(Letter to the Editor - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

[Recently] at the Parkersburg City Council several persons stood and spoke against approving the additional expenses related to the purchase of a Lenco BearCat Armored Personnel Carrier. I respect all of those who had the courage to stand and speak.

Personally, I pointed out that the long term costs of this APC will cost far more than what the grant covers. The grant only covers approximately 60% of the purchase. There will be insurance, repairs, maintenance, training, and consumables. Not unlike buying a boat, the true costs come after the purchase. This is a logical analysis and should be a paramount part of the decision-making process.

As a point of fact Matthew Board, chief of Parkersburg City Police Department, stated that if it was not for the federal grant we would not be having this conversation. This statement indicates that this purchase is not the highest priority. However, Chief Board did end his presentation with a video featuring gunfire. The job of police officer is inherently dangerous (20th place per 2023 OSHA reporting) and sometimes dramatically so. Shifts in policing styles from the current model to properly implemented and maintained “community policing models” have proven track records of decreasing overall crime rates.

Councilperson Borkowski used a sports analogy, we will have “the best offense, the best defense, and the best special teams.” Personally, I do not see my neighbors as opponents. I look upon all my neighbors, regardless of their station in society, as siblings, parents, children. Not as adversaries to be beaten, but teammates to be lifted up.

Councilperson Kuhl made dramatic statements about no price is too high to protect the police officers who risk their lives to protect us. This is an emotional argument designed to instill fear in the people of this city. A false narrative that the only answer is an increased and stronger response to crime. The United States has had a “war on crime” since LBJ in the 1960s. I suggest that after 60-plus years without winning this “war” it is time for a change in tactics.

I advocate for treating the underlying cause of crime. I advocate for community building structures and programs. This city has the potential to forge a new path into the future that is brighter and better for all in our community.

Brian Hayden Sr.

Parkersburg