Police "on the streets" comment
Letter published in the Detroit Free Press on March 21, 2011

Get smarter about putting police on the street
I wholeheartedly support City Councilman Gary Brown’s efforts to put more police officers “on the street” by identifying jobs that could more efficiently be performed by civilian employees. Other cities, such as Los Angeles, use uniformed civilians to direct traffic at sporting events and concerts. Civilians not only do the job much cheaper but more professionally. Many jurisdictions also use uniformed civilians to respond to noninjury vehicle accident reports, as well as simple larcenies.

Putting “more officers on the street,” is only part of what will make our city safer. We need our officers and police supervisors to work smarter, to actually solve crime rather than just respond to 911 calls.

Most experienced police officers will tell you that it’s a small number of criminals who are responsible for most of the crime. Give the street officers and their immediate supervisors the responsibility to solve crimes and arrest the criminals. And hold their commanding officers accountable for implementing solutions to crime in their areas. Gun buyback programs and the like may make good press, but they do little to stop crime.

Thomas E. Page Retired, Los Angeles Police

Department Detroit