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Some modest policing suggestions
While I don’t intend to make this column sound like a criticism of our local police officers, I’m afraid it may come across that way. So I just want to say up front that I believe we have a police department full of dedicated officers and administrators who are concerned about our community and who want to do their best.
That being said, I have received comments from readers both on the street and online that I think should be relayed to them so they can be informed of the feelings of some in our community. I hope our police officers will consider these insights when it comes to making changes in how the department relates to the public.
First, many people in our community do not know all of our police officers. We have several who have been on the force for a number of years, but we also have some new officers who are still strangers to much of the community. Perhaps there could be more opportunities for community members to get to know all of the officers. Personally speaking, when I get to know police officers not just as a uniform, but also as people, I find that I have much more confidence and trust in them and I am willing to approach them with my thoughts and concerns. I’m sure that’s true with most people.
I know Police Chief Richard Ackerman has spoken about assigning officers to certain sections of town and to help with block watches, this would be a great start in building stronger relationships between the officers and community.
Also, I know with a small police force it can be difficult for officers to be separated from their vehicles because they can be called upon at a moment’s notice to respond to an emergency in any part of town. However, it was recently suggested that if our officers spent more time outside of their vehicles visiting with people, they might be more effective in developing a stronger relationship with the whole community. I think that is true and would encourage our police department to consider ways to make that happen.
Also, there has been a lot of money put into our police department over the past few years — more than ever. With the extra money, people want to see a top-notch public service and, fair or not, they will also judge that service more harshly. That is true with any organization and I’m sure our local officers understand this.
I know being a police officer is a very difficult job and can, at times, be thankless and frustrating. I personally believe we have a good police department with dedicated officers. They should be commended for their willingness to serve and protect our community and for all of the good work they are doing.
I am excited about the positive changes we’re seeing in our police department and I believe we’ll see even more in the near future.
13 Comments
#2
Sidney commented, on January 28, 2012 at 4:19 p.m.:
I think it's about time that someone put this topic out. From personal experience I find that the cops in Quincy are way to aggressive. Not all mind you but what they don't understand is that what they project to the public becomes that officers reputation. If you act like a jerk on the job just because you are in a position of power no one is ever going to respect you or want to help you in any way. Dont talk down to a Person because of a ticket. You are not my father!! Be a pro and do your jobs in a manner that inspires respect. The new guys are out like they on cops and that's not a compliment.
#3
Concerned Citizen commented, on January 29, 2012 at 3:27 p.m.:
The crime in this town is out of control. Gun shots are a commonplace, theft is sky high. Gangs and drugs are running this town.
Just today, someone I know was attacked walking to work. He was walking past Les Scwaub tire center and out of the blue he was attacked by a Hispanic male covered in tattoos.
The police need to be held accountable for the crime that's been allowed to persist in our town.
#4
Another Concerned Citizen commented, on February 1, 2012 at 1:11 p.m.:
I agree with some of the comments, but I truly believe the crime, gangs and all the bad things within our community are not the police’s problems. The problems are the COMMUNITY’S problems. We as a community have to step up, cooperate with police, we need to call and report ALL crime, we need to be good witnesses and assist the police. I believe if we assist the police by being good witnesses, by calling 509-787-2222, 509-787-4718 or 911 when we see something suspicious and/or to report a crime the crime within our community will be greatly diminished and our local police officers will be able to make more arrest. I live and work within our community, I have friends who have been victims of crimes, but they don’t call the police and if they call is because they need a police report for insurance purposes, they don’t call because they want to assist the police. Let’s take our QUINCY back from the hoodlums. One final word, “DON’T LIKE THE COPS? NEXT TIME WHEN YOU ARE IN DANGER CALL YOUR LOCAL CRACKHEAD.” See how far that gets you.
ps
Please take ownership of our city and help the police.
#5
Quincy mom commented, on February 1, 2012 at 7:04 p.m.:
Chuck Allen, you need to take a minute and think about what you just wrote. Saying things to the effect of, "I mean no harm, no criticism intended, a few modest suggestions, I know it can be a difficult job...." I have a feeling you don't know that at all or quite possibly you don't really know even the half of it. And, I am pretty sure you upset all those patrolling officers by saying that.
Let's not forget Quincy has a population of roughly 7,000 people and there are 9-10 officers that actively patrol this town. Seems like they might not have the time to get out of their cars and chit chat with people if they need to go to calls, write reports, patrol neighborhoods (you know crime prevention), patrol traffic and (gasp) take a lunch break???
I also went to National Night Out this last summer... there were TONS of police there, they even had a booth... worst turn out I have ever seen from a community.
So until people get involved and show pride in their community how can you ask 9 people to do it for you?
#6
BlueDaughter commented, on February 1, 2012 at 8:10 p.m.:
This is for Chuck Allen, and especially for commenters #2 & #3, and anyone else who is anti Police....
Before you judge a cop (or anyone for that matter) walk in their shoes. This will only give you a glimpse but, here is what I suggest:
I challenge you to go on a ride a long in their patrol cars, see just how many miles they drive in little old Quincy each day, see what a CRAPPY & CROWDED building they are housed in (its been condemned a few times). THEN, dig deep & be honest... ask yourself if YOU are willing to put YOUR life on the line for people you dont even know---cops go to ALL calls, regardless of what it is, they are there before the First Responders are. Ask yourself if you are "ok" with NOT knowing if driver of the car you have pulled over is going to shoot you or walking into a dark house or alley, or get spat on or cussed out, while having to keep your cool. Could you make life changing decisions in a split second??
Police work is a calling, not a job. It takes a special person to do it.
I encourage you to look on Youtube for a video of Paul Harvey called "What is a Police Officer"...he nails it. Here is the link
#7
Another Citizen commented, on February 6, 2012 at 10:55 a.m.:
I know where Chuck is coming from. I don't think it is from an overally critical place. There is this perception out there in our town that the cops are just plain unfriendly. I'm a pretty work inside the system kind of person. I've called them to report trouble in my neighborhood, crimes, etc. I know several if not most of the Quincy officers personally. I have tremendous respect for them and for the work they do. It must be a tough and thankless job full of danger. QuincyMom and BlueDaughter- I don't think this is meant to be anti-police at all, but more pro-Quincy.
I think the QPD would do well to heed this friendly advice. Perception is reality. People in Quincy are more likely to run from the police than turn to them, even the law-abiding ones. A smile, a wave, a little personal contact, a school visit, appearances at community events, stints as neighborhood crossing guards interacting with kids going to and from school would go so, so far in helping the community build that trust, respect and neighborliness that would do so very much to prevent crime. If a cop could say hi to a grade schooler and know their name, maybe they would be less likely to steal TVs in high school. The community block watch idea is right on track- please, please do it! The police have my full support!
#8
New to town commented, on February 7, 2012 at 8:52 a.m.:
Wow (Another Concerned Citizen) The crime here is my responsibility? If this is true, please get me legal clearance to go apprehend one of the suspects in the Munoz shooting who is still roaming Quincy on occasion. And to those of you who are mad about some criticism, remember that these are PUBLIC Servants and our concerns should all be heard and taken into account. To those who think that some constructive criticism is out of line, you are showing ignorance.
My run in with the QPD was less than professional and I had to tie up the court system (waste tax paying dollars) to fix something that the cop could have fixed from the beginning. However, I wouldn't be so upset with this guy pulling people over for traffic violations constantly if saw some justice being served as well. I don't have a problem with cops giving out tickets, but I do have a problem with cops not arresting known murderers. We don't need traffic police raising money for more new Dodge Chargers right now. Instead, we need to focus on getting murderers out of our town.
Before you get your panties in a bunch, know that I am not anti police, nor am I judging the entire force. I am certain that there are dedicated members of the force who would put their lives on the line to protect us, the same I would do for my neighbor in need. I just feel that we as a community should be able to freely voice our concerns without backlash from the under-informed who believe that all cops are bright shiny balls of smiles who sacrifice themselves for the community.
To the Police reading this... I genuinely thank you for your service. Now go get some god damned arrest warrants for the people you KNOW are involved with the latest murder. Thanks.
#9
Quincy mom commented, on February 12, 2012 at 6:52 p.m.:
New To Town: trust me, I am not under-informed at all. I think constructive criticism is great, when it's actually constructive. Couldn't agree more about the Dodge Chargers, HUGE waste of this city's money. If it was just as simple as a patrol officer going and getting an arrest warrant for who they "know" did it... don't you think they would? As far as that goes I believe that would be handled by a detective, so you may wanna direct your concerns in that direction.
Another Citizen: Officers do make trips to the schools to have lunch with the kids, wave at people that simply look away or ignore them, go to city counsil meetings (and no they are not required to), work at school sporting events, they threw a national night out for the town...want me to go on?
#10
Blue Daughter commented, on February 13, 2012 at 5:33 p.m.:
Many will NEVER know what its like to be a Police Officer or to be a part of a Police Family and trying to get people to understand what it truly is like, is like teaching a horse to talk--frustrating, exhausting & it probably won't happen so you just end up pissed off.
"New to town", if you know so much, go sign up to be a Police Officer! Since I'm betting THAT won't happen, at the very least, GET INVOLVED! Quit hiding behind your computer complaining about the cops & how YOU think THEY should be doing THEIR JOB! Go sign up to be a block watch captain, go get on an advisory board for they City, etc. See what's really involved in all this.
By the way, have you "EVEN CALLED" the tip line to report what you seem to know about this murder? Because you don't seem to understand that you can't arrest someone without probable cause. Its like 'I know it, you know it, but can you prove it?'
I'm actually REALLY glad they are getting new patrol cars--they deserve it for all their hard work & sacrifice. A patrol car is like their office--they spend tons of time in there so why not make it easier for them to do their already difficult jobs? Thank you Chief for wanting better for your Officers & thank you City Council for approving it!
And for all the others who think the Police need to be cheerful & full of sunshine: Seriously??!! Look at all these comments that are criticizing them! If someone gave YOU "constructive criticism" in this way, I'm sure your tone would be A LOT more different and you wouldn't feel the need to go be best buds with a total stranger. Besides, they aren't politicians: they need to be professionals not brown nosers.
Stop for a second to consider that like everyone else, they may have had a bad day, maybe they are tired from working overtime, maybe they have family concerns, maybe have just had to remove a child from a home, or give news to someone that their loved one is dead. They are here to serve & protect, not to be your best friend.
With 173 Officers killed in the line of duty in 2011, its no wonder they keep their distance. Its called a "Thin Blue Line" for a reason. "Google it".
#11
Razor commented, on February 14, 2012 at 6:19 p.m.:
@Blue Daughter you have some issues! Why get angry? We all have the right to voice our opinions and not be attacked. The cops chose to be cops and part of thier job, like it or not, is to interact with the citizens in thier charge. Public servants are paid by citizens. Because they chose to be cops and accept pay from government, we, as citizens have the right to criticize thier actions and/or inactions as with any other public servant. True, thier job is one which is often taken for granted and they do not get the credit they deserve, in many instances, but they were not drafted by local government into copdom. And, I agree that too many of Quincy's citizens are part of problem and choose not to have any solutions. Most people in Quincy would rather stick thier heads in the ground and hope for the best than get involved. But, for the rest of us who do get involved, I hope the interactions between cop and community improve.
#12
notintown commented, on February 16, 2012 at 12:15 a.m.:
ive seen the q pd in action they want to solve every crime who wouldnt u think they want to be frowned apon by there comunity they deal with people who dont want to talk its part of there mentality dont snitch qvpd does good job help them out and stop bitchin if u had to do there job u cant hang .
Razor commented, on January 27, 2012 at 8:28 a.m.:
I agree that the police department does a good job. And I also am thankful that we have QPD for keeping people safe. But, I also am one of the people who do not feel law enforcement does enough in our community as far as getting to know the people of Quincy. It would beneficial to both the citizens of Quincy and the QPD to have the police at least poke thier head into local businesses and introduce themselves or say, "hello." Also, the police should be patrolling our neighborhoods and stop to speak to kids or people out walking or at the very least wave hello, not stare at Quincy's citizens and then look the other way. Spending time out of thier very nice automobiles should be part of thier job. If a call comes in I'm sure they passed some kind of physical fitness test and should be more that capable to get to those cool cars in a quick, efficient manner. The citizens of Quincy still wonder if the cops have legs. The fund raiser, "Prop a Cop-Legs for Law" could still be a possibility...
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