Law enforcement veteran examines 11 areas running into real trouble right now – and how it could possibly be fixed.
Between the fallout of COVID-19 and the effects of several “defund the police” campaigns, several states are running roughshod with their police officer ranks at the moment.
A new report from Fox News reveals that 11 particular cities are running into vast staffing problems right now, resulting in a higher rate of crime and available officers to take care of them. These include New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Seattle, St. Louis, Louisville, Austin, San Antonio, Phoenix and Tucson.
National Police Association spokesperson Ret. Sgt. Betsy Branter Smith spoke on the problem, and how long she thinks it will last. “This could go on for years. Even if, let’s say, I could flip a magic switch tomorrow, and everyone loved the police and every kid in America wanted to be a cop … it takes nine months to a year from the date of hire for a person to become a police officer. So, there’s one problem. Even if we could fix this tomorrow, it’ll be a year before any of those staffing issues are addressed.”
Here to speak with us now about this matter is Michael Letts, who has served with law enforcement for over 30 years. Letts 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 should prove useful in this matter.
Q&A:
- Okay, let’s get right to it. What’s the biggest cause of the shortage of police officers in these cities? Is “defund the police” primarily to blame, or are there other factors as well?
- Why do you think city and state governments are taking their sweet time trying to support their officers, even when their criminal activity are at their highest level in years?
- What do you think is the solution to the problem? More funding? Better gear? Improvement to mental health care? Perhaps all three?
- There is a bill currently making its way through Congress to provide these officers precious funding, but how long until you think it will make a difference?
- Could things get even worse in 2023 with a pending recession on the way? Could we see the closure of businesses or worse as a result from a growing crime rate?
- Could this affect other cities as well? We’ve only seen a small handful here, but others like Portland seem to be seeing some effect as well.
- 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.
