Police departments around the country are learning how to reclaim public
streets and parks for the good citizens. One of the biggest problems has been
public apathy and fear, fear to become involved. The police department must
take bold action and stay on top of the problems before they can expect
public involvement and assistance.
"Zero Tolerance" is the term used by many agencies when they begin a
campaign. Minor offenses are usually the first target of action. Panhandlers,
public drunks, the disorderly, and other trouble makers are either arrested
or run off, especially in public parks and playgrounds. Graffiti artists are
either arrested or their work is destroyed immediately. Property owners and
whole neighborhoods are organized to remove broken glass and garbage in an
effort for all to have some pride in the area where they live. Officers are
told to become very friendly with the drug dealers, especially the ones who
are bold enough to sell their poison in the open for all to see. The officers
should smile, pat them on the back, shake hands with them, and do all in
their power to be very friendly with the drug dealers.  The idea is to
let everyone see this familiarity and create large amounts of confusion for
the dealers and their customers. These tactics usually work exceptionally
well. The officers even give the dealers their business cards and tell them
about Crime Stoppers and Drug Busters rewards.
There are several signs to look for to determine progress in the area. The
first good sign is citizen involvement to assist the police. Another clue is
children playing on the playground and in their yards. The good citizens in
the area begin to take pride in the fact that the streets and playgrounds
belong to them, not the criminals. Good citizens lose some of their fear and
start calling in suspicious activity, and many more step forward to become
witnesses in crimes which are committed in their neighborhood.
"Zero Tolerance" is like many other action plans, it won't work without the
help of the good citizens in the area. The police must first gain the trust
of the good citizens and form a partnership. The team approach is what
reclaims the neighborhood. Just thoughts.
Tom Rightmer - Victims' Rights Advocate
... ....Realy get stoned, drink wet cement.
--- Blue Wave/DOS v2.30
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