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Show r Recently we've been experiencing quite a lot controversy regarding law enforcement within Garfield County. People all over the State of Utah are aware of the problem here. I feel that it would make good sense to begin NOW to pull together In support of our LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT. It appears that some of the citizens feel that laws which were enacted by state, county, and municipal legislative bodies apply selectively. "That's a good law, but don't stop me for the abuse of it! "What kind of a cop would give a kid a ticket for running a stop sign on his bike?" "They weren't hurting anything with their beer party!" "they're only kids." May I pose some questions to you? Is your child more, or less likely to be hurt if hit running a stop sign on his bike, than if you were hit in your car? Which would you prefer to witness, your nine year old given a written warning (without any cost) for the violation, or, perhaps the same son or daughter as the casket is being closed? Or, your 16 year old daughter, detained by police at a drinking party; the other ' side of which could be her being detained by police at the scene of a fatal traffic accident, where she was responsible for her best friend's death? A police officer who Is willing to enforce the laws of his jurisdiction, including the youthful offenders, does so out of a desire to see those kids grow up whole and healthy, rather than some cynical desire to "pick on the kids." if the officer must "take some heat'.' for these actions, then at least be willing to share it with the city, county, and state officials who pass the laws, hire and fire law enforcement officers, etc. And with the city and county attorneys, who job it is to see that the police write only legal citations and to try these cases before the courts. Give some of the heat to the judges and JP's who sit on the trial benches. Unless you're willing to put on that badge and do the job yourself, Including cleaning up the accidents and notifying next of kin . . . then quit fighting law enforcement in Garfield County. Let's pull together with them! Richard A. Lutes Training Officer Bryce Valley Ambulance |