Invest USA’s Michael Letts explains why the latest situation in St. Louis could lead to bigger problems in 2023.
There have already been numerous reports about dwindling police forces and rising crime in other states. But St. Louis is being hit especially hard as of late.
A new report from Fox News reveals that a huge wave of resignations from the police force have led to “critical mass,” as the “major exodus” could result in a rising crime rate for the city as the new year looms.
Since 2017, over 815 officers have left their post, per a report from the St. Louis Police Pension Board. Considering that the city already ranks as one of the least safest in the United States, this could pose an even bigger problem for it.
Interim Police Chief Michael Sack sent an email to staff earlier this month, explaining the situation. “This puts a burden on us to perform our duties with fewer officers,” he noted, according to local news station KSDK. “We must pay attention to staffing in the line platoons and on squads. No squad should have fewer than five officers with the optimum number being seven officers. I wish I could give you more, but this is the reality.”
So can anything be done about this? Speaking with us now on the matter is Michael Letts, who has over 30 years of law enforcement under his belt. Michael currently serves as founder, CEO and president for InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable groups and sponsorships. His expertise should prove worthwhile in this matter.
Q&A:
- So what do you believe is the reasoning behind all these resignations? Pressure from the “defund the police” campaigns? The heightened criminal rate? Perhaps a combination of the two?
- How disheartening is it to see a police officer resign before they make full pension? Do you get frustrated when you see the looks on their faces and wonder if more could have been done to help them?
- What do you believe is the driving force to St. Louis’ high criminal activity? The lack of support by the local government, or something else?
- What do you think will happen if St. Louis isn’t able to provide more officers on the force to meet with demand? Could the situation get much worse in 2023?
- Currently, there is a bill working its way through Congress as an attempt to provide more funding for officers. Do you believe it will make proper traction and give them the support they need? Or do you see it possibly as a political stunt?
- Is there anything you want to say to the St. Louis police officers still serving the city?
- Tell us more about InVest USA, and how it’s helping police officers, especially in their time of need. We believe you’re interested in donating some vests to the police in Bristol, correct?
- 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.
