Budget Crisis Threatens Public Safety
Law enforcement and justice system budgets are not immune to this economic downturn. Municipal and state budget cuts have already affected local police departments and the Office of the District Attorney. Our ability to fight and prevent crime will be seriously challenged in the days and months to come. Professional staffing and regular patrols, along with prompt response times, will be negatively affected in many communities. Many of the progressive initiatives to fight crime such as community policing, school intervention programs, and community outreach programs may be the first to face elimination.
Smart on Crime
One of our top priorities must be for the common safety and security of all our citizens. Being smart on crime will be as important as ever. It is very important that law enforcement and prosecution set priorities wisely. The allocation of resources will require a collaboration of law enforcement and community leaders to keep our communities safe and secure. Unfortunately, due to limited resources, many police departments may need to shift from preventative to reactive police work. It is critical that the most serious offenses, crimes of violence or abuse, receive the highest priority for swift apprehension and prosecution.
In some respects, this economic crisis can be an opportunity for members of the community to become engaged in the safety of their community. This may come through organizing neighborhood crime watches, assisting with crime prevention programs, or as an active citizen advocating for necessary public safety funding. It may also be an opportune time for the community, elected officials, and law enforcement professionals to come together to passionately fight for vulnerable citizens and the victims of crime.