After reading in Wedenesday's Times-Union of a 24-year-old man being hit by a truck, beaten, stabbed and robbed in the heart of Winona Lake on Monday moring, I can't help but think it's time for the Winona Lake Police Department to start patrolling their own community more intensely instead of running speed traps in Etna Green, and constantly patrolling U.S. 30 and the streets of Warsaw and Kosciusko County.
These officers are using the town's resources (mileage, wear & tear on squad cars, fuel) because they are bored with their job's lack of activity.
While the Winona Lake Police Department does have a presence in Winona Lake, it is not all positive.
The Winona Lake community and especially the "Village at Winona" has put a tremendous amount of money and effort into promoting the community, and have done a marvelous job. Winona Lake is known nationwide for its promotion of bicycling events and the educational opportunities provided by Grace College. But when the people come to visit, they get pulled over and harrassed because of out-of-state plates, or they were driving at 32 mph in a 30 zone.
The officers on this force need to take pride in having a low-crime community and personally become more active within the public relations of the community.
Driving around outside of their town limits looking for "action" with the tinted windows rolled up and isolating yourselves is not effective law enforcement. Being a part of and knowing the population is a positive way to ensure the safety of your community.
An example: Warsaw PD on bicycles. They see, smell and hear everything that is going on. And they stop to converse. This is good PR.
