Editorial: Public Safety and Security Meeting Was…Inconclusive
A neighborhood meeting conducted on April 7 was billed as a Public Safety and Security discussion. The meeting, a joint venture of SPNA, DTLA RA, and The South Park/Social District BID, had been called to discuss the recent street takeover on Figuroa Street and the knife attack on a pedestrian within the last 30 days. An impressive number of LAPD officials and officers plus representatives of the mayor’s office and District 14 were in attendance, as was a standing room only crowd of downtown residents who were obviously concerned about current conditions in our neighborhood.
A question-and-answer session facilitated by BID Director Nolan Marshall, was conducted, for the most part, in an orderly manner with LAPD and representatives of the mayor’s office offering evidence of progress in reducing serious crime in our area over the last year. Unfortunately, the crowd of residents seemed unsatisfied with the presentation. At a low point, one resident suggested frustration in what was obviously a “dog and pony” show offering no new solutions. While the general feeling from residents was gratitude for the efforts of the LAPD in what is obviously a huge and daunting job, the key point that came out of the discussion is that residents do not feel safe on the streets of South Park. Pure and simple. The consensus is that we have a long way to go before turning things around to a point where the community can thrive and grow.
My read on the discussion is that there exists a stark dichotomy between the perception by the LAPD and the mayor’s office as to what actions create a feeling of security and that held by residents as to what makes them feel secure.
The LAPD is proud of recently documented improvements in controlling serious, hard crimes such as theft, robbery, and assault - admittedly concerns of great importance. They repeatedly remind us (how many times do we have to hear this?) that LA government entities are not providing them with enough monetary resources to do the job properly. They interpret improvements in crime statistics as doing the best they can while reiterating once again that they just can’t address “less important” quality of life issues under the current financial climate.
On the other hand, while residents recognize a hard-working and dedicated LAPD and gains in results against hard crime, residents define security in a much broader sense. While the average South Park resident has a low probability of being directly affected by a serious crime like armed robbery, personal assault, or even murder, they are bombarded with daily personal experiences that upset their perception of a safe existence.
More succinctly, the LAPD and mayor’s office are focused on protection-of- life issues while residents are focused on quality-of-life issues.
While murders and robberies are rare in their lives, residents are continually bombarded by open drug sales and use, speeding, drag racing, and excessive noise by adolescents hailing mostly from outside the neighborhood, obviously deranged and threatening individuals walking the streets, rampant violations of laws regarding vehicle usage on sidewalks meant for pedestrians, the demeaning effects of graffiti, and a general hodge-podge of disorder and threats. These are the items that actually result in a profound feeling of insecurity in many residents.
The real problem is no one in government or law enforcement is addressing these quality-of-life issues - the ones that effect all residents the most- on a regular basis. It is too easy to cry about budget issues and say that we must focus on protection of life but admit to defeat inquality of life. Unfortunately, a feeling of security needs attention to both or there is no feeling of security.
What can be done?
If we can’t count on our elected officials or law enforcement to focus on quality-of -life issues, we South Park residents must take steps together to develop the community we want and need. For this effort we need an action plan. The concept begins with South Park residents and business owners combining forces to develop the action plan that will result in progress toward the protection of those quality-of-life issues we need in order to feel secure. At a recent meeting of the SPNA Board of Directors it was decided to begin work on a process to develop this plan. We are now moving forward with this effort. Expect to see more on this soon.
One reliable truth has been evident since our country was established. When our government and public entities fail us, it is up to us to mobilize and take control of the issues that affect us. Let’s do this!
By: John Nilsson