Jackson Free Press

Crime has once again become the dominant topic of local public interest. It is a volatile issue and, therefore, is occasionally treated by the media, the public, and some politicians with a degree of panic and hysteria that bears little relation to the actual day-to-day lives of ordinary residents. Granted, in our neighborhood of Fondren, crime has become more of an issue for residents. I have recently heard more about crime, specifically thefts or robberies in the area between Meadowbrook, State and Old Canton (four arrests were made the week of May 12). It is also my understanding, however, that these sorts of incidents are on the rise in the city overall and can also be attributed somewhat to the onset of longer days.

It is not my intention to minimize or belittle crime victims or those close to them. It is certainly a serious issue with serious consequences. My concern is that, because crime is such a hot-button topic, the bigger picture, the whole framework, can sometimes be overlooked. Above all, in the context of any story about the crime problem in Jackson, I think it would be a shame for the following points about Fondren to be overlooked:

1. The overwhelming majority of residents have not been victims of crime in the neighborhood. This is not to say that there have not been more reports of crime in the area recently.

2. The "prevalence" of crime in the area appears to be exaggerated. That is not to say that the increased reports of crime are fabricated. Keep in mind, however, that when a crime does occur in this area, most everyone knows about it in a relatively short period of time. That dynamic is probably not at work in many other metro neighborhoods.

The information is also making residents aware of exactly what kind of criminal activity is occurring and where and when. This can sometimes serve to reduce stress and concern because residents know exactly what has transpired. A crime could be a car stereo stolen or a missing lawnmower. A car stereo theft is not the same as an armed robbery.

3. We have been and continue to take formal and informal preventive steps to help deter future criminal activity. Some circle the block before parking. Others call neighbors before arriving home. Still others follow and track unfamiliar vehicles. Many of us live on small streets that normally do not see thru traffic. If we see a car we have not seen before, we pay more attention.

4. Many carry cell phones and have no problem calling JPD. JPD has been, for the most part, responsive and cooperative.

5. We have trimmed bushes to have a better view of the street. We are leaving porch lights, carport lights and driveway lights on at night.

Has there been more crime in the neighborhood? It appears that way. At a minimum, more people are aware of crime and are openly discussing it. Is it a crime "wave"? Probably not. I'm not sure I know what that means.

Can some of it be attributed to a general increase in crime in metro Jackson? Probably. Can some of it be attributed to the onset of daylight savings time? Probably. Can some of it be attributed to a downturn in the local and national economy? Probably. I am neither an economist nor a criminologist. It's pretty clear, though, that crime rates decreased during the economic expansion of the '90s, and crime rates appear to be rising again as the economy stalls, more people are out of work, and other benefits and safety nets are decreased or eliminated. Can some of it be attributed to coincidence, just an unexplained epoch in the human cycle of life? Maybe.

The sky is not falling. People are not panicking. People are taking a few more precautions, just as they would for other events that affect their lives. People still enjoy this neighborhood, want to live here, and are willing to stay and take steps to address the problem rather than flee to Madison or Clinton.

Are people still walking their dogs? Yes. Are people still exercising, going to St. James, and visiting with their neighbors? Yes.

Can good come from this sort of thing? Sure. People are discussing this and other issues with neighbors. There is a list on my refrigerator with the names and numbers of everyone on our block. People are actively getting together to do something to protect this area for which we have such an affinity. We are watching out for one another. We are paying more attention to our neighbors.

Despite recent events, Fondren is still a great place to live. People here are as friendly as they are diverse. Any time you have a community as welcoming and trusting as this one, there is a risk that a misguided few will exploit that hospitality. I sincerely hope that recent events will not precipitate paranoia or overcompensation on security issues at the expense of that hospitality.

We are paying more attention to things around us. Flowers are blooming. People are in their front yards planting bushes, trimming hedges, and tending to little (and big) gardens. Families still walk with their kids and dogs. People still wave or stop to chat. We are paying more attention to the slowly moving suspicious vehicles, the unfamiliar pedestrian and the unidentified visitor, but we are also paying more attention to the friendly dogs, the tall shady trees and the lush green lawns.
Frank Garrison is an attorney and a resident of Fondren.

Previous Comments

ID

68371

Comment

Thank goodness that this was clearly noted as an opinion piece.

Author

Reader

Date

2003-05-16T11:57:28-06:00

ID

68372

Comment

Even if it wasn't labeled, Reader, one would be hard-pressed to believe that this obviously personal essay is anything other than "opinion." We welcome opinions in the JFP, including yours. You seem so intelligent; why don't you relax and pass that corn cob off to someone else for a while, and let's all just discuss issues respectfully? This site isn't about scoring points for cheap shots, especially at my guest columnists who are simply trying to add to their discussion, with both their names and their photos attached to their pieces. Take a breath.

Author

ladd

Date

2003-05-16T18:32:30-06:00

ID

68373

Comment

Corn cob? The symbolism is intriguing though I don't understand at all why you felt compelled to use it. Corn cob is definitely more disrespectful than anything I included in my short retort.

Author

Reader

Date

2003-05-16T20:53:14-06:00

ID

68374

Comment

Sorry if you took it that way. I was just jabbing you back a bit. When you dish it out so often, that's bound to happen. But I do wish you'd relax a little. We, including other posters, could probably have some good chat with you'd stop the petty insults.

Author

ladd

Date

2003-05-16T23:07:13-06:00