This was sent to my campus paper in response to a letter from one of the 50,000 low watt bulbs on campus. Thought you folks may enjoy it.
in response to: http://www.thelantern.com/archives/gendisp.asp?id=957185917796
---
After reading Monday's letter from Ms. Esposite ("OSU Students are not given satisfactory police protection") I really have to wonder about how much a marketing degree prepares you for the real world or if she merely has a "room temperature" IQ.
She begins by listing incidents in which she was a victim of crime OFF CAMPUS, and then unleashes her rage on The Ohio State University and the men and women who have sworn to protect and serve the ON CAMPUS students. Then, just to tie it all together, she puts in a few insults directed at the athletic department. While this woman appears to have a massive unlucky streak, and I feel for her losses, I think it's fairly obvious that she is missing the point.
Aside from the fact that the OSU police have no jurisdiction in matters which happen off University property, the police have no legal obligation to protect you from crime. In fact, there are over 28 legal precidents that state "the Police have no obligation to protect any individual person from harm." I suggest you read http://members.aol.com/copcrimes/courtcases.html as it gives you the exact cases.
The sheer logistics of providing everyone 24/7 protection of themselves and their property is absolutely absurd. The fact of the matter is that you and only you are responsible for own protection. The reason college students are victims of crime can often, but not always, be traced back to the poor choices they make, such as leaving doors unlocked, or leaving valuable possesions unattended. Further, college neighborhoods are not tight-knit, making it easier for suspicious activity to take place. College students are also much more likely not to be armed, making them much more pleasant to rob and assault.
I take even more offense at the writer's blantent disregard for the job a police officer has. I've met many who have chosen to work in the law enforcement field. Despite the horrible pay, working conditions, high alcholism and divorce rates, these men and women find themselves rewarded by the off-chance that they may help someone: a noble tendancy not often found these days. I suggest before you decide to express your opinion of law enforcement that you go on a ride along (easy to arrange) with the Columbus Police Department, and see what a thankless job they have. Of course, this is probably the same person who complains about the cops being around when her keg party gets out of hand.
Unfortunately, the world is not a perfect place. Perhaps the University could require all students to live on campus, and then build a large wall around the campus, with snipers in corner towers. We'll have security cameras in all rooms, including dorms, and everyone will be required to have the appropriate identification on their person. There will be a curfew after the last class lets out in the evening, and anyone "suspicious" will be detained. If Ms. Esposite is happy living the life a sheep, perhaps I've painted a vivid enough picture for her that she can find such an institution (hint: there's a big one in Lucasville of the "Maximum Security" variety.)
Perhaps Ms. Esposite and others who feel the same should consider learning how to defend themselves, how to be aware of their surroundings, take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of being a victim (such as NOT leaving a pile of CDs in your car at night) and learning to use a firearm if they are so inclined. There are over 20 martial arts being taught on campus, and many free programs which teach awareness skills. Many ranges have courses in home defense with firearms, in addition to teaching how to safely handle and own such devices. At the very least, call the Columbus police and ask them for information on how to form a Neighborhood Watch program. Even a large German Shepard and some
common sense will go a long way. Whichever is appealing to you, the resources are out there if you are tired of feeling defenseless. Blaming a group of devoted officers will neither make you safer or make them more inclined to help you.
To paraphrase a famous paradox, "to have peace, you must prepare for war." I suggest you find a way to understand this on a personal scale.
Tom Marker
in response to: http://www.thelantern.com/archives/gendisp.asp?id=957185917796
---
After reading Monday's letter from Ms. Esposite ("OSU Students are not given satisfactory police protection") I really have to wonder about how much a marketing degree prepares you for the real world or if she merely has a "room temperature" IQ.
She begins by listing incidents in which she was a victim of crime OFF CAMPUS, and then unleashes her rage on The Ohio State University and the men and women who have sworn to protect and serve the ON CAMPUS students. Then, just to tie it all together, she puts in a few insults directed at the athletic department. While this woman appears to have a massive unlucky streak, and I feel for her losses, I think it's fairly obvious that she is missing the point.
Aside from the fact that the OSU police have no jurisdiction in matters which happen off University property, the police have no legal obligation to protect you from crime. In fact, there are over 28 legal precidents that state "the Police have no obligation to protect any individual person from harm." I suggest you read http://members.aol.com/copcrimes/courtcases.html as it gives you the exact cases.
The sheer logistics of providing everyone 24/7 protection of themselves and their property is absolutely absurd. The fact of the matter is that you and only you are responsible for own protection. The reason college students are victims of crime can often, but not always, be traced back to the poor choices they make, such as leaving doors unlocked, or leaving valuable possesions unattended. Further, college neighborhoods are not tight-knit, making it easier for suspicious activity to take place. College students are also much more likely not to be armed, making them much more pleasant to rob and assault.
I take even more offense at the writer's blantent disregard for the job a police officer has. I've met many who have chosen to work in the law enforcement field. Despite the horrible pay, working conditions, high alcholism and divorce rates, these men and women find themselves rewarded by the off-chance that they may help someone: a noble tendancy not often found these days. I suggest before you decide to express your opinion of law enforcement that you go on a ride along (easy to arrange) with the Columbus Police Department, and see what a thankless job they have. Of course, this is probably the same person who complains about the cops being around when her keg party gets out of hand.
Unfortunately, the world is not a perfect place. Perhaps the University could require all students to live on campus, and then build a large wall around the campus, with snipers in corner towers. We'll have security cameras in all rooms, including dorms, and everyone will be required to have the appropriate identification on their person. There will be a curfew after the last class lets out in the evening, and anyone "suspicious" will be detained. If Ms. Esposite is happy living the life a sheep, perhaps I've painted a vivid enough picture for her that she can find such an institution (hint: there's a big one in Lucasville of the "Maximum Security" variety.)
Perhaps Ms. Esposite and others who feel the same should consider learning how to defend themselves, how to be aware of their surroundings, take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of being a victim (such as NOT leaving a pile of CDs in your car at night) and learning to use a firearm if they are so inclined. There are over 20 martial arts being taught on campus, and many free programs which teach awareness skills. Many ranges have courses in home defense with firearms, in addition to teaching how to safely handle and own such devices. At the very least, call the Columbus police and ask them for information on how to form a Neighborhood Watch program. Even a large German Shepard and some
common sense will go a long way. Whichever is appealing to you, the resources are out there if you are tired of feeling defenseless. Blaming a group of devoted officers will neither make you safer or make them more inclined to help you.
To paraphrase a famous paradox, "to have peace, you must prepare for war." I suggest you find a way to understand this on a personal scale.
Tom Marker