Hang on Ann Arbor: The perfect storm in law enforcement is blowing in
FBI crime statistics released this week weren't that surprising. For the last year or so before my retirement, I was predicting worse crime statistics. It's a credit to all the local law enforcement agencies that the numbers haven't skyrocketed more than they did.
Sebastian Junger’s book and later movie, The Perfect Storm, depicted a swordfishing boat that got caught on the ocean at the convergence of three major storm centers with catastrophic results. In real life, the boat went down with all hands lost. These three storms coming together seemed to defy the laws of probablility, but they happened with catastrophic results. There's a storm like that heading our way.
The Perfect Storm in Law Enforcement was a phrase I coined after attending a number of Michigan Prisoner ReEntry Initiative meetings. The MPRI program has a requirement that the prisoners meet various service agencies around the county where they're released. One duty of a detective supervisor is to attend these meetings and offer new releases a point of contact if they need to speak to a cop about a police situation.Â
Several police agencies share this assignment, so each department sends representatives one Friday a month. We were also there to assist the prisoners in getting driver’s licenses or personal identification, which is the first step for them to get a job. It behooves everyone from police, the prisoner, the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), perspective employers and society in general for these prisoners to have good identification and for the Secretary of State to have good current pictures of all these parolees.
What I noticed shortly after attending these meetings was that the prisoners being released were becoming much more serious offenders. The released prisoners started out being serious driving offenses and minor property crimes. Within several months, my partner and I noticed the new releases were coming out for much more serious crimes like armed robbery, sexual assault and even some homicides.Â
In speaking to a friend at the MDOC, the problem was the budget was cut, prisons (including the largest walled prison in the world, as it was for a time, the Jackson prison) were closing, so prisoners were being released. As a result, I was told that every prisoner’s security level was lowered by one (except those doing mandatory life). That made a lot of prisoners eligible for parole and release.
The MDOC also started looking at prisoners who had served their minimum and were still in prison. They started releasing these prisoners. It sounded reasonable on its face, until one considers the reason why these prisoners were incarcerated for more than their minimum. For the most, part convicts stay in for more than their minimum because they are a discipline problem or have violated laws and rules in prison. (I do know of one exception where the parole board thought a prisoner was given too lenient a sentence and added a year to this person’s minimum sentence. To that person I say: It was probably good for you and I wish you all the luck when you get out. I really think you can make it!)Â
These prisoners are some pretty bad people, and they're being let out because the State of Michigan is going broke. The release of some really bad prisoners is one reason for the spike in crime. It's no wonder there are more violent crimes in the county because most of the prisoners released on parole live east of US-23. For our Perfect Storm, this accounts for Storm #1.
Storm #2, Ann Arbor Police Chief Barnett Jones alluded to it, and we're all conscious of it on some level or another. That's the downturn in the economy. Desperate people do desperate things. People who can’t find work still need money, and some turn to crime to get it. It must be especially tough on all the parolees and early released prisoners to get a job, since the job market is incredibly competitive in this state. Some just give up and screw up in old familiar ways and find themselves back in overcrowded prisons.
Storm #3: Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton alluded to it - there are less cops on the street. State budget cuts have required area departments to cut their staff. For local police departments, the cost of personnel constitutes the vast majority of their annual operating budget. When the budgets get cut, there is no other “fat” to cut. The departments must cut staff.Â
That's why I am “contributing” here and not policing. If old cops like me hadn’t retired, younger officers would have been laid off. The city made us an offer we couldn’t refuse, so here I blog. The fact of the matter is that budget cuts have shorted police staffing. There are fewer cops on the street and that isn’t just in this area, but all over the state.
I spoke to several patrol officers today, and they told me they go call-to-call for their entire shift. One even told me the calls are backing up so badly that a non-priority burglary report didn’t get handled until the next day. None of the officers I spoke to could remember that ever happening. Certainly I couldn’t.Â
Hopefully it was just a fluke, but the officers are incredibly busy. That means more and more low priority calls for service (i.e. calls about crimes that have already happened and the suspect is gone) will be handled either by the front desk officers or as time allows on the street. Put more simply: You may wait for an officer on low priority calls like you wait for the cable guy or a furniture delivery.
Another huge storm that hit prior to the economy tanking was the availability of heavy-duty drugs. Heroin has been back with a vengeance for the past dozen or so years. It's relatively cheap and a much higher quality than in the '70s. The drug distributors who re-established heroin must have relied on the business model established by crack, which was marketed as a cheap potent form of cocaine.Â
At any rate, both of these drugs are extremely addictive. I've seen these drugs rob very talented people of their lives. When the drugs take over a person’s life, they will do anything to avoid being “drug sick” (withdrawing—especially from heroin) and usually that means they will steal or prostitute themselves to get their money to buy their “fix.”
The prevalence of gambling has also boosted the public’s need for cash. Between casinos popping up all over, lottery tickets by the dozen and now even licensed poker tournaments in bowling alleys for non-profit organizations, state-sponsored gambling is everywhere. The state is providing more and more venues to throw money down bottomless pits. The state is desperately trying to cover huge deficits and contributing to the downward economic spiral by encouraging degenerate gambling. That is a slippery slope, when a government legalizes vice in order to pay the bills.
The crime statistics reported this week are the indicators that The Perfect Storm In Law Enforcement has begun. Crime will surely rise again next year, and then traffic fatalities will slowly creep up because there will be less traffic enforcement. Those will be statistical barometers of the storm's presence.
What can you do about it? Start looking out for your neighbors. Start watching each other’s homes when you know your neighbor isn't there. If you see a stranger in the yard or around the house, call the police to check that person out. Copy license plates of vehicles in the area that don’t belong to your neighbors. Talk to your neighbors about who should and should not be around their homes. Join neighborhood watches if they're available in your neighborhood. Read the crime news in AnnArbor.com, listen to the radio, watch television news to see what crime trends are hitting neighboring towns and counties. Be patient if you call the police and you're just making a report.
To reduce the inevitable traffic problems, voluntarily slow down when you are driving (this will also improve your mileage and save you money on gas). Wear your seat belts! Seat belts really do save lives because they keep you in your seat. Of the accidents I policed, the vast amount resulted in passenger compartments that were not damaged. If you can stay in your seat using a belt you won’t be bouncing off of walls and windows of the car’s interior and you will be less likely to be injured. Do not drive if you are intoxicated or high. Drive defensively in case someone around you makes a mistake. If a driving mistake happens don’t take it personally—we all make errors.
Support your local police. If they issue a crime alert, heed the warning. If they ask for volunteers join them if you have the time. Police work is extremely interesting and the more exposure to cops that you have, the more you can learn about the business.
In this time of The Perfect Storm In Law Enforcement, more than ever: LOCK IT UP, DON’T LEAVE IT UNATTENDED, BE AWARE AND LOOK OUT FOR YOUR NEIGHBORS!
Rich Kinsey retired from the Ann Arbor Police Department at the end of June and now blogs about crime and safety for AnnArbor.com.
Comments
MjC
Mon, Sep 21, 2009 : 6:49 p.m.
Interesting and timely blog. We can't take any crime in this city lightly - ever. Not only are we responsible for the citizens who live and work here, we have a responsibility to keep A2 safe for the thousands of students who come here to learn. It's not just the responsibility of the campus DPS - these kids frequent our stores, restaurants, etc. I appreciate the hard work conducted by all our responsible officers. And it's up to us all to look out for each other. If you see a suspicious activity - report it!
bunnyabbot
Mon, Sep 21, 2009 : 11:43 a.m.
bigandy, not in LE here. and really your comments are telling to your charracter as well. The war on drugs is a wonderful cause that should get more funding. I suppose those that want drugs legalized don't like the social stigma that comes with being a user. Or the fact that their families are sick of their moodswings or inability to hold a job, a baby or a fork without falling asleep while doing it. I suppose the argument would be that the drugs would be taxed. I also suppose taxed items are often traded under the table to avoid taxes. I suppose as well that if drugs were legal than over time the over 21 year old stuff trickles down to the 17 year olds, and soon to the 11 year olds. Yeah, THAT would be so great for society.
BigAndy
Mon, Sep 21, 2009 : 11:24 a.m.
Wow! An extra space is needed when making paragraphs! Sorry for the wall-o-text I posted above:] "But put a Meth-head there, with liklihood of hallucinations and paranoia and violence and burglary.... not to mention toxic fumes... different story all together." - Julie That seems to be a common argument to the re-legalization of ALL controlled substances. Although, amphetamines are quite destructive to the user and may possibly drive them to commit crime, I'm sure that prohibition is still more damaging to society as a whole. If you live in an area where a "meth-head" is able to live along side you, I would suggest moving somewhere else! Meth addicts don't traditionally live in "nice" homes or apartments as they can hardly pay to buy the drug, let alone their rent. A bit generalizing there, but re-legalized and controlled amphetamines are likely to be given free at rehabilitation clinics and not sold as "take out". Take a look at the heroin shooting galleries in the Netherlands (and elsewhere now) that actually show a much higher rate of recovery than other treatment methods. The key is to control the drug to a point where the government has the purest form and gives it out free of charge but the abusers have to come to the (boring, monotonous) clinic to get their "fix". It works. Taking the profit out of the narcotic trafficking industry is the key to reducing crime and increasing freedom all the while increasing revenue.
Julie
Mon, Sep 21, 2009 : 7:58 a.m.
BigAndy -- I don't think you can lump all drugs together in your argument. I could care less if I had a peaceful wake-and-baker next door. But put a Meth-head there, with liklihood of hallucinations and paranoia and violence and burglary.... not to mention toxic fumes... different story all together.
BigAndy
Mon, Sep 21, 2009 : 5:12 a.m.
The AAPD is the most polite, well-mannered, and professional police department I have ever had the pleasure of being in contact with. I was worried about police contact after many years of prior abuse at the hands of law enforcement officers from other departments. Then I had a very traumatic event happen in my life which necessitated further police contact. I was like "ohhh no, not this again!" However, I was surprised by the professionalism and courtesy displayed by the AAPD during this difficult time in my life. There are "good" cops, and "bad" ones (not talking about the old interrogation trick) and it seems that the AAPD must make some type of effort to recruit and retain the "good" ones. To the point... The "perfect storm" has a root cause which has yet to be discussed here, surprisingly. The losing "war on drugs" diverts massive amounts of law enforcement and corrections resources from more worthy endeavors. Efforts like finding the person who stole your car, or the person who burglarized your shed, or the person who robbed you at the ATM, or the person who knocked you over while jogging to rape you, or the drunk driver who ran over your mailbox. The list goes on, and on and on. The "war on drugs" is a war that can NEVER be won. It produces criminals at an astonishing rate while marginalizing the very people who need to be included in our society in order to reduce crime. While people who possessed pot are sitting in prison on mandatory minimum sentences, violent offenders are being released early every day. Would you rather have a pot smoker living next to you, or a just released sex offender or murderer or robber? I'm sure some of you will say "neither" (while sipping on your Budweiser or your Johnny Walker) but obviously we no longer have the luxury of locking everyone away for anything they do wrong anymore. This is a realistic decision that must be made, and soon. There are many studies done on decriminalization (and outright legalization) which show that there is no "explosion" in drug use or crime as a result. Many studies actually show a DROP in drug usage and crime rates. What better move could be made? It would shore up much needed tax revenue, focus vast resources on "real" problems and more people will be free in the "Land of the Free". There is a movement among law enforcement personnel to end the prohibition of drugs in the US. It is called "Law Enforcement Against Prohibition" (LEAP) and they are attracting new members every day. If prohibition didn't work in the 1920's, why do people think it will work today? With one fell swoop of the pen, lawmakers could alleviate many very serious problems while increasing freedom and simultaneously decreasing oppression and marginalization. Have you heard about LEAP Det. Kinsey? Now for a little response! "Coddling criminals" - bunnyabbot That phrase is very telling about the person who typed it into their keyboard! Thanks for letting intelligent readers know that you are most likely a disgruntled law enforcement officer or prison guard who has been embittered by repeated exposure to the worst elements of our society. Or you are simply a simpleton. I will leave it up to people to decide which of the two describes you best. Honestly, "coddling" is about the furthest from the truth when describing a prison. "I am not talking about a 40 year old that has the mental compacity of a 3 year old" - bunnyabbot You mean "capacity", right? You're comments are amusing at times:)
memyselfandi
Sun, Sep 20, 2009 : 12:35 a.m.
Thank you for such wonderful, helpful, and insightful articles. Although some people may not appreciate the reality that you state in your articles, many other's do. I don't believe that you are trying to scare anyone. People need to realize the implication of crime on their personal lives...not only the implication involved when they happen to be the victim directly, but the broader implications to all of us, because in the broader sense, we are all victim's of of whatever crime that is committed. Most often this is a financial cost directly or indirectly to each and every one of us as taxpayer's, or consumer's. What we save in one area (IE:cost's saved by releasing criminal's from prison's earlier) cause a corresponding bulge in term's of cost's which are either financial of even personal (loss of life or property) in another area. It is especially frightening to think about a cut-back in law enforcement in our communities, townships, counties, and state, during a time which the economy forces many people to commit more crime simply to survive, and, at the same time turns violent criminal's out onto the streets. May Our God help us all. We must all assume more self protection as well as becoming more vocal politically to keep that which we hold dear, safe from harm, on a continuing basis.
bunnyabbot
Sat, Sep 19, 2009 : 11:12 a.m.
scott said, "Reform treatment options such as substance abuse treatment, counseling, and occupational training have been shown time and time again to do a much better job at keeping people out of jail down the line. These options may be more expensive in the short run, but they are cheaper in the long run and reduce recidivism. Think of how much less we would have to worry right now about violent offenders being released from jail if instead they had been in one of these treatment programs and had gotten some much needed help to turn their lives around". I'd much rather that money was spent on middle schoolers and highschoolers to learn about substance abuse and how crime doesn't pay and also giving them occupational training so that they can start their lives off on the right foot to begin with. Coddling criminals, giving them therapy and making excuses why they commited crimes in the first place is a waste of resources. Making the public pay into them is not fair to those who do not commit crimes. The rate of recidivism is only due to the personal irresponsibility of the criminal not societies because they impose laws on how people should conduct themselves in ways that do not harm others or take advantage of others. as to ulternative treatment and punishment. This is a "political Correctness" cause. That is to say there are people that think they can "fix" or "heal" a criminal for whatever damage he/she has in their head that makes them commit a crime. Obviously I am not talking about a 40 year old that has the mental compacity of a 3 year old that doesn't understand why he can pull his pants down in public to play with himself. But a 40 year old man that was beat has a child doesn't excuse his inability to control his anger and beat his wife. I don't think he deserves treatment, he deserves punishment. Additionally I don't care if he is shunned by society or becomes "lower class" due to the cause of this effect. Screw criminals.
Scott Iekel-Johnson
Sat, Sep 19, 2009 : 10:34 a.m.
This article makes an unjustified assumption that the crime rate will go up because of the recession. This seems to ignore the fact that the recession has been going on for over a year now and we haven't seen such a jump. This isn't just an Ann Arbor phenomenon -- the lack of a rise in crime has been noted nationally and by a variety of sources -- see here for some examples. I do agree that releases of violent or non-reformed offenders back into the public increases the risk of crime, though I haven't seen any actual statistics mentioned about what percentage of early releases are violent offenders vs. non-violent crimes such as drug possession. To the poster who cited the recent string of burglaries (I assume he is referring to the ones on the West Side): the police have said that these appear to all be the work of a few individuals. Such crime sprees happen from time to time, and are certainly awful, but they do not mean that there is a huge increase in the overall crime rate. I remember a similar string of break-ins over in SE Ann Arbor and Pittsfield township several years ago when we weren't in a recession at all. I think this partly underlines the need for alternative punishment and treatment programs. It has been shown time and time again that parking people in jail does a poor job of reforming them. Reform treatment options such as substance abuse treatment, counseling, and occupational training have been shown time and time again to do a much better job at keeping people out of jail down the line. These options may be more expensive in the short run, but they are cheaper in the long run and reduce recidivism. Think of how much less we would have to worry right now about violent offenders being released from jail if instead they had been in one of these treatment programs and had gotten some much needed help to turn their lives around.
KJMClark
Sat, Sep 19, 2009 : 9:05 a.m.
Frankly I think the low rate of crime in Ann Arbor is solely due to our great police department. I know too many neighbors who don't bother to lock much of anything, and AA is a convenient wealthy community in an economically depressed area. I've been expecting the crime rate to increase dramatically here, and the statistics show it's happening, but much more slowly than I expected. The credit goes to our AA and Washtenaw police agencies. I've been very critical of our local law enforcement when it comes to enforcing pedestrians' and bicyclists' rights. I still think they aren't taking our substantial problems in these areas seriously. When I see motorists ticketed for failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and for passing bicyclists too closely, I'll change that opinion. But in every other way, our law enforcement agencies are doing a terrific job. And I really appreciate Mr. Kinsey's essays! Please keep them coming!
bunnyabbot
Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 8:42 p.m.
I don't know how one could read this blog and have negative comments about it. I agree with amlive's posts. -someone commented on "michigans high rate of incarceration", well, so what. commit a crime and get locked up. -the revolving door of prison, the same criminals keep going in and out. The fact that they have a hard time finding work when they get out I really couldn't care less about. They might have done their time for the crime but I am free to feel less about them compared to someone who never went to prison. -once a theif always a theif. criminals gravitate back to what is easy or what they know. why work 40 hours when you can "work" a few hours and get the same amount as a take. or gives them a "fix", thrill. -Sexual predators: trying to "help" these people is a waste of resources, that person will always recommit, they might not end up in prison, or even arrest, most sex crimes go unreported anyway. -these should just be taken out of the gene poll, shoot them and be done with it. -bring back the death penalty. there is a reason why eye for an eye was religious law. the people were not burdened by having to care for criminals at the expense of lawabiding citizens. There is no reason why one dollar should go to help a rapist or murderer live a moment longer and not put that dollar towards a childs hunger or education. -I find having friends who are cops very helpful. If I have any questions or want to let them know about something suspicious I just give them a call. -I think if anyone out there thinks cops do nothing all day maybe they should either request a ride along or volunteer for something police related. Highschool kids can sign up through school for police programs as well as an Explorer.
huh7891
Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 8:28 p.m.
Here people go again with the speed trap crap. If you are speeding and going over the limit and get caught, deal with it, pay up and quit your whining. The speed limits are posted, how can you drive if you can't read? Interesting article, thanks.
amlive
Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 4:36 p.m.
There seems to be a clear schism in the comments between people who see the AAPD as a necessary and valuable public service, and those who see them as oppressive, overbearing bullies (aka, "the Man"). Honestly this is the first city I've lived in where I truly felt the intentions and disciplines of the police force truly aligned with the former. EyeHeartA2, I think speed traps and tickets should most certainly be a high priority, as without such a system to keep drivers in check, there would indeed be many who felt even less obligation to drive safely and responsibly than they already do (or don't, rather). I don't have statistics to back any of this, but it takes only a bit of reasoning and common sense to see how these services can keep bad drivers in check and serve to protect the general public and lower accidents and fatalities on the road. Believe it or not, some residents and businesses actually want the police to set up a speed trap on their road. If an area becomes known for this, it can greatly increase the safety of their customers, their children, themselves in an area where drivers may otherwise be more reckless. And I really don't think there are many places in Ann Arbor where the speed limit is "artificially low". The necessity of a low speed limit in a particular area may not be immediately apparent to you, but more often than not there is good reason behind it. Patrick, though the nature of officers' jobs must inevitably and understandably effect their views at times, as to their "needing to scare us into thinking crime is a big problem in order to get money to do their jobs", I would not be so accusatory of their intentions. Quite to the contrary, I'd say concerns were felt by many residents based on their own observations around town - we're the ones who initially started voicing more fears, of which articles like this are a response to, not an initiation of. I've been personally concerned about the dwindling budget for emergency services long before I heard any police complain about it. It's a real concern for a lot of folks around here, who have been victims, or seen many more neighbors and friends than usual become such. There seem to be some who think the AAPD are a bunch of conniving, sneaky fat cats, trying to fear us in to increasing their funding so they can get a new break lounge with a pool table and jacuzzi or something. Has it ever occurred to you that some, perhaps even a majority of these officers are of honest intention, and truly want to do their jobs of keeping out community safe? Believe it or not, I've heard it actually happens.
ResidentAnvil
Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 3:33 p.m.
Thank you very much for your thoughts on this situation, Mr. Kinsey. I am not sure why so many others feel such animosity towards your opinion pieces. I think the information has been very useful.
Julie
Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 3:29 p.m.
My northwest Ann Arbor neighborhood has been ransacked with crime this summer. 19 or more break-ins in my neighborhood since May. Windows broken, valuables stolen. Don't tell me this doesn't happen in our peaceful little city. And don't tell me it's not getting worse. It IS. And the FBI numbers show it.
djm12652
Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 3:08 p.m.
arieswoman...perhaps if felons had been honest before...they wouldn't have an issue with finding a job. I, along with countless others, have to make my way in this world by myself with no "help"...and I've done it by obeying the law...
theodynus
Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 3:08 p.m.
@voice2bheard: "I personally feel that if you haven't worked with the AAPD how can you decide where our city stands as far as crime?" The police look at society through a lens that's tainted by their own experiences. Almost everyone they deal with is a criminal or victim. They also are in the unenviable role of needing to scare us into thinking crime is a big problem in order to get money to do their jobs. The police are not unbiased.
voice2bheard
Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 2:50 p.m.
I've never understood how some people from such an affluent city, full of people with degrees upon degrees could be so closed-minded. I think that this article was insightful and just something to take into consideration. I personally feel that if you haven't worked with the AAPD how can you decide where our city stands as far as crime? I grew up on the southwest side of Ann Arbor and it was so peaceful. We did not have to worry if we left the doors or windows unlocked, or even open for that matter. Nowadays we have to shut and lock all doors and windows and still keep a wary eye. There has been so many break-ins in my old neighborhood that I never would have expected. The neighbor actually had her house broken into and her purse stolen when she was in the shower! Furthermore, there are other cities right next to Ann Arbor, that are probably included in the statistics. Like Ypsilanti for example...and it's not like a criminal is going to just stop at the borderline of one city and say, 'oh no! I'm not going any further... thats Ann Arbor, I will get caught.' Wake up people.
JE
Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 2:08 p.m.
a blog is a blog. an opinion is not always based on any facts as we see here. But he's a retired cop so he has to be correct. Right?
operabethie
Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 1:05 p.m.
It was a good article, but just because something is being published in an online format does not mean that rules of grammar and punctuation and proper editing go out the window. "Less cops" is a glaring error. It is "Fewer cops". Thank you for your future attention to editing.
azzicit
Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 12:13 p.m.
If you think Kinsey made this all up...just wait and see. As more and more of "Jenny's Kids" are released you will see how many of them get arrested again and again. If you want to doubt statistics, start doubting the ones that MDOC puts out
ezbngreen
Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 10:56 a.m.
Good to see all that money funneled to MPRI is going to a good cause...Nothing like spending approx. 800k on habitual offenders only to have them commit more serious crimes. I can only hope that police dept. can keep patrols on the streets and our small jail can find creative ways to keep these criminals locked up. The chronic problem of jail overcrowding lends to the thought that our jail in Washtenaw is too small and that the jail expansion isn't enough. Maybe a 1500 bed facility could help us for the next 20 years? But for a county our size going from roughly 300 to 400+ just isn't enough. Bob Gunzel and his cronies do not have the county's best interest at heart: It appears they are focused on paper and not in reality. Bob, do everyone a favor and step down. It is time for everyone to get proactive and clean the county up.
DagnyJ
Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 10:45 a.m.
I wish that there was some evidence for the various claims made here. Besides this one year uptick, what is the overall trend in crime in Ann Arbor? If we have one murder in a year following no murders, then the murder rate has increased by 100%. But that's a poor statistic. Michigan is in the top among states in terms of the rate of incarceration, and 35% of those in prison come from Wayne County. (See report 2009 from the Pew Trust, linked below.) Michigan has the dubious honor of spending more for incarceration as a percent of its general fund of any other state in the nation. And somewhere in this report, it notes that Michigan is one of three states that spends more on prisons than on higher education. Given our zeal to put people away, we should have had the lowest crime rate in the nation for the last decade. I suspect we did not, so it appears that locking people up doesn't actually improve the crime rate. Perhaps we should consider spending more on community corrections programs, rather than on jails and prisons. http://www.pewcenteronthestates.org/report_detail.aspx?id=49382 http://www.pewcenteronthestates.org/uploadedFiles/wwwpewcenteronthestatesorg/Fact_Sheets/PSPP_1in31_factsheet_MI.pdf
amlive
Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 9:49 a.m.
Belboz, No, it's not really a news story. It's an opinion piece - that's why it says "opinion" at the beginning. More a letter to the editor than a news article, and appropriately portrayed as such. Richard Kinsey is a retired police officer, who at the bequest of AnnArbor.com I believe, has graciously agreed to write occasional opinion (or crime and safety blog, if you will) for the site. I personally find it a very valuable asset to regularly have insight, advice, and opinions from someone acutely familiar with these issues offered for us to read and revue as we like. I like to think that this particular piece may have been at least partly written due to my own request. In comments to a previous article about recent rise in crime, I specifically asked if Richard would consider writing a piece here to offer his personal views and insight to the current trends and situation. I don't think he conjured up any fear mongering to rally support for police funding (the department is far from bloated, by the way, but shrunk significantly in size in recent years). To the contrary, I think he gave his honest evaluation and opinions to answer questions and concerns held by myself, and I'm sure many others. So blame me for asking a question if you want - I don't think Richard deserves to be scolded for honestly answering.
REBBAPRAGADA
Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 9:44 a.m.
BLESSINGS FOR PEACE : The presence of crime and violence is indicative of the absence of Peace. Peace is not about absence of warfare between nations. Peace is about the wellbeing of the individual. The wellbeing of the individual has four aspects; the physical wellbeing, the mental wellbeing, the social wellbeing, and the spiritual wellbeing( even if there is no God, man still needs spiritual care and comfort as he confronts the problems of human existence).We can promote Peace by promoting the wellbeing of the man;the physical,mental,social, and spiritual wellbeing of man.If I have no money to invest in promoting the wellbeing of man, I have thoughts that I can freely share with others. The concept of Peace and its relation to the wellbeing of man is reflected in the following 'Mantra' in Sanskrit language: Om, Sarvesham Swastir Bhavatu, Sarvesham Shantir Bhavatu, Sarvesham Purnam Bhavatu, Sarvesham Mangalam Bhavatu, Om, Shanti, Shanti, ShantiH. The word Sarvesham is an all inclusive term and the hymn desires to invoke the Blessings upon all without excluding anyone.Shanti is Peace. The Blessings of Peace are granted by ensuring the Physical, Mental, and Social wellbeing of all.
David Briegel
Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 9:39 a.m.
It really is both the community and the police. We also have many community organizations helping the lesser among us, all of which are under extreme financial pressure and cutting back on the services they provide. Also, if honest people with no criminal backgrounds can't find work imagine how difficult it is for ex felons to find work. That is a contributing factor to the recidivism problem. If crime pays more than the menial Bush ers new jobs progress will be difficult. Excellent article and comments.
Chris Goosman
Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 8:40 a.m.
Very interesting take on the situation. And I agree with amlive that the State Psych Hospital situation likely contributed to the prison overcrowding. One nit: It's Sebastian Junger, not Sebastion.
belboz
Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 8:39 a.m.
Is that really a news story, or just some former police officer, living off his highly paid pension, who probably retired early, trying to protect his bretheren by scaring people with a "perfect storm"??? Ann Arbor has low crime because of the people that live here, not the police that protect the city. We have a very community focussed environment where people don't feel like they can easily commit crimes. I sleep soundly, not because I know the police are outside my door, but because of a neighborhood that looks out for each other and criminals that don't venture into Ann Arbor becuase they know they will stand out. Sure, there is the occasional crime, but to classify Ann Arbor as the perfect storm is a reckless attempt to try and muster support for a Police Force that is bloated and over paid. We should have the lowest paid officers in the country because we live in one of the safest communities in America. The highest paid should be those guys in Detroit.
amlive
Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 8:36 a.m.
Thank you so much for this article Richard! Though not the prettiest or most pleasant picture, it's certainly a very good overview of the circumstances we are in, and what we may have to anticipate if economic conditions don't miraculously turn our budget issues around in the immediate future. State and national funding waning for prisons, unemployment and individual economic hardships increasing the number of people turning to crime, and state, local, and regional budget shortfalls meaning fewer officers to keep it in check. Not a good combination.I might add as a subcategory, the closing of our State psychiatric asylums a decade ago, which though it's not new news, no doubt contributed to our current prison overcrowding. That system certainly had it's problems too, but now that it's gone those problems and burdens are largely loaded on the shoulders of county jails and state prisons. You and the Ann Arbor police force have helped me on a few occasions, and I am very grateful. Several years back, the AAPD was actually able to trace and recover a computer that was stolen from my home. I wonder if they would have the time or resources to do anything like that today though. In any case, thanks again for your service, both past and present. I think your current role as a civilian liaison and advisor is a very welcome asset to the community. I hope a lot of people are reading this. Lock your doors, keep in touch with what's going on in your community, and look out for your neighbors!
Larry Kestenbaum
Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 8:20 a.m.
The tremendous increase in crime from 1960 to 1975 (amid a lot of other social changes) was a trauma for the public, who naturally demanded tougher policies. The legislatures and the criminal justice system responded with a tremendous across-the-board increase in imprisonment. Mandatory minimums, elimination of much parole, and three-strikes laws were all part of that. The problem, across the whole country, was that we came to imprison people at a rate that was completely unsustainable. Our incarceration rate became the highest in the world. And still the number of prisoners (and the cost of keeping them locked up) soared. As corrections sucked up a huge proportion of tax dollars, all other public priorities suffered -- including public safety needs like police on the street. The number of reported crimes per police officer has increased by orders of magnitude. Now the economic crisis has reached the point where even corrections is subject to deep cuts, and prisoners are being released. But as Rich Kinsey notes, local police forces, already under pressure, and being cut even further.