Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Are you safer not knowing?



I wonder, do people really want to know what crimes happen in their neighborhood/city?
Many of you know I cover the police beat (among other beats) and I've heard different responses to whether crimes should be publicized and how much information should be out there.

Is it better to know a home was burglarized in the such-and-such block of X street or that a suspect entered the garage through an unlocked door and stole a weedeater?
Does the detailed version make the victim, although not identified, a target for another burglary?
Or does the crime make neighbors more aware of what is going on in their area allowing them to watch out for each other?

I've had comments from people who like to read what was stolen i.e. blues jeans from a department store, a bottle of cheap rum from a home. And, from the feedback I receive, people like to read the Port Arthur Police Beat. Some read for entertainment, others read to see what's going on in their neighborhood just to be nosy while others use the information to look out for their neighbors.
Some police departments in the area provide the bare bones. An assault occurred, a vehicle stolen. Others will say a man was assaulted after a disturbance at a club or a 1999 Chevrolet F-150 truck was stolen from a home.
What about neighborhood watch groups? Would they even exist if the crime information was kept to a minimum?

Are you safer not knowing?
By peeping out your blinds and making an anonymous call to the police but not speaking with your neighbor the next day in hopes of preventing future crimes?
(Note: I do not provide details of a sexual assault report. I simply type that a sexual assault was reported. Yes, I may know some of the details. UNLESS the police wish the information to be publicized such as the case of an older woman who was sexually assaulted recently. The police were looking for the suspect and provided the information in a press release. The victim was not identified.)

Here's some things to grind:
* Should the police beat published in the paper/online provide a slightly detailed account or the bare bones?
* If the detailed information is printed does this make the person who is already a victim the target of another crime?
* Does the detailed information make you sit up and take notice of what is really going on in your city/neighborhood?

Mary Meaux

4 comments:

  1. i do not need to know the little incidental things that happen - but i would like to know things that are hidden from us for our false sense of safety. i know personally of a story just last week in Central Gardens area where a man had 2 men try to attack him in his garage at night and was able to beat them up and contact the police. the scary thing was the 2 men were escaped convicts from Lake Charles. Where was that on any news stories:)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mary,

    I don't believe the Police Beat serves any real purpose except morbid curiosity, which sells papers apparently, since every paper I've read the past fifty years carries it. More detailed information really satisfies that curiousity and provides some coffee klatch chatter when co-workers or neighbors drop by.

    The only thing, however, that makes folks safer is to take an interest in your neighborhood and do more than just peep out your blinds at the world going by. The first Tuesday night in Groves, the Marshall holds a community watch meeting at the Activity building behind the Police Station. A couple of dozen folks attend to get detailed information about criminal activities in the city, what to watch for, meet like minded people, and get to know their local law enforcement officers.

    It's good for all concerned, as the police get to mingle with citizens who respect them and what they do. The citizens get some tips how to "harden" their property so crooks try for easier targets. (You can't "stop" crime, as it's always easier to steal than work.) Everyone gets a co-operative spirit, meets neighbors, and grows some pride in their community from such a positive gathering.

    -Billy J in Groves

    ReplyDelete
  3. I spent almost 20 years as a newspaper reporter in both small and mid-sized cities. This includes my first job as an editor of small weekly in East Texas where real news had not been reported in years. I can only give an opinion from my knowledge of the newspaper business. But yes, people are interested in what goes on in their towns, neighborhoods and blocks. The little weekly I had run turned a profit for the first time within a year after I had taken over. This was due to both my aggressively reporting the news and becoming actively involved in advertising and marketing with a new ad person. I still do some freelancing and so I keep up with the news. I would say that the responses you receive on this blog -- no offense to those who commented on this particular post -- are rather atypical of the typical news consumer. I say, keep reporting the news. Don't take no for an answer from the police. Also, don't worry about huring the cops' feelings by doing your job. I have been a beat reporter and found the best way to do your job and get along with those on your beat is to do your job.

    ReplyDelete

The Daily Grind is moderated by members of The Port Arthur News. While we encourage thoughtful, insightful responses from the public, we do discourage the use of profanity, racial or malicious remarks towards Daily Grind contributors or those who leave comments on the blog. We also reserve the right to delete such comments, or comments containing online solicitors.

But please, don't let this discourage you from a heartfelt reply. Comment to your heart's desire. Let us know what gets your gears grinding!

Also, we'd like you to use your name, so we know who you are! And if you don't want to use your name, use your city so we know where the Grind is reaching!

Grind it!