Stop Selling Crack in my Neighboorhood

Stop Smoking Crack in my Front Yard Yes I live Downtown

Comments

[Just trying to help]

I just viewed the video on you tube. I’m stunned. I don’t know what to think. I imagine the police have a multitude of reasons for why it happens - beginning with not enough resources - restrictive judicial decisions, poverty, the economy, God, etc. etc. These reasons have some validity but they ignore a crucial reality - that it’s not about curing the drug epidemic but controlling it and not about adequacy of resources but allocation of resources. No amount of law enforcement, prayer or prosperity will eradicate drugs .

Drugs are like prostitution; the question is not whether but where. The most important role law enforcement can play is in shifting the activity to areas where it causes the least harm. Obviously this type of conduct is not tolerated everywhere in the city - like in the mayor’s neighborhood or across from her office. Hopefully, it is not tolerated near schools.

And it shouldn’t be tolerated near the city’s major tourist vistas and most important public buildings, areas that help to define the image of Atlanta to its citizens and thousands of visitors. All it takes to cure the problem is the political will to re-allocate resources - from wherever they are currently being applied to stop crack dealers and their customers from openly engaging in criminal conduct - to downtown Atlanta.

I would imagine the reason that hasn’t happened is because politicians in Atlanta, like politicians in most cities, do not have a strategic vision. Instead of carefully identifying the areas of greatest need as measured by the long term interests of the entire city, they respond to squeaky wheels. And there are more squeaky wheels and wheels with louder squeaks in other areas of the city - areas of far less strategic importance than downtown Atlanta.

So what to do? Ideally, increase the total amount of law enforcement resources and allocate them to downtown Atlanta. My guess is that will not happen. We are in the midst of an economic downturn.

If Atlanta is like other cities, there is simply no more money. So you’ll have to persuade the city fathers to 1) divert resources from other areas of the city, as discussed above, 2) bring in resources from outside of city government (some form of public/private partnership perhaps) or 3) help the city understand how to better utilize their existing resources in more creative and effective ways. With respect to (3), I think law enforcement in most places is the most parochial institution in government.

They insist on doing things the way they’ve always been done. With drugs, for example, they are always after convictions and jail time and rely way too much on expensive buy/bust operations with undercover operatives and long term investigations, etc.

The goal in your neighborhood should be harassment - turn up the heat high enough that the sleazeballs take their dope elsewhere. The number of arrests is less important than the fear of arrest. And to the extent that the street activity is fueled by drug customers from outside the area, a simple police presence would dry up the demand.

And if not an active police presence then video surveillance with well lit streets and citizen patrols might do. It is obvious that the word is out among the crack dealers and their customers that they can ply their trade in your neighborhood and the cops don’t care and there aren’t enough full time residents to be a bother. In short, there are no consequences. That perception has to change.

[Author]

A comment came in about the name downtownaltantasux.

"I do think it would be more helpful if you did not use an email with the address of downtownatlantasux. Most of us truly appreciate downtown while we push for improvements in the area. "

This was my response.

I think I speak the sentiment of the residents of my area whose doors open up to brazen illegal activity daily. I am heavily invested in the area and I have no choice but to speak wonderful, great things about downtown to my friends, family and residents of other intown areas. I do support the cause. I understand that part of the responsibility of living downtown is to also market downtown to other.

I am trying to be genteel. I take a different route. I don’t walk after dark. I am starting to become immune. Frankly it's starting to get a little embarrassing.

While we work together in groups, neighborhood watches, with the city council and police I understand it's important to play well with others. I understand the need for restraint.

However deep inside there is a frustration, an anger that frankly we are not allowed to share in public. We are supposed to always supposed be so grateful for what downtown is promised to be.

This time I am going to be frank this SUX....seeing drug dealing...this SUX...hearing gunfire this SUX...smelling urine and SEEING feces in doorways..this SUX....aggressive panhandling...this SUX...watching the police drive by and do nothing...this SUX...understanding the police are also frustrated.....SUX

I'm not sure you know what it's like. Do you live in the south part of downtown? Do you walk around? Try taking MARTA from five points station. Come down to GARNETT station….walk there. Don’t drive.

It comes from the gut. I'm tired of people who don't live here telling me crime is down in downtown. I don’t see it. MY car has been broken into 3 times in 2 years.

It’s not nice. It’s not pretty. We need a place to vent. I am open to dialog and urge people to post on youtube about your feelings. It’s helpful. It’s the things that don’t get said or shown that matter the most

[What?]

This is unspeakable. It is unbelievable. What is interesting is that no one is hiding. They are in plain view. No one is trying to crouch in the corners. So brazen. And it's daylight.

And the police? Downtown Atlanta is full of police -- all kinds of police. And our local leaders and politicians?

But these same politicians will have people standing outside on the streets of downtown Atlanta holding up posters for their re-election when they obviously don't give a sh*t about their constituency.

This is blasphemous.

And you can't buy liquor on Sunday!!!!!!!!!

Bible Belt Bullshit.

[What?]

And one other thing...

my car was broken into on that same street!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!