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Domestic crime needs attention
Published Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Places such as Natchez, Adams County and Vidalia are not supposed to have more than one murder a year.
One murder is expected, almost, but two sends everyone into worry-mode.
The unscientific statistic most local residents live by was formed over the last decade, when one murder in the city, one in the county and one in the parish became the norm.
But in the last two years, the area has been averaging a few more tragic deaths. Tensions rise; residents worry.
But we all need to step back and look at the bigger picture. Nearly all of our local violent crime is domestic in nature. Friends or acquaintances get into an argument, typically over drugs, money or guns. Or, girlfriend and boyfriend are caught in a cycle of domestic violence.
The end result is tragic for them and tragic for our community.
But, our crime isn’t random.
It follows a pattern; a pattern we can stop.
Domestic violence is a problem with a solution. Counseling centers, non-profit groups and churches offer help all around us. But, for those caught in a violence cycle, the only help may be you.
We all need to stay alert to the things happening in the lives of our friends, family and co-workers. Minding your own business won’t save lives.
Violence occurs too often in our community among acquaintances.
Law enforcement officers cannot prevent crime. But we can all take some steps in the right direction just by watching, listening and caring.
Comments
Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on August 13, 2008 at 12:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good article. We have had three murders in the area in the past week and a half or so. Also include the ACSO shootout downtown a week ago, and a young man discharging his gun downtown the day before yesterday, and you have an area that seems to be exponetially expanding in violence.
I have lived here for 2 years and 3 months and it seems to be worse than it was when I moved here. I might only being paying more attention to it now, though.
Posted by fmrdpty (anonymous) on August 13, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Places such as Natchez, Adams County and Vidalia are not supposed to have more than one murder a year.
One murder is expected, almost, but two sends everyone into worry-mode."
Two stupid statements. What scientific study came up with those numbers? If you can't write an intelligent editorial, don't write one
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on August 13, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
They said "unscientific study", fmrdpty.
Posted by southernbelle (anonymous) on August 13, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't be cruel,fmrdpty . This is not a regional problem . It's nationwide . A sign of the times we're in . Almost all violence starts in the home . We need more God in our homes and schools . It's really the only answer .
Posted by andy (anonymous) on August 13, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
we all are so lucky to live in a place like sw miss and we know it if not we would be in jackson or baton rouge
the editorial is right start at home
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on August 13, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Even one is one too many
But good article
We should be better neighbors and friends, run the risk of rejection and confrontation by intervening if possible.
Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on August 13, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
IMHO, one murder is too many.
This is what I think. If you see youth groups with guns hanging out next door, call and report that activity to the POLICE.
Mothers (family members) you know and it's up to you. If you know your child owns a weapon (that isn't being used for hunting purposes) and hangs out with others who are often packing one too, you know that they are up to no good. Save your child by reporting gang-like activity to the police.
Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on August 13, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)
One town has had enough
HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. - Officers armed with military rifles have been stopping and questioning passers-by in a neighborhood plagued by violence that's been under a 24-hour curfew for a week.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080813/ap_o...
Posted by natchez500 (anonymous) on August 13, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
this article is right on target we must all start at home and make the changes WE KNOW IT LETS DO IT
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on August 13, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Support Your Local Law Enforcement, including your MHP!
Posted by acedog (anonymous) on August 14, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
true law enforcement can't prevent some crimes, but they can create an enviroment where a criminal minded individual wouldn't want to be.the city of natchez and adams co. do have a major drug problem. most of the crime is a related to drug abuse and drug selling. also we do have some what of a small gang problem thats needs some of attention. i know they use to have a narcotic unit,but with all the activity they can't be working.NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT FIND OUT WHY THE POLICE DEPT. DOESN'T HAVE A GANG UNIT OR A WARRANT UNIT THAT CAN KEEP UP WITH SOME OF THESE THUGS. A LOT OF DEPARTMENTS NOW HAVE ALL OF THESE THINGS TO FIGHT CRIME. A DRUG UNIT, WARRANT DIVISION, GANG UNIT.WE SIT AROUND AND COMPLAIN WHEN SOMETHING HAPPEN, AT THE END OF THE DAY ARE LAWENFORCEMENTS AGENCIES DOESN'T HAVE THE MEANS TO KEEP UP WITH THESE THUGS!
Posted by Kaintuck (anonymous) on August 18, 2008 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bad guys are like locusts; they move on if an environment is not to their liking. From their perspective, a bad environment is one where they get checked by cops for little things; loitering, panhandling, public intoxication, etc. Towns that overlook these "little things" are desirable from a felon's point of view - they pass the test. Having cops walk a beat is good too; they learn the neighborhood, and the businesses and kids learn who they are. Hey, when it becomes more personal, people care more...
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