Re “The Police N-e-v-e-r Come When I Call”
After reading Jessica Gadsden’s essay, I would like to respond with some personal comments and suggestions.
While many non-violent, quality-of-life crimes are not considered urgent for response, a car will always come, eventually.
The real issue is how to interact to get the attention needed for issues within your community.
1) Join your Community Police Advisory Board. It meets monthly. That is the place for citizens to interact with their division on issues of the community.
2) Call 911, not the watch commander. Service is much better that way.
3) Join your local Neighborhood Council. Get involved in their Public Safety Committee.
Former Chief Bill Bratton did a remarkable job with very little resources. We now have more sworn officers than in the city's history, 10,000.
No, police do not respond to non- injury accidents.
But, filing a report is as simple as driving to the station and filing the report with the desk officer.
I suggest you get to know, not chastise, your Senior Lead Officer.
Get to know the head of Narcotics and Gangs in your area. Positive interaction will get you much- needed information as well as better results.
Jay Handal, Chair West L.A. Neighborhood Council, may be contacted at sgrest@aol.com
