
Re: Ware County?
Posted by cs on 2/12/2010, 6:30 pm, in reply to "Ware County?"216.81.98.25
being the city and county is broke, i wonder who paid for that?
Re: Bring it on!
Posted by Aimee on 2/12/2010, 7:10 pm, in reply to "Bring it on!"205.188.116.67
I agree that a tank may be needed if we ever escalate to a major issue. Just in case, if the police and us "personal armed" citizens can't handle a situation. But no one has answered did they drive this thing through the good neighborhoods or just the bad. Last time I checked the WJH police blotter all the crime was in the good areas as this is where the criminals know to shop. Or is the police just profiling illegally? Using scare tactics?
Aimee
Posted by Father Time on 2/12/2010, 7:50 pm, in reply to "Re: Bring it on!"68.16.11.19
I already posted that it went from point A to point B which was the Police department. It came from where it is being stored to where the city leaders could see it. and it had to be driven down a select number of streets.
Re: Aimee
Posted by janek on 2/13/2010, 3:17 pm, in reply to "Aimee"72.155.57.201
They are NOT just driving from "point A to point B" - they are cruising my neighborhood, driving up and down all the streets. I don't really mind, I just wonder about the costs and if they're cruising up and down the more affluent parts of town, too.
janek
Posted by Father Time on 2/13/2010, 3:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Aimee/Father Time"68.16.11.19
1. How many time have you seen this being done? 2. Do you feel like you where Intimated or harassed in anyway? 3. You do know this is a offical Police vech. and can be driven at anytime?
how long
Posted by Aimee on 2/12/2010, 7:53 pm, in reply to "Re: Bring it on!"205.188.116.67
How many years will they be practicing intimidation tactics in our poverty stricken areas before they get to use it? Who foots the bill for that long? So again the poorer area will get intimidation and profiling at the city / county expense? Don't get me wrong. I see nothing wrong with owning this thing, however, I do see something wrong with them "practicing" in the area's that the police already profile. To me they are using it as a scare tactic. To intimidate. Which is illegal. Are you stating it is alright for the police to commit illegal activities and at the tax payer expense?
Re: how long
Posted by Father Time on 2/12/2010, 8:02 pm, in reply to "how long"68.16.11.19
They have nothing wrong, All they did was move this Track Vech from One point to anther,They had to have armed Office in it to protect it. Nothing more nothing less. It was brought to the PD at the city leaders request.. If you have a problem with them moving the vech. from it storage place then you should call city hall and complain.. It sounds like to me that you fear the SWAT TEAM? And far the bill it is everyones bill part of being in the police protection. Training is Training. If you have been intimidated then you have the right to file a complaint or a law suit.
father time
Posted by Aimee on 2/12/2010, 8:18 pm, in reply to "Re: how long"205.188.116.67
So you are stating the city leaders needed it twice late at night to show the city leaders? And I guess they forgot to tell the lady who answered the phone boys will be boys. That doesn't sound like moving from point A to Point B. Taking the same route after dark late at night two times now does it?
Re: father time
Posted by swampmanjack on 2/12/2010, 8:38 pm, in reply to "father time"208.63.227.75
The officer(s)that operates this thing needs to get out and drive it once in a while just to stay in practice with it. It is not like driving a car. Also,like any other motor vehicle,it needs to be driven once in a while to make sure everything works as intended. They probably take it out at night to keep from causing any problems with traffic. Just think of all the rubberneckers that would wreck while watching this thing roll down Memorial Drive. Why do you have such a problem with this?
Re: father time
Posted by Father Time on 2/12/2010, 8:48 pm, in reply to "Re: father time"68.16.11.19
They have a drive area but it is in a enclosed area and not on the streets as Amiee claim, I have a contact that told me they might pratice that night so I went that way and checked it out and sure enough there it was...
Aimee
Posted by Father Time on 2/12/2010, 8:42 pm, in reply to "father time"68.16.11.19
SO your stating that you saw this 113 on the streets of Waycross being driven late at night? Intimating and harassing people on your side of town?? Your willing to swear and file a Complaint because I am sure the Chief would like to know that his 113 is roaming the streets of Waycross intimating and harassing innocent people. Shoot if it happened to me I would had taken pictures and gotten a lawyer already!! I mean a big track vech. Running loose and wild on the streets of Waycross intimating and harassing innocent people why are you the only one that know or seen it?
Father Time
Posted by Aimee on 2/12/2010, 9:45 pm, in reply to "Aimee "205.188.116.67
I did not state that I live in this neighborhood JaneK did and apparently she saw it too along with other folks. I have no problem with them owning this piece of equipment I just wanted to know why on two different occasions after dark was it seen driving down bad parts of town. I cut through some of these parts to beat the traffic lights on my way home from work. I personally live out in the county. And no Dexter I have not had military training but most of my brothers have and so has my husband. My question is why at night and why through this part of town. I am sure if it is has been under cover then all the city leaders would have already known about and didn't request to see it at night. Nor do I believe that it was requested to go down these specific "Ghetto" streets. They did it just to intimidate those people. Real nice.
Re: Father Time
Posted by Father Time on 2/12/2010, 10:06 pm, in reply to "Father Time"68.16.11.19
You still did not Answered my question? Are you saying You saw this 113 driving on the Waycross streets late at night intimating and harassing people like you stated in your early post? This is a serous thing you are saying about these officers now??? If you saw this happening then why don’t you file a complaint? With the P.D or City Hall? I for one do not believe you saw the APC driving around town intimating or harassing people as you say because no Officer would take the chance of losing his/her job, What if they got in a wreck they would not want the law suit that would be involved for just joy riding...Now if it was a deployment for a call on a SWAT call it would be covered by the city but not Joy riding.. So rethink what you are saying here. Your right she did say she saw it monday but your saying you saw it at night intimating and harassing people which is a lot different.
Re: Father Time
Posted by Aimee on 2/12/2010, 10:21 pm, in reply to "Re: Father Time"205.188.116.67
I am sorry for the misunderstanding you are not getting what I am stating. I didn't state they were harassing people. I stated why did they choose that route and not another. Why choose a route they know has problems except if they wanted to "TRY" and intimidate those people in that neighborhood. And no one has answered that yet have they? Why the leaders wanted this vehicle out TWO nights after dark and driven around the same area. DO these vehicles have mileage. maybe we should have it checked from point A to Point B and see exactly how far off they traveled? It actually sounds like father time what you are trying to do to me what these officers in this vehicle were trying to accomplish in this particular neighborhood. Doesn't it. Are you a police officer father time or a local politician trying to cover you back end?
Re: Father Time
Posted by Father Time on 2/12/2010, 10:34 pm, in reply to "Re: Father Time"68.16.11.19
No I am not a Police Office or a Local Politician But I used to be in Military Intelligence when I was in the Army and I still keep my hand in things with the Government today off and on. If you are concerned about these Officers driving around intimating and harassing people in certain neighbor hoods like you stated then you as a citizen have right and a duty to complain with out the fear of reprisal from anyone..But if they where intimating and harassing people like you say it seems to me that someone would have filed a complaint and someone would have been fired from the PD and I do know a lot of the officers at the PD and no one has lost there job there.
Posted by Father Time on 2/12/2010, 10:34 pm, in reply to "Re: Father Time"68.16.11.19
No I am not a Police Office or a Local Politician But I used to be in Military Intelligence when I was in the Army and I still keep my hand in things with the Government today off and on. If you are concerned about these Officers driving around intimating and harassing people in certain neighbor hoods like you stated then you as a citizen have right and a duty to complain with out the fear of reprisal from anyone..But if they where intimating and harassing people like you say it seems to me that someone would have filed a complaint and someone would have been fired from the PD and I do know a lot of the officers at the PD and no one has lost there job there.
Re: Father Time
Posted by Father Time on 2/12/2010, 10:54 pm, in reply to "Re: Father Time"68.16.11.19
I know where this thing is stored and if she works at the hospital she is way out of the way and in a area that is known for high drug sales. So also putting her life at risk at that time of night being late at night.
Re: Father Time
Posted by Dexter Woodruff on 2/12/2010, 11:01 pm, in reply to "Father Time"75.90.46.223
Well, your brothers or your husband could possibly help you understand your concerns better then. Too often citizens accuse police officers of misconduct based on nothing but preconceived ideas, often with little evidence or basis in fact. A police officer drives a SWAT vehicle down a city street & it's automatically because he's out to intimidate someone. Could that route be the quickest way to where he's headed? Could that route be better suited for the differences this vehicle presents as far as being operated safely? Is he possibly making a dry run with the vehicle to see if it will transverse the street regarding a possible upcoming warrant service? If it's such a concern to you about supposed profiling or intimidation, contact the chief & make your complaints known. Or at least contact the chief & ask him about it before condemning the officer without having the facts. You will get more satisfaction from that route than you will by accusing officers of misconduct without evidence on a public message board.
Re: Father Time
Posted by Dexter Woodruff on 2/13/2010, 1:14 am, in reply to "Re: Father Time"75.90.46.223
Might be, Swampdaddy....but none of us really know the reason. Even if they are making high visibility patrols through problem areas in this APC, I've got a feeling that there are law abiding citizens who have no choice but to live in those problem areas who would welcome a beefed up police presence there. The elderly, the infirm, the single mother trying to raise kids by herself, etc. are at a distinct disadvantage by having to reside in problem areas. If a bigger police presence makes Joe The Crack Dealer seek another street corner other than the one in front of those folks homes...I bet they won't lose a minute's sleep over it.
Re: Father Time
Posted by janek on 2/13/2010, 3:23 pm, in reply to "Aimee "72.155.57.201
I have seen it cruising around my neighborhood twice now. My neighbors have all seen it. If you haven't seen it yourself, then I guess it's because you don't live in one of the "bad" parts of town. And as I stated above, they are NOT just "driving from point A to point B" - they are cruising up and down all the streets in my part of town, with three fellows, guns out, poking out the top, and a squad car, lights blazing, in the rear. I understand if they need to train, but there seems to be an underlying sense of profiling/intimidation if they're only practicing in the "bad" neighborhoods.
Re: how long
Posted by swampmanjack on 2/12/2010, 8:02 pm, in reply to "how long"208.63.227.75
Personally,I don't see a problem with intimidating thugs,or other undesirables. They attempt to intimidate good folks all the time,so whats the problem in letting them know they don't have all the power? Besides,it may keep them from terrorizing folks if they know what they will face in return.
Re: Bring it on!
Posted by BOM on 2/13/2010, 8:18 am, in reply to "Re: Bring it on!"216.240.249.159
Who cares where they drove it?? They were just playing & showing off. And if anyone NEEDS to see it, it's the areas where the criminals live, not where they do their damage.
Re: Ware County?
Posted by Father Time on 2/12/2010, 8:05 pm, in reply to "Re: Ware County?"68.16.11.19
You have not seen this 113 running around town.Aimmee. The Chief would not allow it.and there is no need for it and it would tie up traffic also.
Re: Father Time
Posted by janek on 2/13/2010, 3:29 pm, in reply to "Re: Ware County?"72.155.57.201
I saw this tank (or APC, or whichever it turns out to be) roll past my house at 9:45pm on February 8, 2010 and at 9:50pm on February 11, 2010. My neighbors also saw it on both instances.
Re: Afraid?
Posted by mama on 2/12/2010, 11:54 pm, in reply to "Re: Afraid?"206.53.147.55
Aimee you are seriously making something out of nothing. So they drove a SWAT vehicle through a bad part of town in which you stated you don't even live in which makes it even more ridiculous that you're so worried about it. And if the people are intimidated then they must have something to hide. I surely wouldn't be intimidated if they drove through my neighborhood because I have nothing to hide. Just a thought.
Re: Don't think so
Posted by BOM on 2/13/2010, 8:30 am, in reply to "Don't think so "216.240.249.159
What streets did you see this thing going down??
Re: Don't think so
Posted by janek on 2/13/2010, 3:31 pm, in reply to "Re: Don't think so "72.155.57.201
Effie, McDonald, G, Jones, Arnold McKinley (not sure if that's spelled right). (Told y'all I live in a bad neighborhood! Ahh well, at least my home is 100% paid for. Sigh. I'll never be able to sell it...)
Re: Don't think so
Posted by Father Time on 2/13/2010, 4:05 pm, in reply to "Re: Don't think so "68.16.11.19
1. How many time have you seen this being done? You answere this one.. still waiting on 2 and 3 2. Do you feel like you where Intimated or harassed in anyway? 3. You do know this is a offical Police vech. and can be driven at anytime? The reason they would have other officers in this vech is they have to protect it,The driver can not protect hisself while driving..
Re: Don't think so
Posted by janek on 2/13/2010, 6:16 pm, in reply to "Re: Don't think so "72.155.57.201
Again, the point both Aimee and I are trying to make is that if the tank/apc is being driven around only in "bad" neighborhoods and not in the "good" neighborhoods, it smacks of profiling and intimidation. And yes, I am intimidated by the fellows with their guns pointed out - not merely being carried - as they roll past my house. If I knew that all neighborhoods in Waycross were subject to the same treatment, I would feel better, although I'd still be wondering *why* - If they were going to conduct training excercises in my neighborhood, couldn't they have informed the citizens? They can drive it whenever they want, but so far it just seems like aimless showing off, which is undoubtedly a waste of city funds!
Re: Don't think so
Posted by Father Time on 2/13/2010, 7:58 pm, in reply to "Re: Don't think so "68.16.11.19
If you feel so strong about this then you need to call the PD and talk to the Chief and voice your concerns. How ever I do not think anyone was pointing there guns at you. But this is a police vech and can be driven anywhere they want to anytime they want to. Car, Track, plane or Helicopter it does not matter as long as they are in the road way and not on your property and if they where being escorted by a patrol car then they had someone's permission then. That many officers would not put there jobs on the line just to joy ride. As far the 113 be driven in all the neighborhoods around town You have to understand the reason for driving this 113 in just certain areas, High Crime and High Drug areas to let that crime element know that they are being watched. It is way of making these drug dealer and the people that are stealing from you and your neighbors think twice about what they are doing.
Re: Don't think so
Posted by Dexter Woodruff on 2/13/2010, 7:58 pm, in reply to "Re: Don't think so "75.90.46.223
Janek...stop & think about this from a police perspective. If you have, say 40% of your calls (with a large percentage of them being of a serious nature) in a certain area, does it make a lot of sense to put most of your patrol units in an area where you don't have a high number of calls....or in the area where they would do the most good? Now, stop & think about it from the perspective of the decent, law abiding citizens who, through no fault of their own, are forced to live in said areas....do you honestly think they mind seeing more of a police presence in their area? You're accusing law enforcement of "profiling" & "intimidation" because they are making a beefed up police presence in areas where it sounds like they're needed the most. Tell me...other than your suggestion that they patrol low crime areas as much as they patrol high crime areas....what do you suggest as a solution to this perceived problem?
not really!
Posted by janek on 2/14/2010, 12:22 pm, in reply to "Re: Don't think so "72.155.57.251
If you have, say 40% of your calls (with a large percentage of them being of a serious nature) in a certain area... Honestly, I think I am the only person in my neighborhood who has ever called the police (and that was to deal with someone who does not live in or normally visit this neighborhood) - it's just not something that people in my neck of the woods do...
