Residents can help stem crime

5/2/2009

In a recent front-page article, The Blade had two graphs depicting police levels per person and the pay scales in the major Ohio cities and in Detroit. Two glaring points stand out.

The police in the four highest-paid cities also have the highest number of police officers per 1,000 residents. However, they also have the highest crime rate per 100,000 residents.

The most obvious conclusion is that the police don't entirely prevent crimes. The people must also be involved. We have to be aware of our surroundings at all times and report suspicious activity to the proper authorities. We, as citizens, must lock our doors and windows. We must keep ourselves informed and cooperate with cities officials.

Lastly, we must help out the poor, our neighbors, and volunteer in hard times.

John Flynn

Overland Parkway

If the Republicans truly believe waterboarding is not torture or illegal, then shouldn't the police be able to use it as well?

Dick Laumann

Sylvania Township

Police and death records have proven over and over that a "protection order" is terrifyingly ineffective. It is a Band-Aid that leaves the victim living in constant fear. A person of violence will only display an escalation of his or her behavior after the execution of this order.

Obviously, the governing law operates under the theory that it is cheaper to bury a family than to securely house a two-legged animal.

It is time that our courts come to their senses. Just pull the homicide records and review the success of "protection orders."

Betty Jo Perry

Woodlake Drive

In regard to "A vote on cell-phone use" (April 30): For once, I totally agree with your editorial. Now, it's time to make our state legislators commit to the same thought process. Bet you can't do it.

Jim Brower

Oregon

In my book, the winner of the Glass City Marathon was the runner on Dudley Street in Maumee who broke stride to ask if I needed help. He noticed I was having a bit of trouble getting out of my car and on my feet to go into church.

Even though the troublemakers make the news, they are greatly outnumbered by those who go about their lives helping their fellow man.

RUTH HOFFMAN

Maumee