From the Email InBox: Paying for Criminal Activities

Dear Gramps:

In reading the Arrests and Bookings Report a couple of thoughts came to mind.

Is it possible to find out what these people arrested are doing in GT if they are not Residents? What Businesses are "Attracting Them". Are they drinking at a bar, or frequenting a particular area for a particular reason?

Why on earth is anyone "Released" if they have Failed to Appear in Court Charges Pending?

Perhaps we need a Paddy Wagon, or Holding Cell so our Officers can round up criminals and make only one trip to booking a shift. Time lost between booking is no doubt the reason the folks with outstanding warrants are released with a citation only.

How many of these folks are In Country Illegally or may have more serious warrants out of state or county?

Perhaps a business who attracts criminal activities or criminals could be fined or taxed for contributing to the cost of law enforcement. For Example, a DUI Arrest of a person leaving a Bar should also result in the Bar being Fined.

Reply from Gramps:

Interesting Idea, tax the source of the problem rather than the general population. I agree that bars and even the proposed LOWES should pay for added cost of law enforcement. A person who owns a house and attracts criminals can be financially responsible including the loss of their property.

It should be a part of the calculation of "Sustainability of a Development", does it attract criminal activity and other costs to the community in excess of revenues generated.