FROM A COMMUNITY LETTER :
Dear Fellow Members,
I
have recently become concerned about the diminishing number
of police officers in our district, the Eighth District.
The number of officers has dropped to a level very near where
we were in the mid-1990’s. Historically, when the number
of officers reaches this record low, we see an increase in
crime shortly thereafter. The mid 1990’s was just such
a time, a period we do not want to relive, as it was one of
the worst for our neighborhood.
Our
Eight District Captain and officers are some of the best
we have seen in quite some time. Their diligence and dedication
has prevented a bad situation from becoming even worse. Sheriff
Foti’s officers have also continued to help by augmenting
the Eighth District patrols. Our organization, the Lower Quarter
Crime Watch, has continued our patrol service through this
uncertain time. This patrol has proven to be a deterrent to
would be criminals, but it is not and never was intended to
be a replacement for the regular N.O.P.D. patrols.
This having been said, our concern as a board is very simple:
the number of officers is quickly eroding and we see no concerted
effort to change the inevitable course. We see artificial barriers,
such as the residency law, still on the books. The residency
law, if it ever had usefulness, has long since passed. Its
racial overtones and divisive nature no longer befit a city
speaking on broader terms of regionalism. We have not seen
competitive wages for our police officers. We have not seen
the appreciation for those officers who have chosen to stay
on the force in spite of current conditions.
We the LQCW board, want to share our concerns with you, the
membership, and to ensure you that we will continue to work
for a safer, better neighborhood for all those who live, work,
or play in the Eighth District. We believe our job is not only
to provide the patrol service, but also to speak strongly and
be proactive about issues concerning the safety of our neighborhood.
We will keep you informed and updated on this matter.
Sincerely yours,
Michael Wilkinson, President, Lower Quarter
Crime Watch
