Placing The Blame

I really wasn't impllying that the officers were lazy. I just meant that they really do need to be out patrolling more. The i ncident last night really made me mad. People were saying it was a car that backfired. Look at the homicide rate in Louisville. Whenever anyone is shot, there is not the massive manhunt that took place last night. No one looks for the shooter like they did last night. Believe me I know the POS that you have to deal with, I have to live around them and would move except it is so convenient to bus lines and work. But I also want you to remember that there are good people out there too and sometimes you need to step back and think before cussing someone out. My kids tell me I live in a dream world where people will treat you like they treat you. But I never relied on the police, the schools, the church, anyone to raise my children but me and I took full responsibility for that job and made them responsible for what they did. Rare in this day and age I know. I spent many sleepless nights waiting for them to come in, many nights out looking for them and making them come home because they missed curfew and some nights talking with police about what they were out doing -- and usually it was just stupid stuff. Times have changed - it used to be the kids would simply fight, now they kill without even a thought as to taking a life. I guess it is a no win situation. I myself would just like to see more police patrolling the areas. There have been 5 or 6 shootings around where I live. You can no longer take a walk, I'm afraid to ride the bus, etc. The grandchildren can't go into the front yard unless an adult is with them and they are not little kids. I guess I just really want to make sense of the world and there is none.

It's a shame that you have such a negative outlook on life and your job. I too live in the Portland area and have had dealings with the officers that were mentioned. There is a definite difference between you and them. They are great officers and very personable. It seemed that they liked the community down here and I still see them riding down here almost daily. It is so easy to have a blanket dislike for citizens when you have a job like you do, but remember this: NOBODY ASKED YOU TO DO THIS JOB. I don't mean to appear uncaring as I do support the police 100%. I know this post won't change your feelings, but you could take some pointers from these truly veteran officers. I remember when I was younger and officers Towles, Warrdrip, and Wescott played football in the street with us on 17th street. We still talk about it today when I see them. I also remember going to community meetings and everyone in the old 6th district knew the officers on their beat. If you take anything from this, please know that there are people on your side and who will back you. Remember, you are not working for the thugs out here, you are working so I can sleep at night and I thank you.