Cameras purge and relocate crime

Deseret News editorial
Published: Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009 12:03 a.m. MDT

As with so much encouraging news these days, the success of the surveillance cameras at Pioneer Park comes with a caveat of concern.

To begin with, the cameras have done exactly what they were supposed to do. They have reduced crime. Calls to police about drug-related problems have been cut almost in half. And because the cameras at the corners of the park are so visible, only two dealers have braved them. Both were arrested.

All that is a plus.

The concern comes later — when dealers begin to disperse and do their business in surrounding neighborhoods instead of congregating at the park.

In short, criminals don't go away. They just go elsewhere.

So busting up the pushers in the park may well be like scattering a nest of spiders. One big problem can quickly turn into a hundred small ones. In fact, some citizens would prefer the desperate be allowed to stay at the park. That is where social service organizations can easily find them and supply needed medical, intervention and nutritional needs.

But a civil society must do what must be done. And winking at felonies in one part of town while cracking down on them in others is not a solution. It's a dodge.

Pioneer Park is a legacy park. In recent years, it may not have lived up to that legacy, but it is still the place where the Mormon pioneers spent their first night in the Salt Lake Valley. Down the decades it has been the site for many historical and cultural events. In the name of convenience alone, it cannot be allowed to remain a haven for anti-social behavior.

Where there's lawlessness, the law must move in.

And though dealers may have filtered out into other areas, Pioneer Park itself has a new look and feel. Merchants and visitors there remark on a friendlier tone.

As for those who wonder if police use of surveillance cameras may be a slippery slope toward trading freedoms for security, we feel that's over-thinking the issue.

The police saw a problem with felonies at the park. They found a way to correct that problem. And the city is better off for it.

We commend the Salt Lake City Police Department for a job well done.

Lunch Time Concerts in the park!

Every weekday from 12-1(Lunch Hour)

Today I checked it out and it is SO MUCH FUN! I brought my lunch(to eat) my computer(to work) and my dog(to socialize and get some air) AH MULTITASKING....let's just say that living by the park feeds my addiction ;)
Cleo enjoying the concert(she scared away precisely 2 men who approached us from behind) so she stole the show a few times(luckily the wonderfully talented Marcia Knorr didn't seem to mind)

Free Movies in the Park start Tommorow Night!

AUG 1 approx 9 pm Pioneer Park
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE
Preceded by award winning short I MET A WALRUS

Director Julie Taymor 133 min. PG-13
Gritty, whimsical and highly theatrical, Across the Universe is a fanciful
trip back to the 60’s with Beatle’s music and the generation of love.
Presented by Salt Lake Solutions and Office of the Mayor

A Great time will be had by all! I will be attending this FREE Event in the park. Every Friday in August same time, different movie each week! Bring a lawnchair or blanket to enjoy this neighborhood event!

GRAND OPENING OF PIONEER PARK

Join US!
Free Drawing and Free Dinner(first 100 people WITH TICKET)
Come eat, listen to some great music, and win some very Luxurious Prizes!
Pick up your free ticket at the farmer's market that morning!

Who's afraid of Pioneer Park?

Really, I am so very sick of two things:

First and foremost
People(ie media, my extended family and public officials) referring to my park as an unsafe place to be. If these people would take the time to actually visit the park they would find that their perception is not reality. Yea there are drug deals, yea there are homeless people, but in all reality there are both of these things everywhere-GET OVER IT!!! If you don't want to be around drug dealers or those that use drugs you had better stay locked in your room....because they are everywhere(I'm talking to you Sandy and Riverton, Lehi and Provo).....not just in Pioneer park.

Second:
Lack of follow through......by just about everyone.....
c'mon if you want something you have to work for it. Do we really think that wonderful neighborhoods and parks just are built and then they are? Nope.....you have to work hard to make a house a home and a building a community....if we want a safer park the people who live near NEED TO WORK FOR IT! You wouldn't expect someone else to clean your house or mow your lawn....this is YOUR space-take some ownership.

Having said that: We need the support of both the Mayor's office and the City council to help in the effort. Talk needs to translate into action. NOW!!

Story on Fake Panhandlers......ruining it for the rest of us

Think Twice before handing out your parking meter money....instead give to the varied and effective charities around the city and state.

http://www.kutv.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=37781@kutv.dayport.com&navCatId=5

Thoughts on Preventing Car Prowls by Steve White

This is from a community leader and neighbor....he has an interesting insight on how to keep your car safe.
Although I can't recommend that you actually leave your car unlocked(you might sue me) He does bring up some great thoughts!


Howdy, Neighbors. Steve White here. I am a Neighborhood Watch building captain here in downtown Salt Lake. We all know that Car Prowl activity is not going to slow down anytime soon. In that vein, I would like to offer some tips.
Many moons ago I knew a group of car prowlers. Sometimes there would be three of them in the group, sometimes five. But there were always the core members- the two of them that had day jobs installing car alarms.
Car alarms aren't going to stop them. The sad truth is that if someone wants into your car, they are getting into your car. The good news is that you can minimize or even eliminate the damage incurred. The question I would ask myself is this- Are my C.D.'s worth the Five Hundred Dollars it would take to replace my busted window?
Here's the tip of the day. Do not leave anything of value in your car and leave it unlocked.
Leave It Unlocked!?!?! You're CRAZY! You are thinking.
My car can get Stolen!
I don't want some strange person going through my things!
Hard Cheeze.
If someone wants to steal your car or go through it, they will.
A car burglar will break your window to get at the 75 cents in your ashtray.
Identity theft is another issue here. Do you have your Title in your car? Why? That belongs in your safe at home. You need your proof of insurance and registration. These go in your handbag, wallet, or briefcase. Your glove compartment should only contain an ice scraper.
Your trunk is no safer. Most cars nowadays have a trunk release inside the car, remember.

I'm pullin' for ya; We're all in this together.
-Steve