Recently major news networks are starting to do stories about local police departments getting cut backs in staffing because of a lack of funding due to the worsening economy.
Unfortunately I started warning about this 3 years ago.
Their stories focus on the human side of more folks losing their jobs and that is certainly legitimate.
What they failed to mention for one reason or another is the impact those cuts have on the personal security and personal safety of the citizens in those towns in many ways.
1.
Budget cuts lead to lower wages for police and fire safety officers making the career field less attractive 2.
Response times are lengthened due to less personnel to respond.
3.
Support resources are cut too.
Here is Colorado Springs the helicopter that was used to chase down the bad guys was cut.
4.
Training is cut first when budgets are slashed.
What this leads to down the road is less equipment, less training, less qualified personnel, slower response times and an increase in crime because the bad guys are emboldened.
There are several things citizens can and should do to improve their personal security and home security.
1.
Lock all doors and windows in your home even when you are home.
2.
Self defense products like stun guns, pepper sprays and tasers offer excellent protection for you and allow for the slower response times.
Learn how to use them and practice using them.
3.
Start or join a "Neighborhood Watch.
" It is free and it works.
4.
"Harden" your home as a target meaning making it less attractive to the bad guys.
Install door and window alarms, put a sign in your front yard warning of a viscous guard dog, remove potential hiding places around lower level doors and windows.
5.
Learn basic self defense techniques so when the time comes you can defend yourself.
Follow these tips and you will be much better off with your personal security and home security in the days,weeks, months ahead.
One thing is clear, budget cuts in police departments are here to stay.