Appalled by police log

March 2, 2012

Lenexa, Kan.

To the Editor:

If I were a citizen of Washington County I would be appalled at what is taking place in regard to calls to local law enforcement. I have been reading The Journal on my recent visits to Washington and just shake my head at the ?Police Log.? I feel like I am reading something from the Andy Griffith Show and know there will be something about Barney and Thelma Lou!

It appears there have been numerous break-ins, home invasions and vandalism reports in the recent months; however, it seems that the police are kept away from working on these REAL cases because they are being called out due to someone flipping someone else off or a grade-school student throwing a snowball at other students or my all-time favorite, someone?s cell phone stopped working. These are not matters for the police.

As I understand it, the police log comes from public record in which names are provided. If that is the case, The Journal should be printing these people?s names in the paper when they make such frivolous calls and tie up law enforcement. There doesn?t seem to be a problem with naming drunk drivers, drug users and/or the minor who is caught drinking. One would think that if you name one person, you should be naming them all. By printing the names, the people making the ?unfounded? reports might be embarrassed by their actions enough to stop, leaving law enforcement to solve the REAL crimes in town.

Flipping the bird is rude but it is a person?s right ? not a police matter. Kids throwing snowballs at each other is something kids do ? not a police matter. Cell phone not working? It is a phone company matter, not one for the police. We really need to get back to the point that you call the police when a REAL crime happens. People need to toughen up, discipline their kids, get a clue and quit calling law enforcement to tattle on someone. When that starts happening, perhaps you will see a decline in the actual crimes taking place.

Sincerely,

Mindi Johnson