I understand that the police bulletin is a traditional section of local newspapers and is intended to give a quick snapshot of what is happening in the town in terms of crime.
Police departments often suggest that people use these lists to help them make better decisions about how to keep themselves safe. This means that a rise in the number of police officers in a particular neighborhood indicates an increase in crime and citizens should be cautious. Owners of these items should be particularly cautious if there is a report of an increase in thefts of certain items (e.g. bikes).
However, does the police report really reflect the severity of the harm and the safety of the community?
While property crime rates nationwide are decreasing, wage theft is increasing. There is no equivalent Montclair Local police blotter that lists incidents in which employees are not paid fairly because they work overtime, work over the clock or have been subject to minimum wage violations. Another example is the ongoing attack on the environment. There is no equivalent Montclair Local police blotter for reporting companies that violate environmental regulations.
I get that the Montclair Local has limited resources. However, I believe the message that it sends with a section dedicated for publishing police reports is problematic. Although it can be very distressing to have your property stolen or damaged, is that the only way to ensure safety in a community?
What are the benefits of putting a spotlight on these types crimes and not reporting about others (e.g., landlords illegally evict tenants and make them homeless)? It reinforces my belief that safety is primarily an issue of police, which means that we cannot ensure safety by expanding policing. To the contrary, if we are better able to understand safety, we will be more likely to find other ways to make and maintain it.
Montclair Local could provide a better service to the local community by shifting away from promoting a narrow and limiting police-focused safety view and prioritizing the issues (e.g. employment rights and fair housing) that keep the town as safe as possible.
Erik Jacobson
Montclair Beyond Policing is a Montclair member
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