Dear editor:
Barbara Jones wrote a letter full of actions I wish could be carried out. Unfortunately, most people don't decide to commit crimes because they know the following: the jail is full, so they won't be incarcerated long, if at all; there aren't enough sheriff's deputies to go looking for them when a warrant is issued; the state legislators lessened the penalties for many crimes to alleviate overcrowding in prisons or because they know our judges haven't the authority to lock people up as long they should be or room to do it.
Why are there so many scofflaws? Where does the mindset come from that the laws don't matter, the only thing wrong is getting caught? We have a slumlord in our neighborhood that keeps us supplied with thieves, drug dealers, speeders and more. We have worked together to get them out, but she keeps putting in more. We have seen them teach their children what to strip to get copper, heard them brag about breaking the law and "stupid cops" that don't catch them and worse. Why should criminals respect our sheriff's deputies when our elected representatives care so little about them, they haven't given them a raise in over 12 years? What's worse to me is that county residents are willing to complain about the job these dedicated men and women are doing, but haven't done or said anything to get them the pay, equipment and manpower so desperately needed and deserved!
What have you done to help law enforcement keep you safe? Do you remove all valuables and lock your car, keep your shrubbery cut down, belong to an active neighborhood watch? Do you lock your doors at night and leave outside lights on? Attend any meetings lately about safety and thwarting criminals? If you are a renter, why didn't you attend the well-publicized free class offered and learn how to find good landlords and safer neighborhoods to live in? Not one renter showed up!
Let's find a way to get rid of slumlords so criminals don't have a place to rent. Let's work to give our law enforcement officers enough pay that they don't have to work two jobs to support their families and don't qualify for HUD and food stamps. Let's give them the equipment and laws they need to do an even better job. Let's get the neighborhood watch programs active where the criminals are and help keep our families safe.
Instead of complaining, why not get involved. You will see the lack of respect for our dedicated law enforcement officers, starting with parents and extending to elected officials, hurts all of us.
Stop complaining about what you consider publicity pictures in the paper and get involved!
Sharon Grant
Hot Springs
Editorial on 09/01/2014