Domestic violence intervention alternatives

Editor: The killing of Stockton Police Officer Jimmy Inn is tragic (Stockton officer killed responding to call, May 12). The incident again points out the dangers for law enforcement when dealing with domestic violence situations in general and especially when one or both parties are armed.

Given the dangers in situations like this, the question of whether the current progressive efforts to eliminate police from as many citizen situations as possible makes sense. For example, San Joaquin County District Attorney Tori Salazar is considering implementation of the Eugene, Oregon program called CAHOOTS. This stands for “Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets.” The idea here is to use social services and medical personnel in lieu of police to deal with citizen challenges and conflicts.

I am sure there is merit to the CAHOOTS concept, but is it realistic in all situations? I understand that CAHOOTS personnel are not armed and do not restrain people. If this is the case how are social and medical workers supposed to handle a domestic dispute that gets out of hand? How will they know the situation is getting out of hand? How will this affect the timing in getting the appropriate personnel on the scene? How will this adversely affect the safety of social and medical workers?

In spite of a political agenda to diminish the impact of police, there is a legitimate role for law enforcement in insuring and promoting public safety.

TIM LONEY

Lockeford