Alderman questions need for three officers
In a special meeting on July 23, 2007, Adrian's City Council voted to approve the upcoming year's budget, after much discussion. Alderman Hank Stark questioned the amount designated for the police department, saying, "I’m not against the police department, but I don’t understand why a little one horse jerkwater town has to have 24-hour, 7 day a week police coverage.”
“I’m sick and tired of spending money to protect [repeat offenders],” Stark continued. “The police force does not prevent crime, they only address it after it happens.”
Leonard Harrison, City Administrator, stated that he hopes the addition of a third full time police officer will help deter crime. “[With only two officers] after a certain hour, we have to depend on the highway patrol,” Harrison said.
“I do believe [police] prevent crime just by their presence,” Mayor Cindy Kendrick agreed.
Police
After reading their story of the city council about the Police Dept, and Alderman Stark, I see that he is still living in the past, and it's time for him to get out of office. I'm sure that when he was involved in law enforcement, that Aunt Bea, Opie, and Goober thought he was great, and the "little one horse town" was well taken care of. Those of us that do not like the Kansas City influence realize that 24/7 protection from this is required, and that constant patrolling of the city and near areas, is required. Mr. Stark informed me one time that the Police and Fire Departments budgets were made out by the previous City Clerk, why was this happening, because she always did it, although she had no idea what was needed or could be used to protect the public safety. Mr. Stark, now is the time for you to get out of the city government business.
Police
Crime prevention requires visibility. This has been known since the time we began policing ourselves.
I think it's a shame that every "little one horse town" can't afford at least 4 full time officers. It takes that many to cover 24/7.
Most crimes in small, or any other town, occur between 2:00 and 6:00 AM. The time when most small towns can't cover.
Ignoring this will not help. Just realize that there is no way for one officer to cover a town the size of Adrian.