Horrified about Murders, Gangs, Rape, Battered Women, Family Violence, Child Abuse, Sex Trafficking, Drive by Shootings, Mall Shootings and Street Racing: These are just a couple of problems Charlotte faces, why officials play games .
Charlotte-Mecklenburg is becoming a wasteland to crime and violence; it has become a daily occurrence in our lives.
Our city officials do not listen to the public outcries for more police. Sadly, city officials hope the difficulties will go away. Officials rather remove history, flags, rename streets, and disburse millions of dollars for development, as well as thousand of dollars for out of town meetings. Instead of putting more police on our streets and bring security back to our city, county and schools, some city officials feel we need to spend money elsewhere..
At campaign time, our Politian’s talk about crime and doing something but in office they forget very fast. The only way a change happens, when they are affected or the boat rocked.
We have seen such dumbness presented by our city and county officials with solutions about crime.
We feel that programs are what we require to fight crime, said Charlotte Councilman Michael Barnes. We say, programs can be great; they are not going to aid in a 911 call or patrol our streets!
Councilman Warren Turner should know about crime better than most city council members should, due his job as a probation officer. With his request for horses and the enormous cost city would have, one wonders if he has been smoking something illegal. We say, yes a horse can help an officer to patrol and at times get in areas that other wise may cannot. Still, with the enormous cost city have would be better use funds for more police officers and equipment they have needed.
Mayor Pat McCrory talks about crime and that is what is, just talk and no action. Wait, did he not take a bus of people to Raleigh and complain to state lawmakers about problems of crime. Not exactly, what do you mean? Because Mayor McCrory keeps talking about it and takes credit, that he did this. Especially now he is running for governor, Yes, Mayor Pat McCrory did go to Raleigh and spoke to state lawmakers. However, this has been question by several people; as one’s that push him do this.
Remember this; Mayor McCrory talks about his ride-longs with Charlotte police, especially in city council meetings. Still, what does he do make a difference for crime in our city? On many occasions, Mayor Pat McCrory has apologized to the citizens for the crime problems.
Since 1985, citizens of Charlotte have cried out loudly for more police. Bonds for development are always more important than people’s safety, by the lack of action from our elected officials.
Four bodies found at Tree Top Apartments and residents were not surprised. In 2007, over 350 crimes occurred in and around Tree Top Apartments. Police records show assaults,car thefts, burglaries and drugs seem to be large part of neighborhoods crime wave. Residents are tired of the constant crime and want results. The police, last year raided complex, found drugs, and dealt with other criminal activity.
Former City Councilman Don Reid has seen first hand the hypocrisy of city officials. Many times, Don Reid question city officials and warn them but they would not listen.
Former City Councilman Don Reid had this to say about our city officials and crime in our city:
I got to know many of our police officers, and off the record they complained that for the most part, their hands were tied by bureaucratic regulation and restriction-----that this community based policing concept, where the police become social workers, was a joke. You are doing a great job of showing where the city’s priorities lie. After taking every available dollar from the state and local governments for their "WORLD CLASS" projects, the Mayor decides that it is time for a caravan to Raleigh to solicit crime money. Too bad he did not decide to use the new car rental tax or the $500 million wasted on the South light rail line to hire more police and adapt a tough crime policy. I suggested that we ask Mayor Giuliani to hold a "prevent crime" seminar while he was in Charlotte a few weeks ago-----no traction from the Mayor or his minions. If the citizens of Charlotte want to make a real difference, they should repeal the transit tax, insist that the Mayor, eliminate light rail spending, and use a half-cent tax, one-quarter cent for a superior bus system and one-quarter cent for police officers. A quarter cent tax would come close to funding 100 additional officers on the streets of Charlotte.
With the popularity of the internet various gang members, criminals and street racers promote their life styles. We found a large number of individuals and Web sites glamorizing crime throughout Charlotte. Sadly, these individuals communicate a negative message that crime does pay and manipulate consequences about prison or death. The footage that Street Zone, Johnny Films and Exclusive Media post filled with promoting criminal activity with a false dose of reality towards life.
Take Back Charlotte Mecklenburg had several individuals that spoke with us during course of our research. They shared quit a bit with us and enlighten us about their views of life and crime.
Warning, following not edited nor change anyway. We felt that what the individual said should stay in their words.
Individual known as "Big D" shared about his views on crime :
Man, this life is jacked not on board. The city, damn mean Man, The Man. Fools, The Man play the game as we do. People are robots for The Man. My Homboys and I know what time is. Because we getting paid, as all the Toms do in Charlotte or throughout. Like, I mean get rich or die trying. I know can get my Benjamin’s. I, Homeboys take what we want, when we want. The street, my school always been. People like five-o work for system. We work for our system that have too. Think any Toms loose sleep over me, as grand mom, hell. One nigger, not going play that game of Bullshit, this nigger knows. I take my Benjamin’s and booty. Last night took my homeboys for business; we took car, for Benjamin’s. After went in window got the booty. Night, sale uptown, later school. We have five-o fooled on this. Shit, have sold to Man. Got jacked by Man, Man mad me because not help him. After, I was rat out five-o. The Man have new understanding. No different than Snoop Dogg. Snoop’s shows how a nigger has crime life. Still, Snoop Dogg become major player and dis the Tom’s. He, Snoop Dogg is a Player. has bunch booty, lives gangsters life. On tube with family, what Bullshit.
Our city officials on numerous times have promoted various individual types like Snoop Dogg. Reason been BET and Bob Johnson, need say more.
Charlotte Police Officers Sean Clark and Jeff Shelton were shot and killed, after responding to a disturbance call. Why this is a horrible tragedy, still leaves many questions. Why did the two police officers not have back up? Could there have been enough officers available? The lack of leadership in police department has been sad reality for some time.
The blood of Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers Sean Clark and Jeff Shelton is on the hands of Former Charlotte Police Chief Stephens, who will campaign for cameras instead of more police officers. The blood continues to our city manager, who would rather remove flags out of a cemetery and backs spending for development rather than public safety.
The blood continues to Mayor Pat McCrory, who would rather point his fingers at Raleigh lawmakers than to clean his own backyard. Then we come to our Charlotte City Council, where blood becomes rooted. Charlotte Councilmember’s would rather push off our city's problems to committees, so they do not have to be accountable for a decision.
It seems that Mayor Pat McCrory, along with city officials showed their true colors during funeral proceedings, for the two officers slain on March 31, 2007. Mayor Pat McCrory behaved in his true jovial fashion, shaking hands and patting people on the back. However, as Mayor Pat McCrory made his way through the crowd, he cut into the line at the funeral home and was upset about his position in motorcade at Police Officer Shelton’s funeral. Frankly, this was not the time for temper tantrums or self-grandeur.
Quite a few officers witness this behavior and the Charlotte Observer did a story about the incident. Mayor Pat McCrory told the Charlotte Observer that he was being directed what to do and said his thoughts, actions were for families, if that were so, then he wouldn’t have been upset over positions in the motorcade. Those of us, who have been around Mayor Pat McCrory, would not doubt any of this, type of behavior coming from Mr. McCrory.
Funerals do have protocols; still this could have been handled in a more sensitive and caring manner. With the self-important actions and behaviors of Mayor McCrory and certain city leaders, it showed disrespect to the people and families who were there to mourn. This was not a photo opportunity for them, the behaviors of our officials; show a severe lack of sensibility!
Sgt. Randy Hagler, President of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police, said: "These funerals are for the families of the officers and the family of the Police Department. I wouldn't agree with anybody making a political event out of it."
Saturday, Apr. 14, 2007, Charlotte Observer Newspaper,” Some police annoyed at mayor.”
October 30, 2006, Charlotte officially named one of the most dangerous cities in United States. National crime report showed that Charlotte ranked in the eighth position, as being one of the most dangerous cities. St. Louis took the number one position as most dangerous city. This data based on cities with a population of 500,000 people or more. Over all, Charlotte hit 43rd position by not counting the cities population. A Kansas-based research firm provided the data. The information based on data from the FBI.
If you compare New York, crime percentages to Charlotte from 2005 and base upon 100,000 populations the results are amazing. You will find that Murder and Rape are higher in Charlotte than New York. Even Robbery and Burglary are higher in Charlotte than New York. Our representatives desire a big city and crime comes with it. Until our representatives of city, county, and state have a more potential for these issues and deficiency of police, we are in tremendous trouble. What is it going to take to wake up our officials? What price and when will enough be enough?
Former neither Charlotte Police Chief Stephens nor Mayor Pat McCrory has handled Charlotte crime problems, as they should. We know all cities and communities will have crime. Still, cities like New York have brought major changes to their crime problems, by taking a PROACTIVELY approach. This method took a bite out of crime and provided what law enforcement needed.
Our local and state representatives should be looking at items that are more important:Murders, Gangs, Battered Women, Child Abuse, and Sex trafficking and Street Racing. Instead, our representatives over-look these matters and band aid them. Development has become more important than our city’s security, NEWS- FLASH! No one will visit, live or stay in a crime area by choice. Charlotte officials have made this evident with the millions for different projects of downtown. Our Charlotte leaders do not respond to our crime problems, as they should due to political and financial turmoil it would cause. The development of downtown Charlotte is more important than city’s public safety.
Instead, city officials (Magoo types) provide, a Homicide Task Force for the answers. Task Force will not have the correct representation that is required or be able enact cities needs: Funding for Undercover Officers, Hiring of additional Police Officers, and adding the needed personal make Court System work properly. These items been brought out to Former Charlotte City Manager Pam Syfert and Charlotte City Councils attention but nothing has been done to make a difference. They rather develop our city than provide for or safety.
Citizens of Charlotte should demand our city, county, and school officials take charge and put a stop to crime. A poll taken showed that Charlotte citizens do not feel safe anywhere. Citizens are living in gated communities more and obtaining the services of off duty police officers patrol their neighborhoods.
Law enforcement officers told us, city officials would not even provide needed equipment or funding for under cover officers that could help stop gangs and street racing. Police Chief Stephens would not force these issues with officials.
Former Sheriff Jim Pendergraph pushed for much needed equipment that has helped in prosecuting criminals and illegals. Former Sheriff Jim Pendergraph is a fighter and many times stood up for us. This is what Police Chief Stephens should be doing, instead of politicking and playing the game.
Monday, June 19, 2006, Charlotte City Council finally added 70 new police officers. Still, we need more officers and equipment to fight Charlotte Crime and officials turn a blind eye.
On Monday, March 27, 2006, Chief Darrel Stephens address the city council about gathering data on crime. Chief Stephens wants to use data only of downtown help solve crime. A convenience store clerk had been fatally shot same time Chief Stephens was addressing council members. This fatal shooting happen at Circle K on Providence Road near Fairview Road, south side of town. Chief Stephens needs look at all of the cities crime. This Magoo type of thinking is the reason Charlotte does not have the required number of police officers.
It’s hard for people to look at it in depth and understand that they’re not likely to be a victim if they get along with their family members and neighbors and don’t live a high-risk lifestyle, said Darrel Stephens, the police chief in Charlotte. ~ (By: Kate Zernike, New York Times February 12, 2006).
Former Charlotte Police Chief Darrel Stephens pushed for traffic cameras at intersections, which the city council agreed. Charlotte’s crime has become worse and traffic cameras have cost the city. Instead of cameras, Charlotte could have had more police officers. Cameras only take pictures; cameras do not patrol our streets.
Still, we have new officials that have come aboard this mess, which our city and county officials have allowed. Thus far, not much really occurred to untangle this web of deceit, will it ever.
We have broken down various topics to offer insight, as well as positive solutions that one can use. Just maybe, city and county officials will take heart this information.
"The violation of children and the sexual exploitation of minors is an increasingly serious problem in our society."
~US. Attorney Gretchen Shappert
Kelsey Shelton Smith-Briggs, Daddy's Little Girl.
Each year, almost 1 million American children experience abuse and neglect. Approximately 1400 of those children are killed each year from abuse, more than three-quarters of fatalities because of abuse involve children younger than 4 years old. Each week, child protective services agencies in the United States receive more than 50,000 reports of child abuse or neglect, and annually, nearly 900,000 of these cases substantiated.
In 2006-2007, North Carolina had 111,000 children reported Abused and Neglected. Data shows children in North Carolina are abused or neglected every 15 minutes and that actual sexual abuse of children are 15 times greater than officially reported in North Carolina.
Presently, 10,000 registered Sex Offenders move to a new address or jobs daily. Children, women, elderly, incapacitated or handicapped people are especially at risk from sexual predators. Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh are no different; each city has a large number of registered sexual offenders.
Basic Statistics:
1.) 1 in 5 children solicited on line.
2.) 50 thousand predators are on line.
3.) 1997 child pornography sites have increase 1500 %.
4.) Web sites that exploit children are a $57 Billion Dollar Industry.
5.) 95% of children are molested knows and trusts their molester.
6.) 90% of sex crimes are committed against someone the perpetrator knows.
7.) 20% of girls and 17% of boys molested before their 18th birthday.
8.) More than 1 million people yearly are trafficked throughout international borders against their will.
9.) Shared Hope International studies show 600,000 to 800,000 individuals are trafficked across international borders each year: 80 percent of them are women and under age girls.
10.) The C.I.A. estimates 50,000 to 100,000 girls, boys and women are trafficked annually into the United States pimped out or sold for forced sex.
.A frustrated mother of North Carolina made the following statement:
As the saying goes, if you can't do the time then do not do the crime. This is how this mother feels, about what had occurred with my child assaulted by a sex offender. I feel that North Carolina Laws are still not strict enough, when it comes to sex offenders. Even thought the sex offender had a tracking device, it was not enough to stop him. The tracking device only was a record of his where-bouts. If the device would have made it clear to authorities that he was in area, that he was not allowed to be in, then my child would not have endure the reoccurring nightmares of the assault. This is why; I have joined in with Jessica's Law Now North Carolina, to make a difference in our state laws. So other children will not be robbed of their innocence and find themselves at the hands and mercy of a monster. Today, my child lives daily with this nightmare and sees a clinical psychiatrist twice a week. As a parent, I can only hope that your child never has to endure such lost of mortality.
Sadly, many situations have occurred like this throughout North Carolina and we are fighting help make the difference.
What do for a Sexually Abused Child:
1.) Ever believe that your child been sexually abused, do not be afraid to report it nor blame yourself. Report the abuse to the police immediately.
2.) You need stay calm to help your child.
3.) Provide a calm atmosphere and environment for your child.
4.) Stay with your child through each step of the investigation giving them support and encouragement.
5.) Convey to your child they are no way responsible for that they encountered. Being reassurance of encouragement and support will help your child.
6.) Have a physician see your child for an examined soon as possible. This is not only important for your child's welfare, but it will help the authority’s document evidence.
7.) Stay with your child why the doctor is examining your child, supported, and encouraging. Remember that this child has gone through a horrible ordeal and they are terrified.
8.) Request a child advocate, which will help you, as well as your child.
9.) Very important that your child receives experienced counseling from a counselor that is experienced handling child abuse. Talk with the doctor that examines your child and child advocate for suggestions of somebody. Remember that both parties are familiar with the situation and will have child's best interest.
Mark Lunsford came from Gaston County, North Carolina before moving to Florida. Mark Lunsford daughter, Jessica was 9-years-old girl been sexually abused, kidnapped, and buried alive in Florida. In the memory of Mark Lunsford’s daughter Jessica, a law introduced to enforce stricter laws pertaining for sex offenders called Jessica’s Law.
Our direction is simple, seeing the adoption of Jessica's Law for North Carolina. Many states have strengthened their sex offender laws, such as Florida, Maryland and South Carolina. It is sad that North Carolina has not joined in.
There are presently 40,000 sign petitions to date wanting Jessica's Law in North Carolina.
What you can do:
Here is how you can help make a difference by being heard. First, contact N.C. State Senator Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Chairman of the [S] Judiciary I Committee and ask him to support HB 933 Jessica Lunsford Act aka. Jessica's Law. Secondly, contacts your local state senator, make sure they are aware of this legislation, and ask them too help support it. Once HB 933 Jessica Lunsford Act of N.C. becomes effective our state will have a solid foundation toward the laws dealing with sex offenders.
CHAIRMAN, Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. ( Buncombe CO .)
N.C. State Senate
300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 300-B
Raleigh, N.C. 27603-5925
Phone: 919/ 715- 3001
Email: martinn@ncleg.net
“Battered Spouse's are major problem, Charlotte does not have enough officers and resources handle it.”
~ City Official
Say NO, Violence against Women!
Battered Spouse's has become a major problem in Charlotte - Mecklenburg. Unfortunately, our delegates do not make much of a prevision for battered spouses. The Charlotte – Mecklenburg police respond to thousands of calls each year and our delegates cannot supply the needed help. You would think city officials would cut some items from their budget help with this travesty. Until our representative’s city, county and state have a more prospective for these issues and the lack of police, Charlotte has a tremendous problem.
Basic Statistics:
1.) A battering incident occurs every 15 seconds in the United States.
2.) 25 percent of women who are beaten are pregnant.
3.) Battering is the most under-reported crime in the country.
4.) 73 percent of batterers abused as children.
5.) 60 percent of boys who witnessed violence grow up to abuse.
6.) Physical abuse by male intimate partners is the single most common source of injury among women between the ages of 19 and 35.
7.) Reports by battered mothers show that 87% of children witness the abuse, many growing up to repeats the patterns they witnessed
Understand battered woman, first must understand how someone becomes a battered woman. According to Dr. Lenore E. Walker, the nation's most prominent expert on battered women, a woman must experience at least two complete battering cycles before she labeled a battered woman. The cycle has three distinct phases. First, is the tension-building phase, followed by the explosion or acute battering incident, culminating in calm, loving respite - often referred to as the honeymoon phase? Walker, L., the Battered Woman (1979).
Important to understand why battered women stay in abusive relationships. The Court in People v. Aris, 215 Cal App 3d 1194, 264 Cal Rptr 167, 178 (1989) stated, Battered women tend to stay in abusive relationships for a number of reasons. Among those reasons: women are still positively reinforced during the honeymoon phase; women tend to be the peacekeepers in relationships - the ones responsible for making the marriage work; adverse economic consequences; it is more dangerous to leave than to stay; prior threats by batterer to kill self, or children; or to abscond with children; lost self-esteem; and no psychological energy to leave - resulting in a learned helplessness or psychological paralysis.
Battered Woman Syndrome:
Battered woman syndrome describes a pattern of psychological and behavioral symptoms found in women living in battering relationships. People v. Romero, 13 Cal Rptr 2d 332, 336 (Cal App 2d Dist. 1992); See Walker, L., The Battered Woman Syndrome (1984) p. 95-97. There are four general characteristics of the syndrome: These symptoms, however, are most often linked to the relationship and lessen once she removes herself from the abuse....An abused woman also has to overcome feeling inadequate, crazy, or stupid - something akin to brainwashing - as a result of having been repeatedly told she was these things while in the relationship. Id. at 13.
The woman believes that the violence was her fault.
The woman has an inability to place the responsibility for the violence elsewhere.
The woman fears for her life and/or her children's lives.
The woman has an irrational belief that the abuser is omnipresent and omniscient
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HARMS CHILDREN AND BE SERIOUSLY CUSTODY CASES:
Viewing domestic violence negatively affects the children and all the studies find that placing or keeping children with an abuser is not in their best interest. The Judges Journal article, supra p.4, contains a lengthy and extremely thorough thesis on the effects of abuse on children.Research has shown that spouse abuse typically does not stem from a relationship problem but arises instead from the man's emotional insecurities, low self-esteem and from a history of abusive behavior seen in his childhood. p. 12; see also Star, Family Services Association of America Helping the Abuser: Intervening Effectively in Family Violencepp. 34-35 (1983).
In 32 states, domestic violence is too considered in custody cases and in eight of those states, there is a presumption against awarding custody to the abuser. In Oregon, ORS 107.137 is controlling:
In determining custody of a minor child, the court shall consider the best interests and welfare of the child. In determining the best interests and welfare of the child, the court may consider the following relevant factors:
The emotional ties between the child and other family members.
The interest of the parties in and attitude toward the child.
The desirability of continuing an existing relationship.
The abuse of one parent by the other/(2) The best interests.
How does domestic violence affect children? An authoritative study on domestic violence, Children of Battered Women by Jaffe, P., Wolfe, D., and Wilson, S., (1990) states that children who witness parental violence but are not hit themselves evidence behavioral, somatic and emotional problems similar to those experienced by physically abused children and that in addition to immediate trauma, children who witness such violence suffer from Post-traumatic Stress Syndrome later in life. According to both Children of Battered Women and The Judges Journal, supra p.4 at 11, 14 out of 16 studies state that witnessing violence between parents is a more consistent predictor of future violence than being a victim of child abuse. Behavior is acceptable and approved of by their most important role models. They see short-term reinforcement/compliance by the victim. They learn to use coercive power as a way to influence loved ones without exposed to alternatives that are more constructive. As they get older, boys tend to identify with the aggressor, lose respect for mother, and /or experience guilt for not being able to protect her.
Psychological studies have revealed three fundamental, interrelated reasons why a battered woman is likely to be a better custodian than her abusive mate has:
1. A wife-beater's violence damages the emotional health of the couple's children.
2. Placing the child with the batterer perpetuates the cycle of violence by exposing the child to an environment in which violence is acceptable behavior.
3. Mother probably has better parenting skills because she is more likely to have been the children's primary parent. Important not to assume that abuse will not continue. Again, The Judges Journal supra p. 4 at 12, gives insight to the abuser. The article states that in order to get adequate help for his abusiveness, the batterer must go through a two-step process:
(1) - Experience negative consequences of behavior.
(2) - Undergo specialized spouse abuse counseling. The article cautions that if drugs or alcohol is involved, the abuser must receive treated for the drug/alcohol abuse.
Order to abstain from abuse, the abuser must, through counseling, accept, understand, and believe the following five concepts:
1. Accept responsibility for the abuse.
2. Understand the use of abuse to maintain control of partner.
3. Understand the level of emotional dependency on the part of abuser.
4. Have the ability to recognize low levels of anger and to use anger management techniques.
5. Have empathy for the victim.
Solutions and Suggestions:
Having stricter laws passed, obtaining a strong police presence will take time. Our women and children need a safe location go to now. Fire Stations are a safe place that a child could obtain any help. Our firefighters are specially train and fire stations can provide safe haven until police can arrive. Several cities and communities have done this program and had great results. Our city and county officials this would protect and save lives.
City obtains a building complex handle all areas for neglect and abuse. Justice Center of Neglect and Abuse would have a 24-hour staff of medical personnel, counseling, police officers, legal assistants, day care. This outreach would help with sexual abuse and domestic violence for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
Contributed:
Dr. Johnson
Mr. Mark A. Palmer
Attorney Lori S. Rubenstein, Part of a 1993 Trial Memorandum prepared by Lori S. Rubenstein.
Take Back Charlotte Mecklenburg
"A gang is an organized group with a recognized leader whose activities are either criminal or, at the very least, threatening to the community."
Crime has many areas in our nation, state and cities today. Our crime has become no different from New York and Los Angles. Gangs have made their presence known to Charlotte. Our city officials strive to be like a major city and crime comes with it.
Street Zone - Charlotte Gangs.
Gangs of today are somewhat similar to the 50's and 60's. From the members being school dropouts and doing criminal activity to support them selves. One of the main difference is gangs today are easier to violence. They will kill a person and not think twice and then go after their family.
Gangs are made up of six levels :
Leadership - The leader(s) of a gang determines at what level of criminal activity the gang will function. Characteristics of the leader(s) are reflected in the day-to-day activities of the gang. The leader is all-powerful.
Hard-Core- The hard- core gang members are usually the older gang members, the individuals who are culturally and criminally enmeshed in the gang and are at risk of being so for life. Most violent gang activity emanates from the hard-core gang members. Hard-core gang members usually make up about 10% of each gang membership.
Associate - The associate gang member has usually made a personal commitment to the gang culture and is dedicated to achieving the level of recognition needed to attain hard core status.
Fringe - The fringe gang member is still able to function outside of the gang structure and has not made a commitment to a life in the criminal gang culture. This type of member drifts in and out of the gang and seems to lack direction.
Want-to-Be's & Groupies - Groupies are not actually gang members. They are youth who view the gang as an exciting place to be, a place where they could become"somebody.” Want-to-Be's may emulate gang dress, graffiti, hand signs, and other gang cultural symbols, and they may associate with known gang members, but they have not yet been accepted into the gang usually. Many times, they know members and try to belong without joining a gang.
Cliques - very seldom are the gang at full strength. Exceptions to this, of course, would be times of conflict or possibly at social functions. What is most often seen as "the gang" is usually a clique from within the larger gang. The clique is a group of associate, fringe, and often, wants to-be gang members who gravitate around one or more of the hard-core gang members. This somewhat resembles a gang within a gang.
Our children feel this is type of family unit a main reason they are involved. Families today are torn apart and our children are staving for a solid family.
Still the city has a blind eye. It seems not to be political correct deal with our crime and gang problems. It is political correct to deal with museums and smoking bans. We do not need "Crime Fest Charlotte!"
Neighborhood Watch, Making A Differance!
As citizens, we need to push our leaders for stronger police presence in our cities and communities. Remember, when police presences is strong crime goes down. When it is not, we are at the mercy of the criminals. We can assist our police by public involvement.
Neighborhood Watch, Block Watch, Town Watch and Crime Watch one of the most effective and least costly ways to prevent crime and reduce fear in your neighborhood.
This crime prevention strategy enlists the active participation of residents, in cooperation with law enforcement, to reduce crime in communities throughout the city. Neighborhood Watch groups discuss neighborhood crime problems. The objective is developing solutions to local problems.
You can form a Watch group around any block, apartment, park, business area, public housing complex, office and marina. Any concerned residents, a community organization, or a law enforcement agency can spearhead the effort to organize a Neighborhood Watch.
Getting Organized :
When a group decides to form a Neighborhood Watch they need to take the following steps before anything.
Contact the police department or local crime prevention organization for help in training members in home security and reporting skills and for information on local crime patterns.
Selects a coordinator and block captains who are responsible for organizing meetings and relaying information to members.
Recruits members, keeps up-to-date on new residents and makes special efforts to involve the elderly, working parents, and young people.
Works with local government and law enforcement to put up Neighborhood Watch signs, usually after at least 50 percent of all households in a neighborhood are enrolled.
What Neighborhood Watch Members Look For :
Someone screaming or shouting for help.
Someone looking into windows and parked cars.
Unusual noises.
Property being taken out of houses where no one is at home or a business is closed.
Cars, vans, or trucks moving slowly with no apparent destination, or without lights.
Anyone being forced into a vehicle.
A stranger sitting in a car or stopping to talk to a child.
Abandoned cars.
Important to report these incidents to the police. Talk about the problem with your neighbors and keep the media updated. Cause the more people that are aware of a crime or situation better the outcome.
How to Report :
Give your name and address.
Briefly describe the event-what happened, when, where, and who was involved.
Describe the suspect: sex and race, age, height, weight, hair color, clothing, distinctive characteristics such as beard, mustache, scars, tattoos, or accent.
Describe the vehicle if one was involved color, make, model, year, license plate, and special features such as stickers, dents, or decals.
Keeping your Neighborhood Watch Group Active :
It is an unfortunate fact that when a neighborhood crime crisis goes away, so does enthusiasm for Neighborhood Watch. Work to keep your Watch group a vital force for community well-being.
Organize regular meetings that focus on current issues such as drug abuse, "hate" or bias-motivated violence, crime in schools, child care before and after school, recreational activities for young people, and victim services.
Organize community patrols to walk around streets or apartment complexes and alert police to crime and suspicious activities and identify problems needing attention. People in cars with cellular phones or CB radios can patrol.
Adopt a park or school playground. Pick up litter, repair broken equipment, paint over graffiti.
Work with local building code officials to require dead bolt locks, peep holes, smoke alarms, and other safety devices in new and existing homes and commercial buildings.
Work with parent groups and schools to start a "McGruff House" or other block parent program (to help children in emergency situations). A McGruff House is a reliable source of help for children in emergency or frightening situations.
Publish a newsletter that gives prevention tips and local crime news, recognizes residents of all ages who have "made a difference," and highlights community events.
Don't forget social events that give neighbors a chance to know each other - a block party, potluck dinner, volleyball, softball game or picnic.
These are some ideals and suggestions that do work. Most important to know your surroundings always.
