Many of our citizens are fed up with the tactics of its police officers. At a recent council meeting, the audience was filled to capacity with police, family members and supporters. The issue at hand was the council's consideration of eliminating 6 police positions in accordance with the recommendation of the police chief.
Did the large turnout, including many police addressing the council have anything to do with the majority of the council voting to continue any action until a future date? Many citizens feel that was the case.
In point of fact, subsequent to the vote, the police singled out Bill Garner, KC Carter & Barry Gillaspie for standing up for the constituents and voting to eliminate the 6 positions. This was done with ads in the newspaper and on the radio.
At the last council meeting, once again many police officers spoke during call to the audience, in an attempt to save these 6 jobs. Certainly that is their right, but one might question who are the police concerned about---the citizens or themselves?
The following email sent to the council & mayor is an example of what may be considered ''citizen backlash." Similar feelings have been expressed by many other OV citizens.
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I have and always will support the local police department. However, after living in OV for the last 15 years, seeing the OVPD continue to increase every year, enough is enough.
OV has one of the highest officers per capita in the US. Regardless of the size of the OVPD, OV has never had much crime. Over the years (and wherever you go in Tucson) the OVPD has developed a reputation as a traffic citation happy super group with little to do but enforce traffic laws.
Their political clout is staggering. When they don't get their way, they resort to scare tactics...advertising on TV, newspapers, etc. Turning out in force at council meetings!! Basically, strong arming the citizens, OV Town Council and Mayor.
Is this what we want from our Police Department?
In these poor economic times, it's finally time to say NO to the OVPD. Most towns are cutting jobs, the school districts are cutting teachers and the UofA has drastic cut backs. But they will get the job done.
It's time to tell the OVPD to take the cuts like any other town or business would do and get the job done with less.
