As a crime prevention specialist, I have worked with citizens and police officers for 39 years. Today I receive questions about my experiences with the police.

He was teaching residents how to protect themselves and their neighbors from crime. After a meeting, an officer pushed me against a wall. He was angry and made it clear, I had “invaded” his rhythm. The next morning, I was at the police chief’s office and the problem was quickly resolved. That was the only unfortunate experience I had in thirty-nine years working with the police.

The “war on police” is a dangerous trend and must be stopped or American cities will continue to suffer!

Men and women join local police departments to “protect and serve.” The vast majority of people are fired if they don’t have a positive mental attitude, don’t have a good education, and don’t want to help the community.

Gun violence costs taxpayers $229 billion a year. Criminals do not care about the community and often spread lies in an effort to turn the community against the police. They pay the neighbors’ bills and bring gifts to build their protection network as a shield against the police. His only interest is to continue selling drugs, pimping young women, stealing and stealing. The gangs do not want the police to interrupt their “business”. They control neighborhoods through fear and intimidation, which creates stress and mental health problems. Rampant criminal activity keeps law-abiding citizens behind closed doors as they buy guns to protect themselves. Criminals don’t feel threatened as they make their profits, mark their territory with graffiti, and gain a misplaced sense of power.

The vast majority of citizens want to live in peace with their neighbors and keep their children safe. The national average is 2.4 police officers per 1,000 citizens. The police alone CANNOT protect you from crime, drugs and violence. It is up to all of us to take responsibility for the safety of our own neighborhood.

So… who is the biggest threat to the safety of the community?

It is destructive and costly when politicians and city leaders blame the police. If something isn’t working in our cities, it’s up to city leaders to address the issues immediately. Blaming the police is a scapegoat. The role of the police is to react to crime! The role of city leaders is to take responsibility for preventing community problems. If citizens are afraid, trained coordinators must help neighbors work together to stop criminal activity. When fear is reduced, people can create a strong sense of community for their children.

Community involvement should be top priority if we’re going to keep America safe. I suggest you look at what city leaders can do to keep cities safe. These are proven methods with many success stories!

See the “Safe Neighborhoods for City Leaders Program” in the resource box below for more information.

Americans need to speak up, work together, and talk to local politicians and community leaders about what they are doing to help stop the “war on police” and how they plan to bring the community together.