City Attorney tells residents to load their guns. ...

[spin]

City Attorney Tells San Bernardino Residents To ‘Lock Their Doors,’ ‘Load Their Guns’ Because Of Police Downsizing
November 30, 2012 12:43 AM

SAN BERNARDINO (CBSLA.com) — The city attorney of San Bernardino is under scrutiny for telling residents to “lock their doors and load their guns” during a city council meeting.

The official explained that because the city is bankrupt and slashing public safety budgets people will need to start protecting themselves.

***snip***

The city attorney said it’s important for people to be smart about protecting themselves and their families.

“I’m not advocating that people go out, who don’t have any training, and buy firearms. I certainly strongly caution anyone who has children at home not to have a loaded gun in the house,” Penman said.
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/11/30/city-attorney-tells-san-bernardino-residents-to-lock-their-doors-load-their-guns-because-of-police-downsizing/

It is my opinion that the police are not responsible for my protection. I am.

However the reduction in the size of the police department has made this city a more dangerous place to live in. While cops are not a guarantee that you will be safe they are a deterrent to criminals.

[shadowrider]

2. Patience grasshopper, they'll be along shortly n/t

[ileus]

5. I've read here that hunting and target practice are signs of mental illness.

So technically those aren't even acceptable uses of firearms.

[Starboard Tack]

3. Nothing wrong with defending one's home.

Sounds like the city has some serious problems that need to be addressed. A 50% increase in crime is an indicator of some deep social problems, none of which will be solved by adopting a bunker mentality.

[spin]

7. Well run law enforcement is possibly the most cost effective means of controlling crime. ...

Unfortunately when a city is suffering through difficult economic times, the police department is often forced to lay off officers.

In my opinion the police department should be one of the last departments to suffer draconian cuts in personnel. Having said that, I should add that I have absolutely no desire to ever be in a position where I was required to make the tough decisions that many cities in our nation face today.

Of course a city in financial distress will also find it difficult to afford many positive programs which address the social problems you mentioned.

I can only hope the Great Recession ends soon.

[Jenoch]

8. With a 50% increase in crime it sounds like

the best solution would be to disarm the remaining law enforcement officers.

[ileus]

4. They should have always followed those two rules.

Keep your doors locked and your self defense firearms ready....remember trouble never makes an appointment.

Even during normal staffing years, if the officer isn't within sight they're too far away.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

6. this is what the decline of a civlization looks like. be prepared but, don't go looking for trouble

from an interview with Leslie Caron regarding civilization and deprivation --

"During the war, people had become very bitter and very suspicious of each other; men beating up women and beating up children, and that was quite a normal sight," she recalls. "And this is the sort of thing that despair and fear and poverty brings to people. It breaks down civilization, breaks down the manners of people and their ways of behavior."

more at link:
http://www.nwpr.org/post/leslie-caron-dancing-wwii-paris-hollywood

[YllwFvr]

9. In regards to police coverage

We had a good number of officers "on the books" but inactive. Several hadnt worked in over a year. But they were included in the figures which inflated our numbers. The public complained that we had too many officers. We are also facing economic problems and the public felt the department was a drain on resources. So most patrolmen were let go. About 75%.
Now we have had incidents and no police were on at all and the public has expressed concern that we never seem to be available when we are needed. Some shifts cannot be covered and there are stretches for days with no officer on duty at all. The public is again expressing concern that there arent enough officers to keep them safe.
I cannot make up or fill in for that many people. 63 hour weeks did some good for a while but then over time was a concern to council so it was cut completely.

I do what I can when the dept has one hand cuffed behind our back. I get what a lot of towns and cities are going through. People would do well to keep an eye out for trouble. Keep your house and car locked.

To the OP, you are correct. You and only you are responsible for your safety. It is convenient when an officer is available or nearby to help but its possible they arent.

Nearby city, mayor cuts all DPW including fire and police to minimum wage. Courts ordered him to pay the contracted amount and the Mayor refused.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/scranton-minimum-wage-city-police-firemen-140229063.html

[spin]

10. I would hate to be a city employee in Scranton. ...

And I sure wouldn't want the responsibility and the risk of being a cop or a firefighter for minimum wage.