A few miles northeast of Atlanta, GA lies Gwinnett County. It’s been an area bustling with growth for decades. An old saying was, “We’ve got the best county commissioners money can buy.” The reference was to what seemed to be an endless approval of commercial and residential projects. Projects with little or no pause. The school district is said to be the largest in Georgia. The 90’s movie phrase, “If you build it, they will come,” seems fitting.
Growth and prosperity also inevitably carry unwanted consequences. In the way of increased crime that is. Passionate debates on whether or not the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) should extend its rail service into Gwinnett have occurred. Detractors say that it will bring in more crime. In Gwinnett and other surrounding areas, the topic of “affordable housing” has spiked, as real estate is scarce and quickly gobbled up. Affordable housing some say, is code for “low income” housing which, connects to more crime.
How does a county or city grow and at the same time, manage crime? Formulas exist that say, when the population hits this number or this amount of governmental revenue is achieved, then increase the number of police officers. Public administration is rarely a perfect science. It seems like only three years ago crime was manageable. Not so today. Police defunding – really? Prior to the ill call of defunding police, law enforcement agencies still had difficulties filling open positions. How would you say the problem is today? Who wants to enter law enforcement?
So, crime prevention is on the minds of citizens unlike never before in American history. Residential camera systems are the rave, along with gun ownership. Neighborhood watch groups have ebbed and flowed. More recently, active shooter training is provided for businesses and houses of worship. Home alarm systems are routinely installed.
One private investigator near Gwinnett County says those things are fine, and for your home there is a simple low-cost additive. The investigator says that reinforced metal door plates installed along door jambs and deadbolts, can prevent “kick-ins.” Several types are available on the market. The investigator adds, “They are inexpensive and relatively easy to install. Or, ask a locksmith about installing them on your perimeter doors or even interior doors from your garage into your home.” The investigator, who is a prior law enforcement officer adds that when most types are properly installed, he cannot kick the door in.
Another recommendation he has, after spending years of performing physical security risk assessments speaks to your residential alarm system. “Your alarm sensors can stop functioning without necessarily getting an alert from your system.” “Routinely test your system’s components and be careful about relocating furnishings which could block your motion sensors.”
On the subject of firearm ownership – “With all the first-time firearm purchases, it absolutely calls for proper training and handling. You must invest the time to be fully comfortable with the firearm, eliminate the risk for accidents and make sure the whole family is on the same page. Buying a firearm, putting it on a shelf and forgetting about it, is not a good practice.”
What about shortages in law enforcement – “It’s more important on what not to do. It’s critical that agencies do not drop their standards on hiring. This is not talked about often enough. It’s one thing for an agency to have to pay overtime and overwork officers, but an entirely different issue to hire an officer not suited for the position. The latter is a recipe for disaster.”
He goes on to say, “Get involved and attend political meetings for district attorney races. Write to your district attorney about the importance of firm prosecution, even if there are no signs of softening. If they take a soft view on crime, for the purpose of a social experiment or some post-modern criminological theory, tell them to go look for another job. Do it without fear and mean it.”
Criminals have a fear of detection but equally as important, is a fear of consequences. Tough prosecution is a must and so are reasonable bail settings. By all means, thank or wave to police officers. Their job is more difficult now than at any other time. With a community that is tough on crime, proper law enforcement staffing and having an informed citizenry, let’s hope for a returned sense of safety.