Best defense

AAPD programs reach out to the community

Police officers nationwide often find themselves the subject of criticism, be it from community activists, rap artists or the lawbreakers they apprehend. While some of these complaints are justified, they often overshadow the fine service police departments perform for their communities. Here in Ann Arbor, the AAPD deserves praise for its programs that reach out to the community, and curious residents should participate in some of the offerings.

Many people who live and work in Ann Arbor probably do not know much about the everyday operation of the police department. In hopes of educating the public, the AAPD offers the Ann Arbor Citizens' Police Academy. This program increases public awareness of the various facets of policework. Through demonstrations and explanations of procedures, the AAPD should continue to soften the somewhat adversarial relationship between citizens and the police.

Students in particular look upon the police with a suspicious eye. But students should not ignore the efforts the AAPD makes to work with them. Drinking is a serious problem affecting the University, and AAPD officers conduct talks with fraternities and sororities to educate members about alcohol abuse. In the face of high-profile alcohol-related deaths on other campuses last year, the AAPD should continue to keep its lines of communication open with students so that such tragedies do not occur here at the University.

The AAPD also deserves credit for its handling of University events such as the Naked Mile. The officers' presence makes the event a good deal safer, and they do not interfere in what is essentially a harmless, though technically illegal, event. Participating students worry less about groping and other assaults because officers are nearby. The AAPD should apply its methods for handling the Naked Mile to other instances of crowd control, where officers' responses have sometimes left a great deal to be desired.

Sadly, each academic year generally has its share of assaults, sexual and otherwise. To reduce the number of incidences, students would be well-served to attend the Personal Safety Program - a self-defense clinic offered by the AAPD. These courses stress prevention as much as defense, resulting in students that understand how to make themselves less vulnerable. An educated campus makes for a safer campus.

Certainly, the AAPD is not without its faults. The handling of last year's Ohio State football game is a glaring example, with officers pummeling and pepper spraying the initial students who poured onto the field after the Michigan victory. While those students did commit a civil infraction, it did not warrant the brutal measures taken. The AAPD should now concentrate on improving its own procedures in areas such as crowd management - perhaps using the Naked Mile as a model. As a part of that improvement, the AAPD should work with the public to find a solution that will prevent occurrences of violence.

To create a safer, more friendly environment, the AAPD and Ann Arbor citizens need to work together. The AAPD can teach citizens a great deal about preventing crimes and tragedies. Citizen participation is necessary to suggest ways the AAPD can improve its procedures. Working together, Ann Arbor can become a better community.

06-08-98