Headline in today's Vancouver Sun:
CRIME: SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF
In theory, I'd agree abiout littering. I think it's a death penalty offense. Festival of Lights next morning tells me we're a bunch of pigs. But how is this going to work in practice? Stakeouts of prime locations and then jumping out like at speed traps? I'm guessing the VPD won't get extra officers so the serious crimes would get short shrift. Is this a good idea?
As for jaywalking, yes it can be a problem. But I don't think it should be high on the priority list. It's more of a peeve than a problem.
I understand the theory that says little things can have big effects (The Butterfly Theory). But I think targetting butterflies as the way to solve Vancouver's crime problem is pretty hilarious.
I'd rather they force rapid graffiti cleanup and have city crews pick up garbage in the back alleys as often as necessary in the downtown core. Don't dump all the responsibility on law enforcement, who should be tackiling real crimes.
Oh and maybe deal with some root causes like poverty, marginalization, drug treatment services etc. It seems to me that while there may be 4 pillars, in practice a few are MIA.
CRIME: SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF
My first reaction was to pinch myself to see if I'm awake or having a wacky dream. Ouch! I guess I'm awake.
In theory, I'd agree abiout littering. I think it's a death penalty offense. Festival of Lights next morning tells me we're a bunch of pigs. But how is this going to work in practice? Stakeouts of prime locations and then jumping out like at speed traps? I'm guessing the VPD won't get extra officers so the serious crimes would get short shrift. Is this a good idea?
As for jaywalking, yes it can be a problem. But I don't think it should be high on the priority list. It's more of a peeve than a problem.
I understand the theory that says little things can have big effects (The Butterfly Theory). But I think targetting butterflies as the way to solve Vancouver's crime problem is pretty hilarious.
I'd rather they force rapid graffiti cleanup and have city crews pick up garbage in the back alleys as often as necessary in the downtown core. Don't dump all the responsibility on law enforcement, who should be tackiling real crimes.
Oh and maybe deal with some root causes like poverty, marginalization, drug treatment services etc. It seems to me that while there may be 4 pillars, in practice a few are MIA.
