More police in Palatine?

To the editor: Palatine officials report that one of the biggest resident complaints is around the lack of police presence in our neighborhoods. The proposal for a new police task force unit to work the neighborhoods is just another method of increasing police budgets and adding to an already large police force. Everyone needs to take some responsibility and be a little more tolerant. Big government and policing typically result in loss of freedom, and once it is established is almost impossible to reverse. The neighborhood beat cop idea was promoted in the early '90s by Palatine to patrol neighborhoods and get to know the people. I don't have the facts as to the results but it never happened in the two neighborhoods where I lived in Palatine.

As far as speeding through the neighborhoods, half the time it is to avoid traffic congestion and ticket cameras and if it is a chronic issue report it to the police, they will stop it. If you really want to feel safe, suggest they put cameras up on your corner like the ones going up everywhere else; then you can be watched 24 hours a day. The point is, if there is an issue, call the current police and they will come to help.

Everyone needs to take some responsibility and be a little more tolerant.

David Njaastad

Palatine