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By Frances Brigham Johnson
Americans are now facing unprecedented threats, dangers and lawlessness in streets and homes of their towns and cities across the country. A common and rising threat is the ominous rise in assaults and murders of police and military officers, such as in Dallas, New York, and Chattanooga.....People of various walks of life are being murdered because of ideology or personal angst -- think of Virginia, Texas and Washington, D.C.....Not only do criminals and anarchists commit crime in streets and homes. Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists and their agents are perpetrating crimes against individual Americans, undermining our national security and police forces. Through digital messaging and foreign religious centers, ISIS is recruiting converts in America and deploying activists to join their movement abroad. Now we must act to give our police and military protectors a normal chance to live their lives and protect us wherever we live. Citizens can make known they will encourage and expect their local elected officials to honor and speak well of the police who protect them. Residents can call on local officials to provide sufficient budgets for recruiting, training, equipping and overseeing law enforcement personnel. If police begin to leave the force because they no longer choose to bear the risk and heartbreak caused by nefarious murderers, the whole town will bear the consequences. Americans can act to assure safe streets and homes by seeing that the local officials they elect to public office, particularly officers charged with enforcing law and order, are committed to providing rhetorical and financial support. Citizens will know the caliber of mayors, council members and sheriffs both by what they say when they speak with the public and what they do to provide adequate budgets for public safety in their jurisdiction. Likewise, citizens must be careful when they use their vote to choose mayors as well as sheriffs. These officials will oversee and guide the police corps and related public services such as mental health. The job of sheriff includes organizing, guiding, training and building rapport within the local police corps, gaining public respect for what they do, and proposing and defending local public safety budgets sufficient for the challenges at hand. News accounts follow on the condition of public safety in towns and cities such as Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, New York City, Dallas, San Francisco, and District of Columbia. ACTION NEEDED You are protected by your mayor and local law enforcement corps. They deal with would-be murderers. They see that your 911 calls are answered. Your sheriff leads and deals directing with law enforcement officers in your hometown. Unless your local police force is fully funded, trained and competently directed, you are at risk. This essay let's you know how law enforcement services are deteriorating in cities and towns that are under duress and stress. It is citizens who are in position to select and install local officials they think will protect their lives and neighborhood. Community leaders and communicators can stimulate a groundswell of voices from America who will call for and insist on safe streets and homes. American citizens who hear can insist on leadership and action by mayors and sheriffs. These local officials are responsible for performance of local law enforcement, including the police force and mental health services. Select mayors and sheriffs who, by voice and action, show they will respect and fulfill their responsibility for safe streets and homes. News follows on the condition of public safety in places such as Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, New York City, Dallas, San Francisco, and the District o f Columbia. With police so discouraged, crime has surged in at least 35 American cities this year, reports Heather Mac Donald, fellow at the Manhattan Institute. http://www.wsj.com/articles/americas-legal-order-begins-to-fray-1442182979
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