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COLUMN |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Nicole
Reigelman |
State Rep. John
Siptroth |
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September 17, 2007
Fighting crime is a community-wide challenge
By state Rep. John Siptroth
We live in a reality where crime doesn’t stop at Philadelphia’s and New York City’s borders any more. Crime is rising in suburban and even rural areas across the state. Communities in our region have seen an escalation in criminal activity in several different types of offenses and, as a result, community anxiety is also growing, especially in regard to gang activity and violent crime.
There are many reasons for the rise in criminal activity, and we as citizens must partner with police and other officials to use new and innovative methods to reverse the trend.
In order to tackle the challenge posed by crime, the House Majority Policy Committee has created a Public Health and Violence Prevention Task Force to examine ways to protect Pennsylvanians by reducing crime and violence in communities of all sizes across the Commonwealth.
The task force is holding public hearings in locations throughout Pennsylvania to examine crime and violence in medium-sized cities. The first hearing included testimony from officials from a variety of public and private sector organizations and was held in Allentown in mid-September.
The hearings are an opportunity to start a dialogue among a range of stakeholders. At the Allentown meeting, those testifying included the chief of police and the mayor, as well as health-care leaders and representatives from various state agencies.
Midsized cities encounter unique challenges stemming from crime. For example, aside from common safety and health issues, there are also economic concerns. In the health-care sector, hospitals incur enormous costs from crime and crime-related injury. Crime-based injuries also take up valuable time, limiting the time that doctors can provide care to other patients.
In even smaller communities like some of those in the Poconos, crime costs can obliterate a hospital’s budget. When our hospitals and emergency room staff are treating crime-inflicted wounds, there are fewer resources remaining to deal with other health problems. These reasons make it essential for the entire community to take a stand against violence together, because, in a way, victimization from one violent crime can multiply.
If you want to learn more about the Public Health and Violence Prevention Task Force, or learn about how you can become a partner in preventing crime in our communities, visit my Web site at www.pahouse.com/Siptroth and e-mail me. You can also stop by my office in Marshalls Creek for helpful brochures about stopping gang violence.
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