Letter: Study needed

To the editor:

What is a police force for? The principal job is to prevent crime and to arrest and convict those who commit crimes. By this measure, the Lawrence Police Department is mediocre or substandard according to comparisons with departments in cities of similar size.(Journal-World, Sept. 20)

How can the LPD be improved? A comprehensive study of current practices and future needs is required. As Chief Khatib stated, Lawrence needs to have a broad discussion of the type of police force it wants. This discussion should be based on an objective study by a blue ribbon group of Lawrencians and outside experts in police administration. Department priorities and officer recruitment, training, assignments, coordination, efficiency and future needs should be the bull’s eye, as should technology support.

The answer to the LPD’s future may be more and better trained people, not a new station. People cost money. In 2012, the chief requested 46 more people over five years, a significant, ongoing cost. How will these people be paid? Probably with increases in property taxes. The chief says build a new station now — to be paid for with a regressive sales tax — and worry about the new people after that. We’re likely to see both sales tax and property tax increases to support a department that needs improvement. 

Supporters of a new station promise improved efficiency without proof: such claims are a chimera. A new station avoids the core issue of police performance.

Until a comprehensive plan for the future is developed, the station should not be built. The City Commission has gotten the cart before the horse.