Hasty judgment

Dear editor:

An article in the Aug. 9 issue of The Sentinel-record highlights the problem in areas of the West, like Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles, of so few police officers left to solve crimes, while the rate of violence grows. Although the article deals with a Western problem in particular, it is a problem nationwide. Arkansas stats show a decrease in violent crime in Hot Springs and Little Rock from 2020, but police shortage, like teacher shortage, is still great.

Due to the thoughtless behavior of a few police folk in some areas of our great country, some citizens “jumped the gun” and started demanding a defunding of their police departments. After a few months of experiencing such a drastic step, it has become obvious that such a hasty judgment has proved debilitating.

Many departments nationwide now have a shortage of force, while in some areas violence is growing.

I strongly believe that cities and counties need to refund and improve salaries to get dedicated men and women to serve. Also, most departments need more funding for newer and greater police training. Portland alone has 100 fewer force members than two years ago. Due to early retirements and simple departures. Los Angeles is down 650.

I have never found local Hot Springs police anything but helpful. Several who are now retired were students of mine in their college years. I remember two in particular who spent four college years so they could serve in police work. The female has retired from the Hot Springs department, and the state patrolman took early retirement recently and is in investments now. We lay folk often do not understand what stress police work can bring. The same can be said about dedicated teachers. That shortage is occurring for the same reason: Insufficient pay and too much stress.

As a Life Member of the American Legion, I am often reminded that many say “Thank you for your service” to a veteran. We need to do likewise with police workers and those in education. As much as I love sports, consider the difference in how we Americans value sports and first responders and educators. The difference is overwhelming. I believe it — I must say it.

John W. “Doc” Crawford

Hot Springs