Partnership: Community tip brought arrest; others will help, too.

It was just one phone call when a passer-by saw something suspicious and decided to do something instead of simply looking the other way.

And because of that call, a crime that might have had victims and could have gone unsolved isn't.

That is the reason that a partnership between residents and law enforcement is so important.

We talk all the time about reducing crime and lament how it seems to be getting worse. Yet, so many people refuse to assist police -- out of fear or apathy -- as they try to stay one step ahead of the criminals.

Imagine if there were a network of people who ready did share tips with the police more often. If more neighbors would take a stand against drug dealers, thugs and other sorts of criminals, what effect would that have? Wouldn't that make a difference in the number of crimes reported and solved in the city and county this year?

Criminals do not like places where people are vigilant and are not afraid to report their activities.

It would seem that perhaps this just might be the secret weapon this community  has been looking for to fight crime.

It will take courage and a determination that this community belongs to its residents, not the criminals.

Published in Editorials on March 28, 2013 12:03 PM