In the March 23 editorial “Reject Independence police tax,” The Star’s editorial board chose to question the integrity of the Independence Police Department and its supporters.
It questioned the integrity of the conclusions of a city pamphlet without an analysis of all the indicators, or the apparent recognition of the displacement of crime from other jurisdictions that have increased police protection.
The editorial omitted critical indicators of rising crime and disorder such as increases in police involved shootings, drive-by shootings, dramatic increases in gang activity, one of the highest property crime rates in Jackson County, increases in disturbances and disorderly houses, increases in priority-one calls and the need for quicker response times.
There was no mention of the Strategic Policing Plan, involving a new policing model with essential involvement of the community, and proactive policing.
Through intelligence-led policing we have had success in affecting some crimes, but an inability to sustain the impacts due to limited resources.
In the last two weeks we have had three separate shooting incidents, firing over 30 rounds into cars and houses.
I stand by our assertion that more resources are needed to lower crime and disorder and give our citizens the protection and service they deserve.
Chief Tom Dailey
Independence Police Department
Independence
Hey Chief, Maybe you should focus your efforts on the huge drug trade in your city. Is Independence not one of the top cities for the production, use, and trafficing of Meth in the NATION? Perhaps if you could takle this issue some of the others would go away. Gangs exist to create belonging. To help that issue, focus on the family!
Money solves NOTHING!
Posted by: Rob | March 30, 2012 at 12:22 PM
Chief Tom Dailey I will not rest until we get a State Audit on what is going on here in Independence. Our people deserve answers.
Posted by: Elisa Breitenbach | March 30, 2012 at 05:03 AM