Property crimes drive crime frustration
SafeCity Watch, a local citizens crime group, found it takes 751 days for a property crime to make it through the system. The reality is that the criminal justice system in not an effective deterrent to property crimes. I am sure police are just as frustrated.
We have just come through a new budget cycle for Jackson and Hinds County. While there is hope for some new jail space, budgets in no way adequately fund law enforcement. In defense of officials, there was no public outcry for tax increases or deep cuts in other services to fund the criminal justice system. It’s pretty much the status quo.
Until we face some of these resource issues, victims will keep getting only a card and a little sympathy to go with their frustration about property crimes.
David Hampton
Clarion Ledger
9/23/7
Magnolia Tribune
