Earlier this week, Times-Union columnist Ron Littlepage wrote a column calling for the creation of a civilian review board for office involved shootings. Littlepage argues that a civilian review board is the only way to ensure that the process isn’t “tainted” by the notion that the police would unfairly protect other police officers during these investigations.
Littlepage writes…
It would be better to already have in place a review process that’s not tainted with the idea - fairly or unfairly - that the police are protecting fellow officers.
If not a civilian review board, what?
Would adding one or two civilians to the current review process work?
Would it be better to involve the U.S. Department of Justice in questionable shootings?
Is there something else that would be better?
The Times-Union reported that of the 28 people police shot last year, 23 were black.
Understandably that has raised concerns among some African-Americans.
Eddie Staton, one of the founders of the anticrime group MAD DADS, said during the TV-7 program that something needs to be done to instill trust in the police in many African-American neighborhoods.
Once again, if not a civilian review board, what?
Today, Lenny Curry, the Chairman of the Duval Republican Party, published the following letter in response to Mr. Littlepage’s column…
The public is frustrated by the violence that is plaguing the streets of our city. Every day, innocent citizens are targeted by a vicious criminal element that has no regard for human life.
Officer-involved shootings are an unfortunate byproduct of the lawless actions perpetrated by these criminal thugs.
The role of the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office is to provide protection for our children, our families and our property. They stand alone against violent criminals.
Creating a civilian review board, as suggested in Ron Littlepage’s recent column, will not help to curb the violence.
Duval County’s existing review process, which is already open to the public, is significantly more transparent than the process adopted by most other counties.
Ultimately, it is up to all of us to do our part in this fight to protect our families and preserve our communities. Education must be our most urgent priority and will be a key issue in local elections until the Jacksonville crime rate is contained.
Each of us should work to assist our elected officials and law enforcement in educating young men as to the personal dangers of getting involved with gangs and carrying weapons illegally.
Littlepage’s proposal would needlessly and irresponsibly inject politics into a system that is working. Members of the Republican Party of Duval County believe in the ability of our elected officials to determine fair public policy.
We wholeheartedly support our sheriff and the JSO as they work to make Jacksonville’s neighborhoods safe for all of our children.
LENNY CURRY,
chairman,
Republican Party
of Duval County
February 14th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Mr. Littlepage -
could not be more wrong, tho I have no doubt that he is well intentioned.
The fact of the matter is, most targets of shootings by the thugs, are also thugs. Most are Anything but Innocent. The cause is the same cause which brought so much violence in the 20’s, and 30’s - and brought organized crime.
As soon as prohibition was done away with? And Taxed?
Well, my Grandchildren can buy a rock of Crack, easier than they can buy a six pk of beer, or cigarettes.
The gang violence is spilling over into this country, and steadily spreading thru our streets, as a cancer. Legalize it, Tax it, and we will have much money for rehab. Oh, I have heard all of the reasons why not to - and they are invalid, for anyone who takes ther blinders off, and thinks about it. It will happen when Our Government and culture finishes their tailspin into Chaos anyway, so, whatevah…
The targets and their assailants? Natural Selection, thats all it is.
6.3 billion people on this planet? Nature tries harder to regain balance even creates new diseases faster than….you know…
Instead of Civilian Brownshirts, try supporting the Police. Whining on the one hand about street violence, while on the other looking for a Policeman to ruin his career, will only cut it not much longer
February 14th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Mr. Littlepage -
could not be more wrong, tho I have no doubt that he is well intentioned.
The fact of the matter is, most targets of shootings by the thugs, are also thugs. Most are Anything but Innocent. The cause is the same cause which brought so much violence in the 20’s, and 30’s - and brought organized crime.
As soon as prohibition was done away with? And Taxed?
Well, my Grandchildren can buy a rock of Crack, easier than they can buy a six pk of beer, or cigarettes.
The gang violence is spilling over into this country, and steadily spreading thru our streets, as a cancer. Legalize it, Tax it, and we will have much money for rehab. Oh, I have heard all of the reasons why not to - and they are invalid, for anyone who takes ther blinders off, and thinks about it. It will happen when Our Government and culture finishes their tailspin into Chaos anyway, so, whatevah…
The targets and their assailants? Natural Selection, thats all it is.
6.3 billion people on this planet? Nature tries harder to regain balance even creates new diseases faster than….you know…
Instead of Civilian Brownshirts, try supporting the Police. Whining on the one hand about street violence, while on the other looking for a Policeman to ruin his career, will only cut it not much longer.
The neighborhoods can take back their streets, with some sacrifice and courage. Maybe they could come down on the DeadbeatDadKidThugs? Perhaps actually KNOW where their children are and keep them in school?
And then, teach them good manners, and help them with their homework?
These things could happen, if people used their money for it, rather than giving it to the Rev. Wrights? Naaah…ain’t gonna happen…
I don’t know what I am talking about? In the first half of my life, I was a four time convicted felon, and have seen time in NY, and FL, and I have seen the worst people this country has.
So, I am just the big 500lb gorilla in the room. As I watch this Great Land of ours going down the Tube, at least I don’t have blinders on, and understand what I am seeing…..so, I am Blessed….