Sheriff declares war on crime (Sumter, S.C.)

The Item ^ | December 10, 2008 | JOE PERRY

[Jet Jaguar]

-A 68-year-old man asked Dennis why the city police department was not represented at the forum, and Dennis said he extended an open invitation to his city counterparts. The man’s 65-year-old wife said she personally called Sumter Police Chief Patty Patterson, “and her answer was, she didn’t have an invitation.”-

Patterson is part of the problem.

[DieHard the Hunter]

Git ‘em, Sheriff!

[RouxStir]

Glad he was able to figure out his job description.

[Palmettomom]

This is where the child was shot to death after knocking on a door while trick or treating.

[Viking2002]

Since liberals are so damned enamoured with social engineering, I propose an experiment of my own: find a community running rampant with drugs, crime, and/or gang activity (or otherwise undiscipling roving punks), and have the local constabulary swear in and deputize every citizen over the age of 18 who is able-bodied, has a clean record, and is of good character. Refresh their memories on their repsonsibilities as members of the community, and their Constitutional rights as as American citizens.

Then sit back and see what boils in the beaker.

[DieHard the Hunter]

> Then sit back and see what boils in the beaker.

I think that’s an excellent idea. It originates in the Magna Carta, and is called “Posse Comitatus” (not to be confused with your law of a similar name).

If the Magna Carta still forms part of US Law, it is possible that this concept might still be active, and be implemented with little difficulty...

[Longtom]

“Sheriff declares war on crime’’. Well, that begs a question: Whats he been doing up to now?

[Viking2002]

I may be foggy in this area, but don't the Swiss have a similar concept, vis-a-vis the populace being reservists, and/or require each home to be equipped with a long gun?

[rvoitier]

LoL

I was thinking along the same lines being WAR the default defcon against crime.

[DieHard the Hunter]

They do indeed — a friend of mine is a Swiss immigrant to NZ (nine kids!) and according to him all Swiss are members of their military reserve, and they have to, by law, have a semiautomatic rifle each, plus ammunition, in their homes and ready to go.

The nett effect is that their entire adult population could be called up to military service in a matter of hours, if not minutes.

I don’t see why every country doesn’t do that — it makes good sense.

[upchuck]

South Carolina Ping

Add me to the list. / Remove me from the list.

[BILL_C]

Obama voted AGAINST increased penalties for Gang members because it was discriminatory, more gang members are minorities so saying it another way, laws that target gangs are racist.

Since the sheriff is obviously racist, Obama won’t like this tactic (I didn’t use the sarcasm slash because I’m NOT kidding).

[PistolPaknMama]

This is where the child was shot to death after knocking on a door while trick or treating.

Sumter is a very small town, for non-South Carolina FReepers. It's the only place where I was visiting at someone's house and someone drove by and shot at us, and the many children playing in the yard. Called the cops, they came and said we pretty much asked for it since our host was flying a Confederate flag in her front yard. Then the cops drove off into the sunset.

That was maybe 6-7 years ago. Haven't been back to Sumter since. Something is really wrong over there.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

I can do you one better. Issue every one of them a smaller caliber handgun(*), shoulder holster, CC permit, and a quick dial cellphone specifically for emergency services.(**)

South Carolina is a “shall issue” state, so the Sheriff would be in the catbird’s seat.

(*) Smaller caliber has some advantages, but if they own a larger caliber and prefer it, no problem.

(**) I always recommend including an “incompetence clause”, because there are adults either medically or psychologically unable to carry, or who are unsafe with a gun. Ironically, the largest group of psychologically unable are the “stumble bums”. I will give them the benefit of the doubt. If they think they shouldn’t, then they probably shouldn’t.

[Viking2002]

I thank you for that clarification, sir, and a tip o' the horns to the Swiss. I agree with their philosophy wholeheartedly.

[DieHard the Hunter]

Methinks Vikings know a thing or two about matters martial...

[pray4liberty]

I don’t see why every country doesn’t do that — it makes good sense.

We need to do that here, but the liberals won't allow it. Eeek those terrible guns! /sarc

I'm a grandma now, but if the service would train me at my age, I'd gladly serve.

[bornred]

Sumter demographics

This is not typical small-town America.

[cowboyway]

Then sit back and see what boils in the beaker.

South Carolina is one of 18 states that has a 'castle law'; the right to use deadly force to protect ones self and/or ones property so, even though it's not the same as being deputized, it still gives individuals a broad base for the use of deadly force against thugs.

Offenses Against Property

(See Article 6 for definitions of Dwelling and Vehicle and the conditions for use of deadly force.)

I keep these by my bed instead of a phone: