The importance of Public Safety in Local Government ...

Yesterday, we pointed out that local government should focus on five basic principals (IE: Government 101):

• Public Safety
• Public Infrastructure
• Delivery of Public Services
• Finance
• Parks

Well, it appears today, Mayor Candidate has announced a Public Safety plan for Cedar Rapids. This is very encouraging, because despite some good trends occurring in Cedar Rapids regarding Public Safety, there is certainly work to be done on this important issue.

Corbett Announces Bold Plan to Fight Crime in Cedar Rapids

Corbett uses local law enforcement experts to develop plan, instead of out-of-state consultants

For Immediate Release

September 17, 2009

Cedar Rapids - Saying its time to nip the growing Cedar Rapids crime problem in the bud, mayoral candidate Ron Corbett called on the city to take bold action to guarantee families a safe place to raise their children.

"We know that fighting crime before it takes root is like fighting a disease - treat it early before it gets out of hand," said Corbett. "My five point plan will make an immediate difference for the safety of local families without breaking the bank."

While the current city council has relied on expensive out-of-state consultants to develop plans and create policy, Corbett called upon local citizens and law enforcement experts to put together a comprehensive crime fighting plan.

Former United States Attorney, Chuck Larson, Sr. commented on the Corbett plan:"Ron Corbett's crime fighting plan is balanced and smart. I've been involved in law enforcement and crime prevention for more than 25 years and if his plan is put into place, we'll see an impact in Cedar Rapids," said Larson."My wife and our family were victims of a home burglary this summer when I was traveling out of state with my children. We know how unnerving the experience can be. My goal is simple: fewer victims and more safe neighborhoods," said Corbett. "I'm raising five children in this community, and we hope to be here for a lot of years. I plan to see that all Cedar Rapids neighborhoods are safe and crime free."

The Corbett Crime Fighting Plan

Restitution Work Crews - "It's time for juveniles that commit a criminal act against individuals or society to pay the community back through restitution work crews. I would work with the chief of the juvenile court to deploy juvenile work crews in our community cleaning, mowing, painting, and picking up flood zones. This would provide juvenile court officers a new option for sentencing. Not only does this help to repair some of the damage caused, but it also teaches the discipline of hard work."

Safe Schools - Juvenile crime is on the rise. "We need more intelligence as we fight gangs and the rise in juvenile crime. I would partner with the school district and have officers in each of the high schools and middle schools. This will reduce patrol car calls and provide valuable intelligence from the youth that are being recruited to join gangs. Sioux City, Des Moines, and Davenport have all embraced officers in school with success at reducing their gang crime problems."

Substations - "We need to add a West side substation. Law enforcement needs to be de-centralized and have a greater presence in the neighborhoods. It's important for law enforcement to be visible throughout the community. We also should staff the substations during evenings and weekends. Currently staffing ends at 5 PM during the week with full closure on weekends."
"Criminals don't limit their work to banker's hours and neither should Cedar Rapids," said Corbett. "We don't need to put an officer behind a desk, but we do need a place where people can go for assistance without driving across town. Let's have substations that are open on weekends and much later on weeknights."

Reserve officer program - Cedar Rapids needs to jump start its reserve officer program. "I would add 10 to 15 new reserve officers. This is a great way to encourage individuals looking at a law enforcement career to get involved early. Mount mercy and Kirkwood both have strong criminal justice programs. The city can partner with them and create a win-win situation. The reserve officers get valuable experience and the city gets more patrol time at a very nominal cost."

COP Shop Volunteers - Fighting crime requires more than just police on the streets. "Citizens and neighborhood involvement is critical to the success of fighting crime. We need to use community volunteers to help staff the substations. Volunteers can fill out reports and paperwork so police officers are on the streets fighting crime. Many communities have programs like this. Spokane, Washington is an example of a program that utilizes citizens and volunteers. I would partner and work with the department of corrections and their innovative programming."

The above release was from the Corbett for Mayor campaign.