Where Are the Cops When You Need Them?

Have you ever heard someone say, “Why aren’t the cops around when you need them?” Often they are present, to deter crimes, capture violators, or protect someone from injury. Here are some examples.

Our Resident Deputy, while driving to briefing recently, recognized a bandit in the car ahead who had beaten a woman unconscious and robbed her the day before! He captured the robber who is now awaiting trial. Nice work!

I was working shoplifters in plainclothes in downtown L.A. when two molesters crowded up against 2 pedestrian women and began fondling the girl’s buttocks! Not only was I there but a uniformed beat officer was approaching. We took appropriate action.

Deputy A. also told of receiving a radio-call in West Hollywood at night about a fight. He and his partner were just around the corner from where 4 men were viciously beating another. They had already broken his arm and may have killed him if not for A’s timely arrival. The suspects went to jail, and the victim ultimately recovered.

Two North Hollywood detectives entering the Bank of America to get their paychecks cashed, met a seasoned bank robber exiting with a gun in one hand and a bag of money in the other. He instantly surrendered, explaining later, “I wanted the news to say, bandit caught, not bandit shot!”

C.G. at our local Hair & Nails Shoppe told of an angry motorist coming after her husband with a baseball bat. Just in time an off-duty officer in his own car stopped, cranked a round into his shotgun and arrested the suspect.

On another occasion, Deputy A. noticed a stranger passing the local bar.. A short time later a resident appeared and told A. that a rape had just occurred. A. found the stranger nearby and linked him to the rape and a Val Verde gang.

Have you been cut off in traffic by a drunk or reckless driver and suddenly a police car appeared and caught him? There are many such incidents that the public doesn’t hear about, but our sheriffs are spread too thin. The ratio of deputies in L.A. County is 1 for 1,115 citizens and that doesn’t account for those who are necessarily assigned to station, court and other inside duties.

The population of our town is about 3000 and our communities are spread out so that travel time for deputies is significant. That’s why citizens must get involved, but Deputy A. cautions residents not to physically confront suspects.

When you see a traffic accident or learn of criminal activity, stop, do you call the sheriff and identify yourself? Wouldn’t you hope to hear from a witness if you were the victim? Deputy A. is well trained and alert to criminal activity, but he is only one deputy.

He said, “We don’t have a Sheriff’s Station up here, so I try to park near local businesses for a few minutes every day to make myself available. People stand in line to discuss everything from barking dogs to felonies. Good information and high police visibility are two reasons crime is so low in the Lakes & Valleys.” A. added, “Don’t wait until you see me to report a crime. I may respond but if I’m not available other deputies will be dispatched.”

It’s great if the police are there when you need them, but why not make a “New Years resolution” to get involved in protecting ourselves. I hope you agree because “That’s The Way I See It!”

NJ