Pubdate: Thu, 06 Nov 2003
Source: Delta Democrat Times (MS)
Copyright: 2003 Delta Democrat Times
Contact:  http://www.ddtonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2123
Author: Amy Redwine

PANEL SEEKS FEDERAL PROSECUTOR

Branch Office Among Strategies Discussed

Members of the city's Anti-Crime Commission Implementation Team are
asking for help from the community to turn Greenville around and get
the "thugs" off the streets.

On Wednesday, the group met at City Hall to discuss establishing a
permanent federal prosecutor's office in Greenville through the U.S.
Attorney's Office.

After in-depth discussions, commission members agreed that the
possibility of establishing a permanent office may not be feasible at
the present time. Therefore, the panel recommended:

. Establishing a close working relationship between the officers of
the Greenville Police Department and Jim Greenlee, U.S. Attorney for
the Northern District of Mississippi.

. The Police Department seek federal prosecution, if possible, of
violent crimes involving guns and narcotics crimes.

. Meeting with Circuit Court judges, Justice Court judges and
Municipal Court judges to encourage stricter punishment of violent
criminals and promote a greater understanding of community concerns.

Greenville Police Chief Lon Pepper Jr. said the team is already
working on some of these recommendations, and others will be worked on
as well.

City Councilwoman Audine Haynes, a commission member, said prosecutors
cannot take care of drug problems. Things have to work from the inside
out, she said.

Haynes said she spoke with the police chief of Clarksdale and was told
that a lot of the drug problems were alleviated when ministers were
able to talk with people about drugs.

Bess Condon, another commission member, said drug trafficking is not
the only thing that has to be taken care of in the city.

"It is hard to get people to tell what they know," said Condon. "It is
not tattle telling, but it is important to repeat what you know."

Pepper said another major problem is the perpetuation of fear. He
pointed to the Police Department, the City Council and residents, as
well as the news media, for focusing too much on the negative.

"We're our own worst enemy, especially in harping on negative things,"
said Pepper. "If we're going to win this battle, we've got to change
the attitudes and the thinking."

To break the cycle of fear, Pepper said the community has to look at
the good things, while addressing the things that are problems.

Haynes said she is not scared to tell what she knows to
anyone.

"If I see something illegal going on, I am going to tell. I am not
going to be held prisoner by a bunch of thugs," she said. "And it is
time for everyone to start telling what they see and know."

Haynes said people have to start standing their ground and taking back
what is theirs and not let criminals take over or scare them.

"They are just like a bunch of roaches. If we turn the lights on, I
guarantee they will run," she said.

If you want to report anything illegal or suspicious, and do not want
to be identified, call Crime Stoppers at 378-8477. You will not be
asked your name, but issued a code number. If your information leads
to an arrest, you could receive up to $1,000.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake