Toledo Bucks a Trend

While the national numbers for murder are reportedly down, it seems Toledo is on the Rise!

Two more shootings this weekend in the Toledo area, added to many recent killings in our city. Reports of reduced police recruit classes and nation leading unemployment, bookend the daily accounts of violence and death on our streets. The victims are of all ages, with the two most recent being teenage males. Questions such as where were their parents? why were they out so late? and the myriad of excuses and rationalizations will no doubt abound.

For me, the questions blare in my mind; IS IT SAFE HERE? SHOULD I BE ARMED DAILY? and SHOULD I MOVE MY FAMILY SOMEWHERE ELSE?

Sure, my block might be safe generally, and my kids school a good place to attend; but I drive downtown every day, and home after dark every night. Thus, my answers are: NO, YES, and MAYBE. No, Toledo is not a safe city. Yes, I should be armed. And, maybe we should consider moving away.

My in-laws visited from Florida last week for Christmas, and explained how they had to turn back and head home initially after leaving because they forgot the handgun they travel with. Now, their decision to travel armed is not based on the fact that they were headed to Toledo, (they now travel armed on all trips) but I know it was a factor.

GENERALLY, I feel I can keep myself and my family safe by making good decisions as to when, where, and how we move about the city, its events, and its locations. But, I also know I cannot control others, cannot predict where and when violence will occur, and it seems more and more lately, I cannot count on my instincts and wits to ensure I get home safe every day. Regardless of my ability to make good decisions, I fear the day my rationality is overcome by the irrationality or drive of an assailant, and I find myself unprepared to defend me and my own.

I don't know how many spouses gave their loved ones tuition to a concealed carry course for Christmas, but Mrs. TAHL may have a late present coming, and a new New Years Resolution to adopt.

TAHL

The Danger and Dissapointment of Distraction

As I drove home down Dorr street last night I found myself trailing a TPD cruiser, and I noticed how bright the in-car computer screen was. As I moved closer I saw that the computer was not displaying a LEADS or NCIC screen, but SOLITAIRE.

This made me think of many things. First, I have spent countless hours in a patrol cruiser and I know, even in a city the size of Toledo, Police work entails hours of boredom. So I get it.

And while boredom is common for cops, complacency and distraction are a dangerous combination for a cop's safety. I would hate to have a cop killed because he was playing on the computer and failed to see a dirtbag walk up to the car and stick a gun behind his ear, or to the window.

Secondly, although I did not see if there were two cops in the cruiser, I assume the driver was not playing cards while driving. Regardless, there is enough stuff going on each day and night in Toledo that a patrol cop needs to be focused on the job. I would likewise hate to have a TPD cruiser miss a back alley drug deal, drunk driver, or citizen in distress because he or she was working a computer card game.

Lastly, with all the budget talk, worries about police management and resources, and the common attacks of TPD on the Internet -- its disappointing to see a TPD cop put themselves and the department in a position to defend this occurrence.

Why is solitaire even on their systems?

I like cops. I support cops. I respect cops. But, lets be real, keep an eye on the ball and the street, not on whether a there is a black jack to put your red 10 under.

TAHL