I found this video online which is somewhat of a reiteration of the Village Voice articles we read. The most shocking statistic was that 51% of summonses which were handed out by the NYPD were dismissed. This statistic is plainly ridiculous. Regardless of whether or not Police officers are given quotas, this enormous issuance of tickets is a blatant waste of time. Not only does it waste both officers’ and citizens’ time, but it breeds distrust and resentment toward police in general.
The Voice article also highlights the fact that police from the 81st precinct were forced to basically clear the streets of people. Whether people were given summons, or simply brought to the station and later let go, these wrongfully treated citizens are, again, building resentment for the police force as a whole.
If citizens can’t look to police for stability, then who can they look to? While leaving class, I overheard students discussing their acceptance and trust in relation to Firefighters. I believe this is due to the fact that Firefighters are generally thought of as protectors of the community as opposed to enforcers.
I found this article about the usage of Firefighters to help patrol high crime areas. There are differing points of view concerning this arrangement. It can be said that Firefighters are untrained and ill-equipped to deal with crime prevention. On the other hand, the mere presence of Firefighters can help to prevent crime. Problems are often exacerbated by a Police presence, whereas a Firefighter presence may be advantageous in preventing problems.
I wasn’t able to see the video, but more than half of summons being dismissed sounds like a bad joke. I can only hope those statistics serve to give some much needed publicity to the stupid pressure that the NYPD is under to fulfill quotas for the city. There are some very distorted bureaucratic priorities, which can only be putting at risk the very people they’re supposed to protect. At risk not only of being the victims of a crime, but also of being harassed by a bottom rung policeman who is trying not to lose his or her job. I’m not saying our police department is perfect, but I don’t think it’s entirely at fault for the ridiculous numbers game that’s going on above. Appearances and promotions are clearly the only concerns of those who have the say.
I mentioned in class that the presence of a police car makes me feel safe when I head home from work, particularly late at night and in a neighborhood that is practically a ghost town after hours. I don’t know about firefighters. I understand that their presence may be somewhat of a deterrent for crime. Nevertheless, I don’t think it’s fair for anyone to expect them to act as law enforcers. That’s not their job. The article makes mention that firefighters are unarmed and untrained for any type of law enforcement. They’re firefighters, not crimefighters. They’re being placed in a situation that’s well outside of their training, and a hose isn’t going to going to dodge bullets.