Police presence

The absence of any arrests for the vandalism that occurred last weekend raises questions about the Lawrence Police Department.

It is disturbing, but not too surprising, to read about the many acts of vandalism around Lawrence last weekend in connection with the second anniversary of the United States’ involvement in Iraq.

A number of people expressed their feelings in a peaceful manner in a candlelight vigil outside the Douglas County Courthouse. Others, however, elected to show their anger over Uncle Sam’s actions in Iraq by spray-painting graffiti in a number of locations, including on government vehicles on the Kansas University campus, and hanging banners on downtown Lawrence buildings.

Perhaps it is not surprising that some would resort to illegal and damaging actions, but it is surprising Lawrence police officers apparently were asleep at the switch rather than being prepared and alert to the possibility of such actions. It might have been expected that some in Lawrence, or maybe some from out of town, would want to use the second anniversary of the Iraq action as an excuse to express their dislike of President Bush and U.S. involvement in Iraq.

Police officials said there were no arrests, so apparently none of the officers saw anything.

Lawrence has a good police force, a well-trained group of men and women, but the one recurring complaint or concern about local police focuses on the question of whether there are sufficient officers patrolling the city at all hours of the day. Does Lawrence need more police officers?

This would appear to be a legitimate question when considering the amount of vandalism Saturday and Sunday and the absence of any arrests by Lawrence police officers.