PROACTIVE POLICE KEEP SERIOUS CRIME DOWN

Eric Sterling wrote about the recent increase in robberies in and around
the Metro (''Better policing through better management," June 14 letter). I
wish to respond to his criticism of our department and address his
reasoning about resource allocation.

Mr. Sterling contends that since the department makes so many more
marijuana arrests than robbery arrests this indicates that too much
emphasis is being placed on narcotics enforcement to the detriment of
robbery investigation, resulting in the recent increase. In fact the vast
majority of those marijuana arrests are made by patrol officers proactively
conducting street level enforcement to reduce all types of crimes.

Officers are encouraged to be proactive since offenders are less likely to
commit crimes in areas where police are active.

Much has been written about the broken windows theory, which is the
philosophical underpinning responsible for the success local law
enforcement has had in reducing crime in recent years. At its heart is the
notion that quickly addressing all crime sends an unmistakable message to
those planning to commit serious crime; you will be unsuccessful if you
come into a community where problems are solved quickly and effectively.

One benefit of street level enforcement has been high number of guns
seized. Third District officers seized 150 guns in 2005, which in some
cases would have been used to commit robberies but, by being proactive,
officers interrupted the crime before it began. At present, our policing
efforts identified and arrested a group of subjects who are responsible for
the recent robberies and as a result the trend has ended.

The police are just one component of a four-part criminal justice system,
which also includes prosecutors, judges and post adjudication agencies such
as parole and probation and the Department of Juvenile Services. All are
responsible for keeping crime low and while our officers do not have
control over sentencing decisions or other actions by these components we
do have the responsibility to work hard and create an environment where
offenders are reluctant to attempt to commit crime.

Proactive policing, which often results in narcotic arrests, reduces more
serious crime and increases public safety. Resources allocated in this way
are effective and are part of the strategy that keeps crime low in the county.

JOHN CUNNINGHAM

Silver Spring

The writer is commander of the Third District Police Station.