Citizens, churches, neighborhood leaders, government officials, philanthropists, and educators must all pitch in with law enforcement to improve quality of life issues within the City of Columbus.
There will be opportunities to help in many ways–Senior citizens volunteering to mentor a child, high quality after-school programs at your church, hiring a young person for a summer job, participation within the living free program, and providing financial support to the organizations who will be executing the plan!
It is a call to action that requires nurturing our children and their families so that they become positive and productive contributing members of our community. Just as effective law enforcement strategies are within our reach, so are the strategies to prevent crime in the first place.
Crime erodes the very fabric that holds our community together. It damages our ability to recruit jobs and talent, and drives existing residents and businesses out of Lowndes County. Citizens’ inclination to report crime has a positive effect on the battle faced with violent criminal offenders and drug traffickers who threaten our streets and neighborhoods and prey on the most vulnerable in our community–the very young, the elderly, the poor, and those facing language barriers, such as our growing Hispanic community.
Neighborhoods where social disorders occur–including public drinking/drug use, loitering, and panhandling/begging–contribute to serious and violent crime, none of which can be solved by law enforcement alone. They require specialized law enforcement/community partnerships, encompassing education, treatment, social services, and neighborhood support. More often than not, both adults and youth who commit crimes, suffer from mental health and/or substance abuse problems and lack education, life skills, housing, job prospects, or a positive support network.
My goal is not merely to stop people from committing crimes, but to help them become successful in their families, schools, and communities.
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The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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