More police in high-crime areas -- what a concept!
The plan announced Wednesday is part of the city's new crime-fighting strategy, announced last month, which stresses cooperation between residents and police. IMPD will flood high-crime areas with extra officers and go after 30 of the city's most notorious criminals in an effort to slow the rate of homicides and violent crimes, Ciesielski said.
Indianapolis has had 47 homicides this year, far ahead of the pace at this time last year.
Ciesielski said he would transfer 130 officers to the Northwest, North and East districts, where they will saturate the three most crime-ridden sections of each district with patrols and arrests.
Of all the crime-fighting theories and techniques out there, simple police presence is the most proven in effectiveness. Why does it seem that so many places only get around to it as a last resort?
Comments
"Why does it seem that so many places only get around to it as a last resort?"
My guess would be fear of lawsuits claiming harassment, the bad guys have far better lawyers than the good guys.
It's expensive and not fun.
(And, Tim, as a guy who represents a Sheriff's Department, I'm happy to say that, so far, I've almost always come out on top of the bad guys' lawyers.)
Tim:
BINGO...you NAILED it.
Doug: Congrats!
(keep the hits coming)
We allow our police to be turned into "social-workers", negating good, solid police work in the process.
I called it (in a recent post back on 4 MAY) the "Walking On Eggshells Syndrome".
When people frivolously SUE the PD for so much as a nasty staredown, there needs to be some educational change brought about...and NOT to the police.
If there ARE (documented or otherwise proven) improprieties against the department, then suspend or fire the offending officer(s), but let's start restoring a level of RESPECT back INTO those we pay to protect us (and even a little fear into those perps that need it).
More police presence in bad areas...not a NEW tactic...just a revisit to one that WORKS.
Been trying to get that done in MY part of town for YEARS...more patrols at specified areas and TODs.
It should never be the LAST resort, but rather the FIRST...if you REALLY want to deter crime.
(but I never said any of this...and was never here, kapeesh?)