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Show PAGE 12 THE ZEPHYRJULY 1991 Other Law Enforcement In Grand County somewhere left of right by Jane S. Jones PEACE OFFICERS IN GRAND COUNTY I Objectivity is a good thing. But when it comes to law enforcement, have a in the Interest difficulty in removing my own personal prejudices from the subject. However, of providing some general information, here are a few facts about the law in Grand County. When comparisons are made between the city and county departments, as they inevitably will be, remember that annual reports are compiled under different guidelines, like what constitutes an arrest, for example, and covering slightly different periods of time. Moab City Police There are currently six patrolmen on duty in Moab, plus two administrators ( the hour service police chief and assistant chief), and one animal control officer. Twenty-fou- r is provided to the community. For the period July 1, 1990 to June 30, 1991, the city police cost taxpayers $424,840. In 1990, these nine officers made 247 arrests of adults and 1 53 arrests of juveniles. They handled 143 traffic accidents. They were called out on one robbery, 79 assaults, 57 burglaries, 208 larcenies and 10 motor vehicle thefts. The dollar value of the stolen items was $103,888 and the city police recovered $64,592 or 62. City police officers dealt with other arrests such as driving under the influence or DUI's: 21, drunkennesspublic intoxication: 71, and drug abuse violations: 29, to highlight just a few. Officers went out on 2425 other crimes and calls for assistance, including 658 animal control calls, 106 domesticcivil disputes and problems, 100 buildings found open during regular building security checks, 93 medical assists and 229 escorts (bank transfers, funerals, etc.) Grand County Sheriffs Office There are 11 full time police officers working In the Sheriffs office. There are three actual patrol officers, the sheriff and hla chief deputy as administrators, one investigator and five Jail personnel. For the calendar year 1990, the sheriffs department cost taxpayers $421,769. The Jail cost an additional $222,675. The eleven police vehicles cost a total of $124,707 when purchased, a figure not Included in the sheriffs department figures. Recently, used vehicles have been purchased by the department, because of budget constraints. The Utah State High Patrol maintains an office in Moab, with a total of five basis. At Arches, the National Park Service has patrolmen covering the county on a 24 hour two full time law enforcement rangers and four temporaries during the peak tourist season. All of these law enforcement Dead Horse State Park has four law enforcement rangers. Moab City police departments. Also officers are available to assist the Grand County and enforcement some personnel. are special drug operating within the county in the county right now equals at least 32 Combined law enforcement numbers officers. The Bio "C" Word Underlying any discussion of law enforcement at the city and county level is a word that Is often heard around town: consolidation. I hesitate to say It very loud. The last time Moab considered consolidation of city and county government was In the 70's. Emotions ran quite high then, and the referendum was voted down four to one. Right now, there appears to be some support for consolidation of city and county police. Many residents and political types feel that money can be saved In this area. Many others perceive that law enforcement is doing a good job here, and should be left alone, or even given more funding and manpower to do a better Job in the face of Increasing Impacts from tourism and new residents in the area. From talking with both the county and city police, I know that they feel they have more to do than they have time for. They feel somewhat threatened by talk of consolidation, because naturally that could only involve some people losing Jobs and others losing authority. I wouldn't expect them to fed otherwise. Philosophy Law enforcement has got to be one of the most difficult Jobs Imaginable. If done conscientiously, it requires a great deal of skill, of quick thinking in emergencies. The Ideal police officer is a master of any crisis, a real friend in need, is honest and trustworthy, is understanding of our children and teenagers, is physically fit, prepared, and on call 24 hours a day. There are other Issues in law enforcement, ones that I fed are very important, but that are controversial. It has to do with the whole concept of policing and best serving the public. Along with many legal experts today, I think we have way too many laws on the Laws are bad when they limit people's freedoms every time they turn around, when books. they go far beyond the stated goals of protecting us from harm to body and property. I put most of the motor vehicle laws dealing with licensing, Inspections, Insurance and seat belts, d also most traffic citations, and the entire concept of money seizures In this ve these-anturned the law enforcement there are many more-had category. Laws such as little trouble which have ventures into finding and fining someone who agencies Is committing an illegality. Where have any of these types of Isws slowed or stopped crime by our kids or by our peers? I don't want anyone to send me more statistics, because they are meaningless to me. What any thoughtful reddent of this county and of this United States of America knows Is that economic status, job availability and the morals and values of the community and of Its visitors are what determine the rise and fall of crime. The best protection agsinst crime is planned social change and law reform. Within the context of social change is change within the hearts and minds of the adults of our community, which will directly result In a change In the attitude of our children. I'm not talking about a "respect for the law," but rather a respect for being fair to A and visitor. my neighbor my police officer Is no better than anyone else, and Just as likely I to make a mistake. respect the concept of peace and fairness, not the concept of police power. But as long as we feed ouradves and our children a steady diet of growth for consumerism, instant gratification through food, entertainment growth's sake, throw-awa- y and sex, and success tied only to how much power and money we can accumulate-wh- at else can we expect but a society who gds into drug dealing because that offers the best monetary rewards plus lots of excitement and glamour, a society which thieves from Its neighbors and friends and visitors because an individual feds he or she deserves to have drug-rdate- for-pro- fit so-call- ed In 1990, the sheriffs department arrested 192 adults and 31 juveniles. They investigated 74 traffic accidents. They were called out on one rape, six other sex offenses, one robbery, 17 burglaries, 19 auto burglaries, 103 larcenies and six motor vehicle thefts. The property loss of the stolen items was $90,320, with $43,173 recovered or 48. Included in the arrest figures are DUI's: 19, public Intoxications: 25, and drug abuse violations: 20. County officers performed 4,141 vehicle ID checks, citizens assists, security checks, etc., served 1660 civil and criminal papers, went out on 26 search and rescue calls and went out on 284 ambulance, fire and other agency assists. Pottery by THE Oityittal" KOKOPELLI POTTER est. 1972 Kokopelli Gallery & Gifts 90 East Center 259-6069 to 6 7 Days a week 6 Delma Tangreen, owner Southwest Design Hangings by Darlene Summerville Beaded Keychains by John, age 13 Kachina Dolls by Eddie & Evelyn Charley art by: tootsie o sunbird o knight life designs we will also have authentic indian art f y 4 |
