Their time with the men's group was especially appreciated given the press coverage of the Summerdale and Elberta police departments in recent days. Wasdin reviewed the background circumstances involving each department and then turned the focus to the general picture of police concerns in Silverhill as part of the broader Baldwin County law enforcement picture.
The economic downturn has had major impact on the crime scene in Silverhill. Just a couple years ago, most infractions involved the younger part of the age spectrum. As households have become stressed by the turn of economic events, the age group of 40 to 49 year-olds has become more involved in crimes in Silverhill. This is a considerable change given the overall demographics for crime in Baldwin County. In 2009 there were 82 arrests in Silverhill for the whole year; in 2010 there were over 100. Today there are an average of 50 arrests per month with 75% of them being drug related.
The effect on Silverhill police personnel is significant. With a case load of 100 crimes per year per officer needing investigation, Silverhill police are carrying a case load 30 to 40% higher than peer departments in the County.
Domestic problems with drug problems superimposed on basic problems add up to physical risk for police officers. Officer Clemmons shared one recent example noting, "I show up and I'm looking down the barrel of a rifle." This was at a house where there were reportedly no firearms! In that case it was a two and a half hour stand-off. Domestic violence as a crime site, is more hazardous for police officers because there are so many potential variables. Crimes related to autos are considered less hazardous because variables in a "traffic stop" are much more limited by comparison.
Complicating home calls by police are another problem related to people losing hope in this economy. There are people who have given up for one reason or another, and who just want to bait the police enough to be shot and killed, i.e., "suicide by police firearms use."
Wasdin responded to an audience question about public preparedness to home invasion: 1) Have an alarm system with motion sensors. 2) Consider how to protect your family since you have the right to protect your family if you fear for your life. 3) If you choose to have firearms on hand, seek training in their use at the time of purchase. 4) Have a can of wasp spray on hand--the can will spray 15 to 25 feet into the face of a criminal, deter that criminal, and not leave any permanent impairment. "It is the best defense in the world," Wasdin noted. 5) If your home is invaded, call 911 and barricade yourself in a safe room and don't confront the invader.
In response to the question, "How can we support our local police?" Wasdin noted that the economic times are not optimal. There is a need for another officer in Silverhill. A police car replacement is needed for the one that burned up last week. Even toner cartridges for the printer are needed. The Silverhill Police Department is working with a number of groups to generate support through a "boot drive" in the near future.
In closing Wasdin asked for support for a book drive for elementary children's books. The "gently used" donations will be divided between Silverhill school, the Silverhill library, and a mission trip by youngsters. Books can be dropped off at the Silverhill Police Office in the Silverhill Town Hall.
