Preventing crime - Letter to the Editor, Press Democrat
06/06/2010 -
Preventing crime
EDITOR: Not only will the proposed state budget cuts impact families in need of child care (“State budget plan puts kids at risk,” Close to Home, Wednesday), they will threaten the safety of our community.
Research shows that children who attend high-quality preschools are far less likely to end up in jail.
Early education helps give kids the right start in life — it is in preschool that they first learn how to resolve conflicts and follow rules. Children who attend preschool are also up to 44 percent more likely to graduate from high school, and that means fewer dropouts who turn to crime.
After-school programs are also important to public safety. They keep kids off the street during the prime time for juvenile crime.
Thanks to state investments, hundreds of thousands of youth have safe places to go for extended learning and enrichment activities. When they have positive peer and mentor relationships, such as those fostered through after-school programs, kids are less likely to turn to drugs and crime.
As a police chief, I am committed to fighting crime and believe that must include prevention and intervention. By investing in programs that keep kids on the right track, we can save money and protect public safety.
SUSAN JONES
Police chief
Healdsburg
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