Lee Hessler offers his view on the OVPD in his letter to The Explorer. I'm sure there are many OV citizens that share Mr. Hessler's opinion.
However, I can assure everyone that Salette Latas, as a citizen and council member certainly does NOT wish to "preserve police department jobs at any cost." She proved that during this past Wed. Council Study Session on the OVPD 2009-2010 budget discussion.
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OV police jobs 'at any cost?' No; other services vital, too
I read with interest the comment by Oro Valley Council member Salette Latas that many OV residents want to preserve police department jobs "at any cost."
As a part-time OV resident and full time property owner/tax payer, please do not count me among them.
While competent and adequately staffed police protection is essential, so are many other services. Police jobs should not be sacrosanct when it is necessary to cut budgets in difficult economic times.
I believe the data would show that a number of other municipalities, even some with far greater crime challenges than ours, maintain quality police protection with lower per capita staffing ratios than the Oro Valley Police Department.
R. Lee Hessler, Oro Valley
35 comments:
I like how only letters from people who are not in favor of the police department keeping their current staffing levels are being posted on this site even though there have been hundreds of letters reportedly received by the council in support of keeping the current staffing levels within the police department.
Obvious bias being shown here. Who are the ones that have their minds made up no matter the facts?
LBC09---- When you do your blog, you can do what you want.
As Mr. Cox can tell you, I am the "blogmaster," and publish what I deem appropriate.
We managed quite well without many of your nasty comments. If you don't like things here, you can be assured you won't be missed should you decide to disappear.
Oh, by the way, here's a couple of facts for you to ponder over.
1) OVPD Budget is more than 50% of all of the town's budget.
2) OVPD's budget is almost 25% higher on average than other police departments in the state.
3) OVPD saw fit to blame the Town Manager and Council for the actions of their own police chief.
Enough said!
That makes me happy that the OVPD budget is 50% of the town budget.
That makes me happy that the OVPD budget is 25% higher than the average PD budget.
This shows that the council put our safety and security on a high priority, as well they should.
Could this be the reason why the crime rate is low in Oro Valley?
Or is it just because there is an invisible force field or safety net that keeps the bad guys out?
I am sure you managed quite well prior to me expressing my opinions. It is vastly easier when everyone agrees with you and makes you feel more important and right.
I like how this is your reaction to a different point of view. It shows the depth of your character quite well.
=)
Perhaps somebody should explain to lbc09 that spending a large sum of money does NOT insure a large amount of protection. That is true of most entities--overspending does not guarantee anything but foolish expectation.
As one who has received several lackluster, inept responses from OVPD, I am dismayed at the lack of honesty, thoroughness, and protection. I sometimess feel that I live in the "lawless west", you know, "West of the Pecos"!
Ferlin,
I, too, have received mostly lackluster and/or inept responses from the OVPD with the exception of one. That particular officer was so outstanding that I hope he becomes Chief of Police one day.
One encounter that stands out in my mind was the time the officer would speak only to my husband. He would not speak to me, did not make eye contact with me, and would turn and walk away each time I attempted to talk to him.
Art recently said that some "ladies" have sent him private e-mails about their disturbing encounters with the OVPD. Put those together with the cop who wouldn't even make eye contact with me and one has to wonder, is their sexism at work in the OVPD?
LBC-09,
While it's true that Art only publishes letters in favor of the OVPD, he does allow numerous bloggers to post their pro-OVPD arguments on this site, including yours.
LBC09,
I am a poster who is sort of on the fence with the police staffing issue.
I consider myself very pro-law enforcement but that does not mean that I dismiss claims by other posters that they had some bad experiences.
In different economic times I most
likely would be against any staff cuts in law enforcement.
These are certainly not good economic times and we all have to face the fact that governments need to cut spending, unless you are the federal government!
I also feel that there is no council member who really delights in having to lay off police or any employees for that matter.
I think that we will be ok if we have to lay off the six officers.
Also I have disagreed with some on
their views of the police behavior at recent meetings.
Yes I do agree that most of the time there are more posters on here on agree then disagree!
Personally I wish more people would post/blog on here.
So what is stopping them?
lbc09,
What you may not realize is that only a fraction of actual "crimes" are recorded as such by the PD. For example in mid Dec.2008 at least eight families in an RV subdivision had paint thrown on their cars or property. Did you, or anyone else, see this on the published Police Blotter? NO!
Twice in a month the Wells Fargo bank on Oracle and First was robbed. Even see that on the Police Blotter?
Two dry cleaning stores at different locations were robbed at night. Ever see that on the Police Blotter?
An RV subdivision can't get OVPD to enforce flagrant violations of OV pooperscooper or OV leash laws in a community park because it is "community". It is considered private property.
Follow that through in your thinking...Are our houses private property? If so, then we each need our own security officer. Most of us believe that our taxes go for salaries to protect us. Our tax dollars pay OVPD but they don't cover crimes on private property. What exactly do they do?
One might ask exactly what the PD job description is...and where and what they are expected to do.
Why would the PD not want to "report" crime?
Does it attract more home buyers to OV?
Give the Chief of Police an edge on another FBI award?
Rachet up the department's profile as "keeping the peace"?
If it is true that OV has a low crime rate, maybe it is because the citizens are law abiding, a cushy police assignment.
With the population of OV swelling each day, crime is inevitable. However, in my opinion, there needs to be an emphasis on quality, not quantity. Officers who want to keep crime out of Oro Valley, not just look the other way and under report. Officers who are brave, follow an inspirational leader, possess a work ethic, who are challenged by taking a bite out of crime.
If citizens were "satisfied" with PD service delivery, this conversation would not be taking place.
Victorian Cowgirl, your sharing of the policeman not even looking at you is stunning. Sorry you were "invisible" to the OVPD. Ironic because a least half of OV must be women who also pay taxes, ie OVPD salaries. Even a pet knows how to "not bite the hand that feeds it."
Native Spirt
With just two statements, Native Spirit has just summed up quite succinctly all of the debates that we have engaged in on this topic over the past few weeks.
(1) There needs to be an emphasis on quality, not quantity.
And,
(2) If citizens were "satisfied" with PD service delivery, this conversation would not be taking place.
Thank you, Native Spirit. I wish you would post more often.
Mr. Hessler,
Your idea of all departments' financial needs being considered sounds like the essence of a "balanced budget" pun intended...A healthy community has a variety, not just one need. How right you are!
V Cowgirl,
Here is a very troubling aspect of why dissatisfaction with the PD is circulating in the community.
When police come to take a report, they immediately ask if there are witnesses, pictures, foot or fingerprints, other "evidence". If there is none, they just ignore the complaint even if a report is written.
However, sometimes there is "evidence".
OV residents had a fire set right behind their house, 15 feet distance. Mature cacti were knifed. They made a PD report and the officer suggested they install cameras. Although they believed that was a police responsibility, they were concerned about safety and property values, purschased cameras and installed them.
The cameras caught pictures of the perpetrators which they brought to the PD for prosecution. The perps are still at large, continuing to vandalize. The detective did nothing with the "evidence" they provided him with.
NB. The homeowners are women.
Graffiti artist struck near a shopping center. A nearby resident who was a law enforcement officer in another state, collected "the evidence". This individual made a report. The detective made excuses of why he couldn't have "prints" from the evidence. This individual revealed their common training and the detective softened a little. Months have passed and there has been no followup.
I, too, reported a suspicious incident and collected "evidence" although I am not a professional. The officer took the report but anxiously disposed of the evidence right in front of me before I retrieve it.
Spontaneously at a dinner this week, an individual who worked for TOV in the '90s mentioned finding "evidence", ie weapons, drugs, wallets with IDs in the garbage at the Towm Center. The individual was concerned, fearing foul play and was told by the PD Property office, which is responsible for "evidence", that they disposed of it.
How is crime proseduted if there is no "evidence"? Do the police "say" they need evidence and know full well they will never use it?
Or is "evidence" submitted by men more likely to be considered useful than if presented by women?
Does "evidence" have to be destroyed to protect the image of OV as a "low crime area"?
These officers are sworn to tell the truth, to follow the law. How do they justify ignoring and/or destroying the evidence? This seems contrary to their role of protecting the people. Destroying the evidence protects the criminals.
Native Spirit,
You are posting some serious allegations.
If you are serious and I assume you are then you need to make a complaint to a higher authority then the local police dept or the town
I would think that would be the Attorney Generals Office.
Ms. Coyote,
Yes, serious and documented.
How are you supposed to catch a vandal if there are no prints in this so called evidence. That is great that those people installed cameras and got pictures of the "perps" but how do you identify them if no one knows who they are?
I too have noticed that there arent too many crimes listed on the blotter and I am sure that this is done on purpose. I think the people need to know about the serious crimes like the robberies of banks and the domestic violence issues.
One would have to assume you are right in your accusation that they are not posting the violent crimes to raise the appeal of the community which is also why I see that people may be quick to fire cops.
Ferlin
If you feel you live in the "lawless west" how does firing cops make you feel better? That does not make sense. It seems to me that you would be leading a campaign to root out the waste of space in the PD and get new motivated and hard working officers in there to increase the protection and make in less of a "wild west". That is, if you really feel this way.
When speaking of the police blotter, do you mean the reports that are printed in the paper?
I have wondered how and who decides what is published in the paper?
About the perp being caught on camera, unless somebody recognizes them how would the cops be able to identify them?
Do want to see their pictures on Americas Most Wanted(kidding)
Even if you have fingerprints, unless their fingerprints are on file for some reason again how they catch them?
How do you know nothing further is done? Perhaps the supervisor decides not to pursue action, perhaps the supervisor or detective is told by the prosecutor, no case or not worth it. The police don't decide to prosecute a case.
I have heard that in many cities if you are a victim of a crime, changes are those responsible won't be caught and if they are resources are stretched to the limit and not much if anything will be done'
Pump dont work cause
the vandel stole
the handle.
- B Dylan.
There are claims of very poor police procedures posted above.
If true, we must press these matters with a full investigation.
What is the next step?
lbc09
Just a quick note on an assertion that you made and an assumption that you made as well. That the Council received "hundreds of letters" in support of the keeping current staff levels is not a statistic that can be depended upon. I will give the OVPD and their union credit for at least being able to muster people to attend Council meetings and to write letters. I was at a Council meeting that was 'stuffed' with PD members and a FEW public supporters. I also received an e-mail from a person in my subdivision, Sun City Vistoso, which does it's own patrolling at night, has approximately 600 members who mount the patrols, the memo containing a message from one of the 'higher-ups who encouraged letters in [support of the OVPD]. Is this not an example of aiding the 'stuffing of the mail' in favor of said department.
Lbs99 it is a FACT that statistics can and many times do lie for a myriad of reasons. So, to those who celebrate that a bunch of letters either way is cause for public opinion, I say, so what, if that were the case, lets decide our elections by which side can write the most letters.
As to this blog site promoting bias, that is a statement you absolutely cannot back up
with any kind of reality whatsoever. You are just playing guessing games and that lbc09, is much more of a negative reflection on yourself than anyone who posts on this blog no matter their opinion! It appears that YOU have no facts.
lbc09, I do feel that I live in a "lawless west" community. You could hire more cops and still have the same poor protection. My view is that leadership and direction begin at the top--the Town is paying well for that.
I only wonder why it is so apparently lacking and continues to be.
Ms. Coyote
In response to some of the questions you are raising:
Pictures by homeowners of perp identified a neighbor whose name, address are known, not some random perp.
Prints-If there are "persons of interest", the PD might get orders to request their prints. Some jobs require a record of fingerprints. There are databases of known offenders.
There is an attitude of "feeling overwhelmed before starting". Do you accept paying the salaries the PD receives to protect you, and the fact that they feel defeated before starting to investigate a crime?
Chief Sharp trained at the National Police Academy run by the FBI. Surely, this background grounded him in methods that he might teach his staff.
Yes, it costs money to develop forensic evidence. We, the constituents pay taxes.
Nombe wantabe:
Agreed: these are serious allegations and need addressing.
Blogging and communicating the problem, asking for input from others who've received uneven service delivery is a second, contacting the Town Manager is a third, and finally an higher outside authority as a group of citizens.
Zev:
Bravo for finetuning lbc09's communications with your razorlike insights. Stats can be presented to reflect the reality in rosey colored glasses. Of those who wrote in for the Police, it is also possible that they did so without sufficient experience of OVPD's functioning. If they had all the facts, they might not be as eager to support this cause.
I am for quality police protection...and I do think it is needed.
Ferlin:
100% ...on the quality of leadership, its integrity, its goals as key. Without this the line officers have to follow their boss or they don't get paid. It may be difficult for officers to exercise their own integrity if they have families to support. They, too, are subject to peer and superior validation. This provides a crisis of conscience for them.
Native Spirit,
Thanks for the additional info.
Ok, so first the neighbors cactus, etc was vandalized, then after that a camera was installed and then the camera showed video of a known person or persons? Am I following this so far?Ok,so if the known person showing up on camera was just happening by the scene and not committing a crime, what does that prove? Unless the neighbors know this person has a history of criminal behavior what type of proof is that I could have just happened to be on camera walking by, looking, etc.
I will also make a guess that the OVPD has some type of standard procedures that detail exactly what is done with all types of crimes and reported incidents.
If this is a concern that maybe ask the Chief of PD, exactly how crime reports are handled, investigated, etc.
Again if you feel that strongly about this you need to file a conmplaint with a higher authority.
Native Spirit,
You also mentioned that nothing else was done. How do you know this?
There was arson involved in this also, correct? How do you know that the police or other law enforcement is not monitoring these "suspects" or doing some investigation connecting them to similar crimes?
Something to think about.
Ms. Coyote:
You sound genuinely concerned. Here are the answers to your questions.
AZ Dept of Public Safety provides a list of Crime Victims' Rights which officers give to crime victims. If you are not familiar with it, under "Automatic rights" #3,4, 5 refer specically to notifying the victim of the arraignment of suspect, of whether or not the case was submitted to the Prosecutor's office, and if the Prosecutor declines to file charges why that was.
These rights safeguard that there will be followup by the PD. As of 8am today when I spoke to the cacti/fire victims THERE HAS BEEN NO FOLLOW UP CONTACT OF ANY KIND. The same is true for the reporter of the graffiti incident, as of 4/12. Both of these crimes happened about 4-5 months ago.
Communication with the community enhances the relationship with the PD. Some officers seem to know this instinctively and call without needing to be asked.The officers who do so, stand out head and shoulders above the others with their social skills.
As for their surveillance cameras, my understanding is that perp was "caught in the act on film again vandalizing the cacti."
As for a later incident of vandalism that these homeowners experienced, the officer told them, "Oh, the kids were bored and had nothing to do..."
Does that mean that we, citizens should allow ourselves to undergo expensive property damage because parents are not guiding their teens effectively?
I don't think so.
Since you like timelines, Ms. Coyote, that comment was one they shared this morning.
There are certain communications the Crime Rights mandate and others which victims must request. One thing we can all do is to exercise the ones we request to make sure that we are informed of all developments in our cases.
Re: fire setting. It goes without saying these homeowners are very interested in knowing about future attempts to set a blaze and keep on the PD without response. Of note: besides property damage, the fire setter demonstrates very serious emotional issues which should act as a "red flag" to any law enforcement officer.
Are you aware that you "told" me to report this? Perhaps, it was out of concern that it came out that way. Likewise, if you, as a citizen reading this are troubled, you might want to contact the Town Manager first and call the attention of many people not just one citizen
This comment by Native Spirit got my attention:
"Of note: besides property damage, the fire setter demonstrates very serious emotional issues which should act as a "red flag" to any law enforcement officer."
Does everyone remember David Delich? He, too, had a history of mental illness and serious emotional issues. But he, too, slipped through the cracks until the day he went on a rampage and shot 2 sheriff's deputies and killed Officer Erik Hite in June of last year.
He had been showing signs of emotional problems long before that day including posting death threats against a woman on the internet. She reported these incidents and nothing was done about it.
Did this incident not teach the OVPD anything? If they act on these reports, the life they save might be THEIR OWN!
If it's true that we have so little crime in OV, how is it that the police can't even respond properly to the little bit of crime that we DO have?
Native Spirit,
Again thanks for the info.
I went and checked what you referenced about the Crime Victims Rights along with the original content which is detailed in the Arizona State Constituion, under Article 11, Section 2.1
Also tried to view the town of OV website and PD website, but no luck for some reason.
Is it possible that because technically/legally nobody was charged with a crime there technically was no crime, thus the above rights/paperwork is not applicable? Just a thought and just asking not saying there was no crime.
Was the arson and vadalism on your neighbors property? Because if not I doubt the cops could issue Victim Rights documentation except to the property owner From the description was not sure if all this took place on your neighbors property or property behind them.
I only suggested that you report this as you seem to have first hand knowledge about the facts.I am not trying to tell you what to do :)
Personally, I could not expect the PD or town manager to act on a report from me that provides no first hand info or knowledge, just that I read this on the LOVE blog.
I would be wasting my time and their time.
But rumor has it that many down at town hall read this blog. Sooooo maybe somebody will provide us with the scoop!
Victorian Cowgirl,
Yes, the OVPD can actively prevent crime by following a seriously distrubed fire setter. Great insight!
You would like to think this idea occurred to them as well.
Ms.Coyote:
When a PD report of a "crime" is sent to the victim, a copy of the AZ Crime Victims' Rights accompanies it. The OV residents had cacti on their property vandalized so they would have received a copy. Dunno whose property the wash was but it endangered theirs.
How did you get the impression the cacti/fire victims were my neighbors? They were referred to as OV residents,only. The RV community has thousands of homes.
David Andrews, as well as all Town Managers, have a unique role. They have administrative responsibility over Town departments, placing them as equal to or higher than the Mayor in some circumstances. The performance of the departments under them, including the OVPD, is something they monitor. As a tax paying citizen, you are within your rights to request an investigation of these allegations against law enforcement, whether or not you have firsthand knowledge. Any publically paid administrator is concerned with his performance rating by the constituents. If the public alleges reasons for an investigation, he will want to do all he can to provide answers to your questions.
If you question his job description, you might contact the Governor's Crime Victims' Advocate for more information about how to proceed.
For the record my information about the cacti/fire event is secondhand from the victims. In a court of law that is hearsay.
Native Spirit,
In an earlier posting I said that you are posting some serious allegations----- and you responsed "Yes, serious and documented" so I reasonably assumed that you had some first hand or credible knowledge of this incident.
Also got the impression that the police did nothing at all with this complaint and now you are posting "That when a PD report of a "crime" is sent to the victim, a copy of the AZ Crime Victim Rights accompanies it------- so they would have received it"
I looked over that Victims Crime Rights page on the DPS website , and in my opinion I don't see where any law enforcement agency or person did not follow what they were supposed to do at this stage of the process. If you think they did, could you point out what # was violated.
Hate to keep asking you questions but I do wonder why the "victims" don't pursue this.
Native Spirit,
Another thought.
Maybe the victims could contact their insurance co & explain their concern. Not sure if that would help but I would guess that if some type of arson threat was reported by the homeowner, it might shake things up. Worth a try
Ms. Coyote:
#4. To be provided the police report number, if available, and if the case has pbeen submitted to a prosecutor's office, information on how to contact that office;
#5. To be notified if the prosecutor decline to file charges, and notice of the charges filed.
It seems that you may never have had experience filing a complaint with the police.
To elaborate, the Police may respond to a call, make a report, and the incident may not be declared a "crime" by their definition.
In cases of reports only, it goes into a "dead" zone, ie no follow up. If the incident is not considered a "crime", they do nothing but take the report.
The case of the cacti was a "crime" of vandalism and generated a Victims Rights Sheet.
What you need to understand is that although reported as a crime, there was no, no, no followup to the victims.
Of my answer "Yes, and documented." you misunderstood my reponse.
Native Spirit,
According to the Arisona Constitutional Rights for Crime Victims Sec. which is detailed on the DPS web site.
#4 To be heard at any proceeding involving a post-release decision, a negotiations plea and sentencing.
#5 To refuse an interview , disposition or other discovery request of the defendant, the defendant's attorney or other person acting on behalf of the defendat.
Above is from the Arizona State Constitution Rights for Victims statute
What is your source for # 4 & # 5 that you quote what you quoted is not the the victims crime bill
You indicate that the people involved got a copy of this victims rights paperwork as a result of a complaint filed so then there must be some # identifying this report.
Why don't they pick up the phone and request a status on xyz case?
Keeping our citizens safe is an expensive line item.
Art, it's clear you don't like Culver BUT her letter about the budget to the paper recently makes sense to me. Why don't we see it here on this blog?
How about that utility tax that was for funding some cops? Where did that money go?
Surely we no longer need the number of support staff in town we've had in the past. The national economy is obvious here. Very few buildings going up. What are all those inspectors doing? How about those town boards for building approvals? Those meetings aren't free either.
PS Art: Please explain the votes or actions that have led you to attack Terry Parish, Helen Dankwerth and Conny Culver in this blog.
I disagreed with all of them from time to time. In retrospect, who is going to agree all the time?
In my opinion, all of them did a better job than Paul Loomis, Al Kunisch, Paula Abbott and KC Carter.
I think a section on this blog to discuss this would be good.
Deacon,
We can 'sit' here and type word after word after word about who, what, where, when, why, and how; in the end that will probably get us nowhere. Understand that a Town is the sum of all of its parts and all of those parts need to work together. In time of need there is no room for 'greed' and, in this particular time of difficulty' the OVPD must absorb, with prudence, their fair share ofthe grief. All departments must proffer, to the satisfaction of the Town management as well as the Town's constituency, a reasonable and reliable documentation in order that reasonable and reliable decisions can be assessed.
As to the individuals you particularly mentioned, we can go on and on, pick and pick apart all of those things they may or may not be and, once again, probably go nowhere; for me, it's overall attitude, orientation, and their personal visions, and, as I wrote about the Town above, each conclusion each of us comes to relative to each of our 'overseers', is one's own PERSONAL view of the sum of all of their parts.
To attempt to dissect all of this in one stream would most probably be endless and futile. Your concern, however, is well noted.
Deacon.
Good point about the inspectors and the building permit approval offices, support staff etc, etc.
My contractor tells me that one way the permit folks keep busy is to make sure that projects garner "minor violations" which require re-inspections and, of course, more paperwork. That way they can inflate the work load numbers and stay employed.
"and the beat goes on..."
- S Bono
Deacon,
Just wanted to add that some good ways for you to sift through those things Oro Valley is to follow the streams contained herein, gain insight into that which might be fact, fiction, or speculation, partake in our 'dialogue', AND attend Town meetings - Council, Development Review, special assemblies, et al. Thus you can view the 'real' people, sort through the real issues, come to your own conclusions and then, voila, in the spirit of participation and knowledge, you can join our diverse menagerie of kindred spirits.
Nombe, methinks your contractor has been agendized!
Just out of curiosity: Of all of the bloggers on this page, how many of you have attended and completed the OV Police Department's Citizen Academy?
No, I'm not a police officer, never have been one. Nor does this question imply support or lack thereof for OVPD.
But, if you want answers to your questions about procedure, why not sign up for the course?
Zev, Nombe, Mscoyote and Boobie-Baby,
I follow the town meetings closely. I served on a board. I've attended classes offered by OV.
I know many of the parties discussed in this blog. I think I'm an informed contributor to these discussions.
Where is the common sense in some of the postings?
I see far too many undeserved personal attacks on individuals that may have disagreed from time to time with some of the bloggers here.
I think it is wrong to trash anyone who has given their time and efforts to better Oro Valley. Vague accusations of such as 'troublemaker' 'worthless' etc. have no place in constructive problem solving or sharing diverse points of view.
I started posting on this blog when I read Art's character assassination headline about 'Another Reason Voters Tossed Culver Out of Office' followed by another misleading statement 'Culver getting only 14% of the vote' both intended to fan the flames of hate. Calling Cox a rattlesnake for stating facts that can be verified by public record about Abbott is another.
As for the 'sour grapes election, the winners in that election won by only a few hundred votes, a small percentage, in a town with approx. 24,000 registered voters. Although too few vote.
Civil discourse not verbal rioting may prove to be the alternate communication standard that will find solutions for the future.
Mscoyote, more people will probably join this blog when civility rules.
Deacon, my apologies for assuming by your post, prior to my 'assumption', that perhaps you [might take it upon yourself to become involved]. After having written that, I did go back and realized from your prior posts that you had good knowledge of the affairs of OV. I think we all have opinions about different individuals who have served or questions of those who have participated in the attempt to destruct, without seeming cause, those persons with whom we might disagree or find to be caustic. To try to examine all of the endless rhetoric would be exhausting.
B-b, your comment seems not to be
a viable one in answering those questions posed by some of the posts relative to the subject matter to which you refer. As a home buyer, must I go to real estate school in order that I get a clear picture of what I'm getting myself into when I make such purchase? Or, should I depend on my agent who has been there to guide me through the process?
Zev,
I understand your point and your analogy.
However, when you purchase a house, you should do your due diligence. If you don't, and later find that the property next store is zoned for a pig farm, then shame on you (and your real estate agent).
I'm only suggesting that many of the questions raised here re. procedure can be answered by attending the Police Citizens Academy. It's not required, and you can live a happy life without attending.
But I also think that, in order to participate responsibly in community discussion, you owe it to yourself to get as engaged and educated as possible.
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