TV Reports CRIME IN THE PARKS NO WAY REALLY?

[bluelinebill]

The chickens have come home to roost.

Channel Nine reported tonight that they looked into crime in the parks.
What crime?

Is Park Watch not stopping the car break ins and the open use of alcohol and drugs in our parks?
Has all that money dried up that was going for Officers to work in the parks?

Answers-- No Park Watch is not a Law enforcement agency-- They wear red shirts and carry cell phones. Basically hired wittinesses and walking Targets/Victims.

Paying for CMPD Officers to work in the parks has cost A LOT OF MONEY!!!

They put in cameras in the Parking lots of some parks-- Problem is that it wont stop the crime if no one is watching the camera.
There are so many areas where cameras cant see.

Park and Recreation used to have Park Rangers who's only job was to patrol the parks (that now number over 160 parks, green-ways and centers). But back in the Nineties the County Commission decided to get rid of the Park Rangers-- The cost of the department was under a million dollars.

Mecklenburg County now spends much more. in pay for off duty and lost equipment.

CMPD has so much to do outside the parks that patrol coverage in the parks is when they have a chance and not much on the green-ways.

Be advised-- If you go into a park in Mecklenburg County
Don't leave ANYTHING in your car that remotely looks like it's worth anything.
Have a cell phone on speed dial for 911
Carry pepper spray
jog with a big dog.

Enjoy

[bluelinebill]

Update

This Thursdays Observer reports that Park and Recreation is looking to fund a Park Police Department.
A spokesmen for the County said that it is more likely to be part of an (all inclusive security plan) for all Mecklenburg County Government buildings and facilities.

I think that is a very sound idea and worthy of support. I hope our community leaders will have the foresight to carry forward and give it serious consideration.