11-20-2008, 07:09 AM
quote:
Originally posted by james weatherford
The majority of voters of Hawaii County recently approved an ordinance regarding certain circumstances being designated the �lowest priority� for law enforcement.
How does the County Government � Council, Mayor, Police Department, and Prosecuting Attorney � implement a policy that focuses on certain circumstances being the �lowest priority� for law enforcement?
This is a very real challenge that, when mandated by the citizenry in a democratic society, is the sworn duty of those in public service to take on with total commitment and sincerity.
To meet this challenge and fulfill this duty, a practical place to begin is by identifying the �highest priority� for law enforcement.
Inevitably, due to finite resources, law enforcement will be more proactive in matters where resources are made available.
The highest priority for resource allocation by the Hawaii County Government must be protection of life and property.
For example:
* Traffic violations that have resulted in this County�s roads being the most dangerous in the State of Hawaii: speeding, illegal passing, impaired driving, aggressive driving, and safe condition of vehicles.
* Violence in the home, in the workplace, and in other public places.
* Vandalism of public and private property.
* Theft, including, but not limited to, shoplifting, agricultural theft, and automobile theft.
* For some of the above there are cases that remain unsolved and outstanding warrants for known and/or alleged violators.
A reallocation and concentration of Police Department resources is imperative to put as the highest priority protection of life and property, including not only prevention and intervention, but also unsolved cases and outstanding warrants. If Police Department administration is unable or unwilling to make this reallocation to make crimes of life and property the highest priority, then it is the responsibility of the County Council and Mayor, through the budget process, to ensure that such reallocation takes place.
Protection of life and property must be the highest priority in resource allocation for law enforcement and in the administration of law enforcement.
James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park