Police task force another failed ‘war on…’ venture?
To the editor:
The war on crime and the war on drugs were both started by politicians to bring about social change. Neither of these programs have been a glaring success. They were operated in minority communities with little attempt to correct underline social problems causing the difficulties. The politicians gained vote from citizens groups who saw this as a problem for themselves, not for minority groups.
The police task force is an example of both or either (this war on crime or war on drugs). I am not sure of the exact mission of the police task force. One thing for certain it has not been successful in decreasing crime or solving unsolved murders in minority communities.
More than 90 percent of police encounters with minorities involve innocent, law-biding persons who have no intent to question police. They realize they are unprepared and are at an extreme disadvantage.
This police task force is a severe burden to minority communities and to all in Lee County. We should re-examine it as to its effectiveness and its mission.
We continue mass incarceration at little benefit. We spend more for housing prisoners than educating our children.
City and county governments should receive and answer these questions on the police task force without revealing the source. The questions and answers should be revealed to the public.
Minority communities would not ask questions because of fear of oppression.
This was written on Mother’s Day in support of all those mothers who have lost loved ones to crime or confinement because of incarceration.
Lewis Robinson,MD.
Fort Myers