I have started this effort numerous times. Each time I hesitated as I do not want this to be a one sided conversation. I may not have enough to say to keep all of you interested, but I will certainly try to respond if given a question or a comment for discussion.
Several of my peers do this, as a means of communications and dialogue. Their reviews as to the value of this are mixed but most see it as an opportunity to engage their communities. A blog provides opportunities for people to ask questions or generate ideas. Like myself, they believe that an open and two way dialogue with the people they serve can only make the department and the community better.
How does this "blog" thing work anyway? Well I think of this as a kind of cumbersome editorial page in the paper. A page you can write into and comment on as you see the need. You will need to "subscribe" to comment but I think you have some latitude in how you are viewed by others when you post.
Generally my goal will be to address topics on a "fairly" regular basis and hope I find something that generates either questions or comments or both. There must be some level of rules so I ask that anyone who subscribes and wants to comment, be tactful and kind, particularly when replying to a comment from another person's comments. We just have to keep this appropriate. If you go on a rant and don't see your post, you can always contact me in a more direct manner to discuss your concern.
Speaking of which, this might be a good time to mention that I am certain there will be issues that people share that we as a department should address. I would tell each of you that if you have a need for police service, call us at (308) 237-2104 or if it is an emergency dial 911. You can also use the City of Kearney "Access Kearney" web reporting system. Just go to the City of Kearney web sight, www.cityofkearney.org and you'll see a link on the left hand side. This is a great place to report a concern that may not rise to the level of a police response or may be more appropriately dealt with as a nuisance or code violation. This has done a really good job for all of us over the past couple of years.
LET'S GET STARTED . . . .
Kearney is a wonderful community. We are well thought of in this part of the country and are considered progressive. We have a beautiful community to look at and I think we all take great pride in how we present ourselves to visitors and others who come here. That is why I think the two fires in the restrooms at Pioneer Park have been so troubling for us this year.
After the first incident many hoped it was an isolated event. We were wrong. Even with neighbors and us keeping an extra eye on the area, it happened again. These types of incidents often fit a pattern as to the age of the person who does this, their gender, where they live and other factors. We explored some of this prior to the second fire, but did not come up with a viable suspect at that time. I am pleased to say that we have identified the party we feel is responsible.
For someone to attack such a beautiful part of the community shocks our senses. For no reason is this something that people can understand. Realize however that public and government facilities and structures are the most frequent targets of this type of crime. In this instance, we know who is responsible and they fit the most common description; 10 to 18 years of age, male, with little supervision. They also live in close proximity to the park. It is our hope that with time, sufficient evidence will become available to address this youths issues. Without intervention, this will continue and escalate.
I have been gone this last week, to a conference just outside of Chicago. I am a member of the Executive Board of this group which deals with criminal intelligence and is part of a nationwide system of support and assistance to law enforcement agencies in the form of information, equipment and technical support. It has always pleased me to know that "problems" are the same where ever you go, regardless of the community. The numbers change but the problems remain the same. This is always a great opportunity to listen and learn from my collegues to glean new ideas or techniques and to reaffirm what a great agency and great officers we have.
Well for now, I think I'll end this here. I do hope we can create a dialogue and work together to address concerns and issues. Have a great weekend.
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