Editor:
My sister and I would like to respond to the letter published in the Lovelock Review Miner (Oct. 10-16) regarding law enforcement in Lovelock. We feel that the writer of this letter is misinformed on several issues and we would like to discuss some of the points that were brought up.
First of all, we would like to point out the necessity of the multiple agencies due to different populations that are served by each.
Most population centers in Nevada have highway patrol officers stationed because this is a statewide service that is provided and budgeted with state controlled funds. Tribal lands have their own laws and therefor require a specially trained officer to meet their needs. Also, having a separate county versus city department is not at all unusual.
As for the statement that "More police usually results in more crime," this just isn't backed by fact. According to findthedata.org, which is compiled from public data bases, Lovelock crime rates are within the average for the state. In fact, our rates are lower than those of Fallon even though we have fewer officers per civilians.
Although it may be inconvenient to be pulled over, that inconvenience is generally where the problem ends. If you are obeying the law and do not have any contraband in your car, then more than likely you will be sent on your way with no additional problems. It's not the officers that are dangerous. They are actually ridding us of dangers on the road. It is thanks to these traffic stops that we have had a reduction in drunk driving and drug trafficking.
My sister and I, as well as many others in town, have been stopped and given warnings or minor traffic citations without feeling "harassed." If you show respect to your officer you will usually receive it back.
Although the writer may feel that law enforcement is heavier at night, this is not actually the case. There are times when there are only one or two officers on duty for certain shifts. The sheriff's office has jurisdiction throughout the entire county, including outlying regions such as Grass Valley. If a serious event were to happen in the early hours of the morning these first responders would have no back up available right away. In addition law enforcement are many times first responders to medical calls, such as accidents on the freeway, and help our ambulance crews to save lives.
In conclusion, we would like to express our appreciation for our law enforcement officers and thank them for putting themselves in danger to keep us safe.
Melissa Washabaugh
and Trina Allen
Lovelock
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