Friday, March 29, 2013

Muskegon-area violence: Some readers doubt promised witness protection

Muskegon-area violence: Some readers doubt promised witness protection | MLive.com:
"Some commenters stated that the overall  judicial  “system” is flawed and that witnesses, and even victims themselves, are fearful to come forward due to the possibility of retaliation.
Others stated that witnesses will end up being convicted if they say too much, thus deterring them from coming forward as well."

Stu Padazo had this to say:
As much as I want to believe that people would be protected, I don't. If Mr. Hilson had control of the Hts police dept, then I would believe it. There are people who know the person who shot the 18 yr old back in late Jan. No one will report it because it is a WELL known fact that the police department is UNDER staffed and the crime in that community is sky HIGH. The pastors and the social justice committee have done nothing in the community that is long term or impactful. Do they even meet any more? They sure do come together for photo opportunities.
Some suggested that officials promising to protect witnesses really won’t make a difference. One commenter claims that law enforcement officials should go about it differently.
People don't trust the "system", its been like this for 100's of years, probably has something to do w/ being enslaved by the white man. Its pervasive and won't just go away. In 2013 you have a society of unemployed non skilled people living in Muskegon's poorest neighborhoods. What's their hope for the future? The young people grow up w/ very little guidance and very little hope. They then gravitate towards quick money and petty posturing(gang affiliation). The authorities need to work on the root causes, not just apprehending the bad guys and getting people to "talk'. The authorities are treating this problem from the wrong end and until somebody has the balls to confront the real problem and treat it accordingly, then it'll just be more of the same.

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