InVest USA’s Michael Letts provides his take on the growing trend of looting during a natural disaster.
Hurricane Ian is currently sweeping along the lower southeast of the United States. It’s already made its way through Florida, and it’s slowly working towards both North and South Carolina.
For some, it’s a matter of keeping safe from the gusty winds and flooding. But others see it as a prime opportunity to partake in looting or other criminal activities.
It’s gotten to the point where some counties have announced curfews, in an effort to keep people within their homes. “To be sure, and I feel safe relaying this in on behalf of law enforcement, there’s going to be a zero-tolerance policy for looting and violence in this town,” Lee County Manager Roger Dejarlais announced during a recent press conference.
Some just see it as a sad act, with criminals lowering their standards in an effort to attack those that are already suffering from the effects of Hurricane Ian. But the real question is just how bad it’ll get as the weekend approaches.
Here to speak with us on this matter is Michael Letts, who has 30 years of law enforcement under his belt. He currently serves as president, founder and CEO for InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers, through charitable groups and sponsorships. His expertise will certainly provide weight on this matter.
Q&A:
- What compels criminals to strike out against businesses and people in the midst of a natural disaster? Is it just a “golden opportunity” for them, that they think they can get away with something?
- On your moral scale, how low is it for criminals to attack those victimized by a hurricane or other natural disaster?
- Some counties have announced curfews in the hopes of curtailing violence, but what more do you think can be done to keep citizens safe from potential looters and criminals? Can more actually be done with dwindling police forces being the way they are?
- As the hurricane heads your way, what advice do you have for your fellow officers that face both a natural disaster and the possible criminal activity that will stem from it?
- Could officers be facing a handful of trouble between what’s happening with the hurricane and the conditions that have already stemmed from the “defund the police” campaign?
- One local sheriff was rumored to say that if looters are “lucky,” they will simply just be jailed. What form of punishment would be fitting for criminals that take advantage of the effects of a hurricane? Perhaps assisting in clean-up afterward?
- Tell us more about InVest USA, and how it’s helping police officers, especially in their time of need.
- Where can we learn more about In-Vest USA, and how people can contribute to the group?
- You can visit the official website at http://www.investusa.org.
About Michael Letts:
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, hence his pro-police stance for his brothers and sisters in blue. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin at: jerry.specialguests@gmail.com or 919-437-0001.
