Police Force Dwindles As Violent Crimes Rise |
Monday, October 15, 2007 9:52:44 AM - Middletown Ohio |
by Bill Rogers
While the Fire Fighters need the 0.25% five-year income tax levy passed to sustain the level of service they are providing us now, that levy is also necessary to fight crime in Middletown. According to recent statistics in the Middletown Journal, violent crimes -- murder, rape, robbery and assault -- have gone up a disturbing 44% in Middletown since 2000. At the same time, the city's police force has dropped from 93 sworn officers to 80.
The Middletown Police Department currently employs 58 patrol officers, 6 sergeants and 3 lieutenants. There are 7 School Resource Officers assigned to our local schools during the school year who additionally work patrol duty during the summer. There are two K-9 Officers as well as a 13-member Special Response Team for dealing with high risk situations.
|
|
|