Why TPD’s “Safe Speedway” Program is Discrimination
In Tucson, its habitual for the younger folks to drive their vehicles on Speedway Blvd., aka “Cruising” on their Friday/Saturday nights. This is very common for other metropolitan areas; and carries its inherited risks of driving. Those risks are risks we accept every day we get in our vehicle - accidents, and the environment of other people, add in the human factor, and now we have Drunk Driving. I never drove drunk, never will, and criticize others who do, or think its cool to. The gist of Speedway is cruising around, and hang out at a fine business establishment - who permits them to. These popular establishments are Subway, Mobile (gas station), and Trader Joe’s parking lot.
Well, recently, since local schools have graduated, they have a program named “Safe Speedway” - which essentially means, more of a police presence on Speedway. Do I expect them to enforce DUI, and actual crimes? yes. Do they let me down? Yes. They are having their Sgts. and Team Captains harassing businesses to sign affidavits stating they do not wish to have people loitering on their businesses after 10:00PM. The police are pulling intimidation tactics to scare the younger crowd away from cruising and hanging out at businesses. This has upset me personally, since even I hang out there - since there is nothing else for someone under 21 to do around here. I don’t mean to get confrontational with the police, its not my character. They are abusive and condescending, simply when you question them. This attitude is unacceptable for Peace Officers in Arizona. They then, mold the law around, instead of merely enforcing it. Isn’t that what this whole ‘checks and balances’ system is all about?
I will cite an example. Two weeks ago, at Mobile, there was no crimes being committed, no public disorder, or anything - yet 12 police cars pull in with lights and sirens, and demand everyone to leave. The owner was explicitly permitting the individuals to stay - as they also patronize the business, therefore making it profitable. The owner refused to sign the affidavit letting police intrude on other’s without any call or crimes being comitted. After the owner refused, police still ordered everyone off the property and left for the night. From that moment that night, the owner has minimal business.
Here’s my call to action - TPD, you need to have an attitude adjustment. How about embracing the moments on Speedway you have with your citizens. Am I asking for dedicated officers to monitor - of course not. I am however, suggesting having one of the officers on the routine Speedway patrol, be open and straight-forward with the people patronizing businesses. They need not to be a PR spokesperson, but just a regular officer who is upfront and approachable with people. It isn’t necessary to yell and be abusive with them, and steal revenues from your own businesses that contribute to tax revenues. People - don’t let TPD interfere with your patronizing of a business. Keep your receipt, and simply ask the officers for the call number associated for your interaction. Oh wait, there isn’t one, and they will attempt to say its not your right to know, and back peddle their way out of your questioning. The call number is public record, and they must inform you. Call numbers are in consecutive order for that 24-hr day, and reset at midnight. Feel free to view their General Orders (Code of conduct, etc) online.
I have used a lot of generalization- to credit, of all the officers I’m interfaced with, only a small few have not been condescending - so it does exist, and I am not asking too much here. Its the willingness of the rest of the department to change and act appropriately with the community.
[tags]Tucson, TPD, Police, Rice, Discrimination, Harassment[/tags]
