To the editor,
My name is Ceaser. I'm a street musician who's been entertaining the night-time crowds outside the Dome for some time. I've seen a lot over the years, everything from over-drinking to swarmings. This city has changed a lot and I'm not shocked by the recent tragedy. Only saddened. It was coming for some time.
I have seen the increase in police and I applaud the mayor and the chief of police for this. It's a great start, but…
The people who frequent the clubs haven't noticed the increased patrols and still think they can get away with crimes. The only ones who would—and have—noticed are cab drivers, doormen and me. The police response time is definitely shorter, but it's not preventing crime. I propose a possible solution. Police cars parked all night at busy spots so their presence is felt.
On busy nights all the city needs is one officer with a parked police car at Prince and Argyle and one officer with a car at Pizza Corner. Prince and Argyle can be seen by people walking between the Palace and the Dome and can be seen from Rain and Mercury. This is by far the most travelled area downtown, and we all know Pizza Corner's reputation. And on slow nights a car parked during closing at the most popular club of the night would surely make a difference.
This is how large cities do it in the US. I'm no expert, but I feel very strongly about the idea of having police cars parked in these or similar locations, so police are seen and their presence felt by every one who is walking the streets. Beefed-up patrols and cameras will only lead to more convictions, not prevention.
By Gary “Ceaser” Julien
