crosspost from RoanokeFound: Cost vs. Quality

Cost vs. Quality

13 pages. I can't wait to see that in print. Someone must have it.

A 13 page letter written by Darlene's office to tell the Roanoke cops "No. Not yours."

Here's a secret for you. Unspoken for a while.

Southeast Roanoke (our humble abode) is apparently larger than one might initially imagine. Not only does it run from the tracks south, Vinton west, and 581/220 east - but it includes the communities of South Roanoke, Garden City, and borders on Clearbrook and the gravel pits. That's including Avenham, Franklin Rd., Mt. Pleasant, Mill Moutain, Fallon Park....

Thats a large area. And only 3 cops patrol on each shift.

3 of Roanoke's finest, covering an area the size of a small Soviet-bloc country. Somehow it doesn't seem right does it?

Well, the reasoning is even more interesting. In order to keep appearances of staffing, the city reduced the maximum number of police on the force - because, well - it would never do to be understaffed now would it?

So when the city police ask for concessions - I say we should give them something. You are asking 9 of Roanoke's finest to do more in a 24 hour period than most cities ask of their officers.

Roanoke City Police run single man patrol cars, easily the most dangerous of the options for police. And how long before backup arrives.

You'll have to pardon me, but I'm the son of a cop - and this is a disgrace. I feel for the fine officers of Roanoke's own - they deserve better than this.

But a 13 page letter, outlining how much you've done, how you've given and bent over backwards.. and here we are running 3 unit shifts. No partner in the car, no backup in close proximity.

Take your letter and shove it.

Like I said - completely anonymously, I would welcome a copy of the letter. Just for my own edification.

(this will be cross posted to the SERoanoke blog)