The police department stopped providing reporters access to crime report information that is the basis for our weekly police blotter nearly three weeks ago and our readers are weighing in about what we are calling the “blotter blackout.”
To the editor,
New Yorkers had better get used to a news blackout from the police department, starting with the axing of community police blotters.
Even though this is happening just a few days before the end of the Bloomberg administration, mayor-elect Bill DeBlasio’s new socialist government coming in will, no doubt, try to suppress increasing crime rates as they tie our brave officers’ hands. A wholly politically correct effort in reducing the security of its citizens, including no stop-and-frisk and no other sound tactics that have proven to put fear in certain criminal elements.
Why should they report any problems, when they are committed to the goal of “income equality” where there will be no need for crime — yeah right!
Robert W. Lobenstein, Marine Park
To the editor,
I applaud the fact police blotters were replaced this week by information about our local precincts.
As an educator and community activist, it’s more important for residents to be actively engaged in helping to protect our local communities. In fact, all of the information regarding our local precincts and community council meetings were listed for residents to be advised of. Instead of waiting to read about local crime that might be occurring in our neighborhoods, it’s up to all of us to take the steps to prevent being victims.
In the early 1980s, a National Night Out Against Crime began in a time when we had to fight for each and every street. Also, it sent out a message that there is a partnership between the members of the community and the officers from our local precincts.
Now is the time for all residents to gather together to join local community council meetings. You will learn about the local anti-crime programs and find a treasure trove of crime-fighting strategies that will reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Also, it’s a way of building positive relationships between cops and the community. It’s designed for people who don’t normally interact with the police, to give them the opportunity to know what the police do and what’s available to them.
As 2014 rolls around, we can’t expect our streets to be safer without our involvement. Instead of waiting to read about crime in our neighborhoods, let’s try to stop it before it happens. It’s all about being proactive instead of reactive. It’s also fun to be involved. Try it. You’ll like it!
Scott Krivitsky, Coney Island
To the editor,
I am too young to remember World War II. What I learned was that first Hitler controlled the media and then burned books so that his subjects would only learn what he wanted them to know.
I wonder if our new mayor, who wants us to think his policies will work to lower crime, will only let us know what crime statistics he wants us to know, not the actual crimes, but only what he lets the media report.
I enjoyed reading the police blotter to know what my fellow citizens and criminals were doing.
Name withheld upon request
