In the news: Builders demand burglary relief from Island County sheriff
Background:
April, 2014:
Federal grant money goes to “…gain a better grasp on cross border activity and to prevent illegal crossings.”
“Funding for the boat was issued through the Homeland Security Grant Program under Operation Stonegarden.”
If public meetings were held on Whidbey Island & people were asked to state their top local law enforcement priorities- would a Homeland Security patrol boat show up anywhere on the list?
If the Sheriff was interviewed & asked for his wish list- is there any possibility that it would include a Homeland Security patrol boat?
Took a quick look on the web to see if there is a post 911 history of maritime “cross-border activity” on Whidbey & could not find anything. If anyone has info, please post in comments.
Local crime problem unrelated to Homeland Security concerns:
Feb, 2014:
Sheriff talks about Whidbey Island burglaries at meeting
Whidbey burglary victims up in arms over lack of arrests
Dec, 2013:
The federal government has money to share- but not to curb the sorts of crimes that concern local communities:
May, 2013:
Public safety emergency declared due to Whidbey Island crime wave
Recommendation-
Let the Sheriff & the people he serves set funding priorities for the Island County Sheriff’s Department.
More federal cash to increase border security-
June, 2015:
Whidbey Island police get federal funding
Newspeople post press release instead of asking questions.
Past results:
Seattle-
$5 million waterfront cameras haven’t worked one day
DEA:
“James said western Washington might as well be the backyard for three Mexican drug cartels.”
Photo- Bluff Trail