What happens when a police department isn’t fully staffed? A rise in crime, it seems.
Reports indicate that the city of Westminster, California is experiencing a “recruitment war,” resulting in a low-staffed security force. As a result, crime has seen a steady rise in the town since January. Robbery has gone up 80 percent; aggravated assault has risen 70 percent; and burglary is up 20 percent. Overall, violence crime as a whole has seen an increase of 60 percent.
Alarming numbers, to be sure, but is there anything the department can do about it? “We do not have the staffing to do that much proactive enforcement on a lot of these (crimes),” said Westminster police chief Darin Lenyi during a city council meeting.
He noted that several officers were already “working overtime to cover patrol functions,” but in the end, “they need sleep.”
Joining us now to discuss the matter is Michael Letts, founder and CEO of InVest USA, an organization that supplies bulletproof vests to police officers through sponsorships and charitable programs. Letts has provided support to police for years, and wanted to provide his two cents on this matter.
Q&A:
- What do you think is happening when it comes to this “recruitment war” in California? Is it just one police department trying to be better than the other, or simply trying to keep up with supply and demand in the face of a pandemic and growing inflation?
- Do you think it’s fair that some officers have to work overtime to make ends meet? Isn’t there a way for the city to possibly call in other officers to lend a hand?
- Do you think the government will pay closer attention to cities that see an increase in crime like this? Could they possibly pass some sort of bill or ordinance to provide them additional funding for more officers to join the force?
- Do you think the city should launch some sort of protective measure where citizens can open carry a weapon and protect themselves, especially with the resurgence in criminal acts?
- Do you believe there’s more that Lenyl and his team can do in an effort to recruit more officers? Or are they stuck with what their local government is giving them?
- Where can we learn more about InVest USA?
- You can visit the official website at http://www.investusa.org.
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of In-Vest 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. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
CONTACT: Gerald McGlothlin at: jerry.specialguests@gmail.com
