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| Devon Vose Rickabaugh |
Shoreline City Council Meeting Monday October 1, 2012
By Devon Vose Rickabaugh
Despite the high profile shooting last Thursday which is still under investigation, crime has not increased much this year over last year, said Chief of Police Ledford as he addressed the Shoreline City Council.
This year to date there were 1339 violent and nonviolent crimes as opposed to 1327 last year.
Seventy six violent crimes, which include rape and homicide, occurred this year as opposed to 86 last year. Public perception that crime is on the increase came after several high profile crimes occurred this year.
The chief said that everyone knows someone who has been a victim of a car prowl or burglary which contributes to not feeling safe. He said this is why the department is increasing emphasis education and Block Watch programs. He said 30% of these crimes are crimes of opportunity.
He encourages citizens to call when they see something suspicious and not feel like they are bothering police.
Today Crosscut carried a link to a New York Times article on the Seattle Police and their use of Twitter. Seattle police also have a news blotter at http://spdblotter.seattle.gov/ This seems like a more helpful approach than the one taken by Shoreline Police in saying that people are responsible by leaving their cars and homes unlocked and pushing for "education" to minimize crime. And as the Shoreline Patch reported, violent crime is actually up since the 76 reported violent incidents are for only nine months, rather than a full year (as opposed to 86 in 2011). I say public opinion is right on target.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Tracy. It makes no sense for police and officials to "blame the victim." Public safety is the paramount duty of any municipality and its elected officials.
ReplyDeleteAnd the proposal to close the two Neighborhood Police Precints is a terrible idea. It is "penny wise and pound foolish."
While we applaud our Shoreline Police for the good job they do in so many ways, we hope the City will do everything possible to prevent crime and accidents through education but also through vigilance. The public does have a responsibility to report anything suspicious, but I hope the City will keep the neighborhood police offices to continue to involve citizens in public safety. As the budget is considered, the City should not close these important points of contact with police.
Yes! How dare the police and the City encourage people to take personal responsibility for their homes and families and tell us to lock our doors and windows. And how dare the police try to "educate" us on crime prevention. I pay for the police through my taxes so I shouldn't have to lock my car or house. Police should be patrolling outside my home 24/7!
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