Chattanooga, like the rest of the nation, has always had community policing in some form or on some level. The question is, how will it be used, this time?
In recent time, as it's historically, community policing has been used to segregate by race, class, create chaos, divide communities. Pit neighbor against neighbor. But rarely has it been used to unite and bring neighbors together. What different tools will be used this time to guarantee things won't resort back to their old habits and ways? Police catering to a small group. Their services being used, misused and abused to harass and bully fellow neighbors.
Don't tell me I or anyone needs to show up at the meetings. I've already been there done that, and we were basically ignored, passed over when attempting to speak. I shouldn't have to attend a meeting just for the privilege of being able to freely walk in or re-enter the community I've lived for decades without being harassed, family members and/or neighbors being assaulted by police or told "You don't look like you belong here."
Just out of curiosity. How will 'this time' around be different? Better? Truly reaching out to "all" members of the community and not just a select few? Will there be any oversight, and not just at the hands and power of community groups?
Brenda Washington
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There seems to be a trend across America these days where people get upset when the cops hassle them for committing crime. Criminals seem to constantly feel harassed by police having the nerve to enforce the law.
From what I've seen obeying the law is the single best way to keep the police off your back. I do it and it works.
Spread the word.
Jason Turner