I say to those that were complaining about the signs--your ignorant to what is actually happening in the City. Since when did telling the truth become such an issue? I have always been taught that the truth is the best way, even if it is hard, cold, and dirty.
Could the signs have been a little more stylish for the less squeamish, or for those of you cannot seem to comprehend that what WHAT THE SIGNS SAID WAS THE TRUTH; sure maybe, but nonetheless the facts would not be different.
This City does have the second highest murder rate according to an article written by David Siders Stockton in 2008 had the second-highest violent crime rate Murder rate in the State of California (Stockton2020.org, 2009), violent crime has increased.
The Stockton Police Officer's have not backed down, they have fought back and did what we expect them to do, with less officers, and higher call volumes! It is so easy to whine, or complain, or be judgmental or make issue with the approach of something YOU DO NOT WANT TO HEAR! Why?, because if you accept the truth, then you burst the little bubble you have been living in.
The Police department is not perfect, and I will be the first one to speak up when I see or hear things that I feel are wrong, I am not anti police, nor am I pro police in the sense, that I am willing to take their view one sided, I would like to think that I am realistic and willing to understand what the Police are saying.
Any of you that were upset about the signs take a look at any of the data released by the Department of Justice this year in relation to the Murder rate? Any of you look at the murder rate this year, which can be found at Recordnet.com, or here SJ CRIME? Please visit the Police Officer's Association page and click this link The Facts, or visit the The Main POA. You may think that the Police Officer Present an argument that is favorable to their side:They do, but they back up what they say with actual City of Stockton Commissioned Reports, and reports done by the Police Officers Association. So what I mean is the City commissioned its own reports, but by doing so they back up everything the Police have issues with!
Now I am a little bit more calm, now so I want to say that I respect everyone's rights to how they feel, and if you were offended by the original signs, which only told the truth, nothing was exaggerated, what was said is backed up by the City of Stockton's own data, or State, or Federal Government released reports;I want to say I apologize, I mean no disrespect. I just want to make this final point, all you detractor or people that are upset, who would be the first person you would call if someone was breaking into your home, or attacking you, trying to car jack your car, or hurting a loved one?; I can say without doubt, pause, speculation-I WOULD CALL THE POLICE TO COME AND HLEP. What is fair is fair, the City has reneged, on the Police Department, and forced them to the table to bargain under duress, either they negotiated or we lay off xx amount of officers!!!
It is a great step the New City Manager is willing to work with the Police, and I hope this can all be resolved. But the attacks on our Police, and Fire Departments by the very own City that employs them, and the Citizens that demand their services as if they are somehow bestowed by god upon each of us; Wake up, apparently being a Police Officer, Or a Fire Fighter is no longer about being a public servant, but more akin to a business corporation, and the front line men and women are going to work everyday, 24/7, non stop, willing to put their lives in harms way so that I may, and all of the rest of you may enjoy that one thing that we all demand:"Freedom", the ability to feel safe, and if necessary when the times calls dial that magic 9-1-1, and wait for those people who we seem to not appreciated; But the hearing of their sirens in the distance giving those in need of their help the sense of relief that someone is coming to help!
To the Stockton Police Officer's Association, I applaud you for telling the truth, not obfuscating the truth in some new development, like City Hall does, I respect that you showed the Citizens that the Police understand and respect the First Amendment right of the Constitution-The right to free speech and expression! I understand that the force is understaffed, and that the Officers are put under extraordinary pressure daily, and I am thankful to all those Officer's of the department.
Please don't give in, the POA did nothing but tell the TRUTH!, Normally we hear about departments in cover ups, or lying, and of course the public gets upset, but this time what a perversion, we get upset for you speaking the truth!
News 10 Article
Reference
Stockton2020.org, (2009.). Stockton’s Crime Rate Second in California : Stockton2020. Retrieved Aug. 05, 2010, from http://stockton2020.org/2009/06/17/stocktons-crime-rate-second-in-california/
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