By Jan from Woodgate
Little towns look much different to tourists than to those who live there. As well they should if they are a tourist town, because nothing says “spend money here” like a quaint, happy, safe shop-lined street.
So safety, of course, is a very important factor. The local police do a fine job…a job that gets increasingly more difficult with the changing seasons.
When the number of bodies in a town increases by a bazillion in a short time I imagine there are tons of procedures that need to be re-visited in order to be enforced properly.
So here’s my question: Why, when I drive through Old Forge on a busy weekend, do I not SEE any of these officers? Oh, ooops…there’s one!
But…off on a side street, tucked in a corner, playing hide and seek with the good folks that are here to purchase goods and services.
C’mon you guys, how ‘bout a little visibility? With all the foot traffic wouldn’t it be cool to see a friendly cop with a whistle helping shoppers cross that oh-so-busy street? Just the sight of him will keep the traffic slow and steady, and isn’t that what needs to be done to make sure horrible pedestrian accidents are avoided?
Personally I would choose Officer Birtle cuz I’m sure he can boogie a little and he’s got a great smile. (Please thank Seamus for the great pics he sent me!)
I’m not a fan of sneakiness, especially when it is not as effective as blatant visibility. When ya see a cop ya do the right thing. You have lots of time to slow down, finish your beer, and hide the evidence.
Okay, just kidding there, but truly, if one is trying to prevent crime then get the heck out in front and let the folks know you’re watching.
Look at Rte. 12 to Utica. Those state vehicles probably save tons of lives by being visible; cruise controls are set and speed limits obeyed.
We are, after all, only human, and most of us tend to speed up when we think there’s no danger of getting caught.
Therefore the crime never occurs in the first place. So if in fact your job is to stop the crime and prevent it from happening, then WHY ARE YOU HIDING??
So that is my wish of the week, since nobody’s offered me a trip to Disney. Playing my own cancer card this time. Cop with a whistle. Simple.
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Editor’s Note: Cards and well-wishes can be sent to: Jan Knudsen, P.O. Box 147, Woodgate, NY 13494.