Police executives: Budget cuts would be devastating (W's budget)

[underpants]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=676&e=5&u=/usatoday/20040304/ts_usatoday/policeexecutivesbudgetcutswouldbedevastating

The nation's largest organization of police executives said local police will be forced to lay off hundreds of officers next year if Congress accepts a Bush administration budget proposal that includes a $1.5 billion reduction in law enforcement assistance. It would be the first overall cut to local cops since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

In New York City, the police department has seen its force shrink by more than 3,000 officers in the past three years.

The prospect of additional layoffs at a time when some violent crimes have been rising and as local agencies are being asked to take on anti-terrorism responsibilities brought more than 70 uniformed members of the International Association of Chiefs of Police to Capitol Hill on Wednesday.

The proposed 2005 budget includes cuts of about $1 billion in assistance formerly administered by the Justice Department (news - web sites) and another $500 million from the Department of Homeland Security.

Polisar said some departments are "stretched to the breaking point" because of anti-terror responsibilities.

[UpInArms]

1. feeling more secure yet?

I have been reading about various first responders being laid off now for months.

Fire departments, sheriff's deputies, police departments across the country.

This mal-administration seems intent on doing the exact opposite of what they say they promote.

:puke:

[underpants]

3. 16% less Police in NYC than on 9-11

something like 10% less firemen. I heard that somewhere but I am not sure if it jibes with the 3,000 number in the article.

I wonder what would have happened or NOT happened that day if they were at the manpower levels they are now. Frightening.

[SoDesuKa]

2. $8 Million For Miami

The city of Miami got an extra $8 million of federal money to deal with the FTAA protests:

For Miami cops, the operation brings good public relations after a series of corruption scandals and a long history of racist brutality directed at the city’s African-American and Haitian populations.

And from their standpoint, the Feds see an opportunity to nationalize local law enforcement to curb protest. Thus, $8 million in funding for policing protests at the FTAA protests turned up in the $87 billion Iraq occupation funding bill--and judging by a look at the new police equipment, Timoney spent every penny . . .

http://www.socialistworker.org/2003-2/478/478_06_Miami.shtml

[NewYorkerfromMass]

10. It's why Kerry voted against the 87 billion.

No accountibility on where 20 billion of it could be spent.
I just read about this on dailykos.

[Lindsay]

4. And as we speak

Tom Ridge is testifying before the House Appropriations Subcommittee that the reason for defunding the COPS program is that it's the responsibility of states and cities.

Worst administration ever.

[leodem]

5. As somebody in the hiring process for a Police Officer

This certainly sucks to hear. Althought I've noticed in South Florida (where I'm applying) they are hiring like crazy as opposed to where I currently live in New England.

This whole anti-terror shit is bullshit. I remember reading an article where out in Arizona I believe it was the Department of Public Safety said fuck it to stationing Troopers at power plants due to the cost. Why I am not a huge fan of Portland, ME Police Chief, Mike Chitwood, I due agree with him 100% that federal law enforcement needs to be more helpful when it comes to sharing information with state, local, and county law enforcement.

[underpants]

7. Welcome to DU

:hi:

Good to hear there is some hiring going on (guess there always is some) and good luck.

[leodem]

8. Thanks for the welcome and good luck!

It's going good, I feel good about getting a job with Coral Gables PD. The salary increase will improve my partner's and my life by a lot! I sick of being a corporate slave making $8.25 w/ no benefits.

And as always, I promise to serve the citzens with same honor and respect Kerry and Clark served their country. :)

[RedEarth]

6. Billion dollar no bid contracts for Haliburton.........

so there is no money left for actually protecting our country....

[Bandit]

9. What does New York need so many police ~ 3000 was considered

plenty for Haiti with about the same population. Why is three thousand police fine for Haiti but New York needs forty thousand? I am just making the point that Haiti has been even more short changed than New York although both are impacted by the Bush* Thugs.

[Barkley]

11. Too bad NYC doesn't have oil wells to protect

The US is hiring mercenaries in Chile to replace its soldiers
on security duty in Iraq. A Pentagon contractor has begun
recruiting former commandos, other soldiers and seamen,
paying them up to $4,000 (£2,193) a month to guard oil
wells against attack by insurgents.


- The Guardian, U.K.



US contractor recruits guards for Iraq in Chile

The US is hiring mercenaries in Chile to replace its soldiers on security duty in Iraq. A Pentagon contractor has begun recruiting former commandos, other soldiers and seamen, paying them up to $4,000 (£2,193) a month to guard oil wells against attack by insurgents.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/chile/story/0,13755,1162441,00.html

[Room101]

12. I encourage everyone to email this to their local police /nt

.