Poll suggests opposition to bringing back the Compton Police Department
Community Contributor | 8-24-2010 | Comments |
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The social networking website Hub City Livin' has become a debate zone for more than 750 Compton residents. Although only 40 voted in the recent online poll about local issues, including the city's consideration of bringing back the Compton Police Department, the responses were heated. "Based on my personal experience, the Sheriff's Department has been more responsive and visible," commented one survey taker. "I did not have the same experience with the local PD before."
Other members of the website noted concerns about the cost and ineffectiveness of the former Compton Police Department, and emphasized current satisfaction with the Sheriff's Department.
Those who supported a city police department cited the benefits of local control.
"We will have direct accountability," said one supporter who took the survey. "Citizens will have community policing. The city will may be able to deploy police officers where they are most needed without asking permission to do so. The city of Compton will now be a full municipality. And most importantly, the citizens will have full say-so regarding the quality of service they are receiving."
Compton resident Ron Dowell, who initiated the survey, gave the following commentary on results concerning other local issues:
There was 100 percent agreement on two priorities for the city council: youth services and public safety. Next, 94 percent of respondents felt job creation through business development was important. Ninety-four percent of respondents also believe that schools might improve if the council improves relations with CUSD. A little talked about problem of services to victims of crime, which received the fourth highest level of agreement at 91 percent. Street repair was important to 90 percent of those responding to the survey. The city is rolling out a development plan for Compton Blvd. east of Alameda St. and 84 percent of respondents appear to support that effort.
Full survey results can be viewed on Hub City Livin'.
Tags: compton compton police department hub city livin' survey
