Neighborhood Crime Stats, Online
Would you like to know exactly where crime is taking place, and what type? On a regular basis? Maybe even online? Oh, while we're at it, how about the complete crime statistics reported to the FBI by neighborhood, in pdf format online? Sounds like a pipe dream, doesn't it?
Well, one city is doing just that, in response to public demands that something be done about crime.
No, the city is not Harrisburg. It's Savannah. It seems the police chief there listened to city residents, who asked him for accurate information. To quote the Chief, "It's another service we're trying to provide to the public to make sure they are aware of what's going on in their community."
And it is part of their effort (successful so far) to cut the crime rate dramatically.
"The idea is to give residents more information so they can work with officers to reach the department's goal of reducing crime by 15 percent this year, police spokesman Sgt. Mike Wilson said."
How about it, Mayor Reed. Trust the citizens to help you make Harrisburg a better place, instead of hiding the facts from us. Why should we have to resort to asking to see the police blotter?
http://new.savannahnow.com/node/100056
posted by Anniken Davenport, Esquire @ 11:04 AM
5 Comments:
A young white debutante was killed in a botched robbery on New Year's Eve 1995 - that got the police changes going. There were multiple community meetings, a new chief appointed and action followed - including more cops on the beat.
As far as the rest, Savannah got a big tourism boost from a book ten years ago - Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - and also an arts college moved into town, with a wide range of degrees, including MFA and MA in historic preservation, animation, film-making, etc. When the graduates started leaving, the city sought out ways to keep them (remember, the students came for the program - and the city wanted them to stay) Then they started an aggressive Main Street redevelopment program, including lofts over stores, rather than just bars and restaurants. I've been going to Savannah every year for 7 years, and the rapid changes are amazing.
Actually, I'm planning a relocation within the next three years or so.
And if I remember correctly, one cannot tattoo in South Carolina, so lots of folks come over the Savannah River into the city to get tattoos. And believe me, the place is crawling with peeps. All of them very funky artsy types.
Are you sure? I know there was a case that went to the Supreme Court a few years ago - I'll have to check . ..
Reed exemplifies what happens when there is no real political opposition to keep the incumbet's ego in check. Sadly, Reed's ego has overtaken his good sense. No one person has all the bright ideas. You need at least a handful of people with vision.
Sadly, Reed probably sees the grunbling we do as a sign we are ungrateful children.
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