Thursday, October 21, 2010
There is help out there for police
As past Mahoning County “Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff Commander” and current Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff I would like to comment on the recent tragedies which have occurred here in our Valley. I realize that the very first response one may have when we hear of these tragedies is “where were the cops?” It’s simply the position most will take. With that said, we all know and it has been stated by the professionals that the tragedies may have occurred even with a stronger police presents. The underlying cause of these senseless actions is much deeper than the lack of or low police patrols.
But the increased presents of a police power can and usually does over time change the makeup of a community. I can recall when I was commander of the Mahoning County Auxiliary Deputy Sheriffs Department we would periodically conduct Up Town Street Sweep activities. Our deputies would patrol and even walk the area and take a “Zero Tolerance” approach. No cars being parked illegally, all vehicles needed proper licensing (plating), vehicles would be stopped for minor violations such as broken tail lights, rolling stops, no turn signal use, etc. It was amazing the response we would get from not only the residents but also from the local area business sector. It was also rewarding as to the criminal activity we would find and take action during these activities.
I fully understand and support the Mahoning County Sheriff Department, the Youngstown Police Department, Sheriff Wellington and Chief Hughes along with the FOP and other representing organizations in their need to protect their employees and members. I am not suggesting that we supplement laid off police with volunteers. But I am suggesting that we once again work together and use the auxiliary service we used in the past. These auxiliary Deputy Sheriffs are well trained, OPATA (Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy) Certified peace officers.
With the increase in police presence, the increase in patrols via the supplemented assistance I believe that the citizens of the South, East, West or North Side of Youngstown would once again regain their communities. It is not the final answer to our crime problem, it will not change the “gang mentality” but it will have an impact.
John P. Leseganich, Canfield