The General Tax Vote in Monrovia

After reading your article on Monrovia’s election for a new police facility (Times, March 22) I realized there were several issues that need clarification.

As it stands, the citizens are voting for a “general tax” needing a 51% vote, but all the funds generated cannot be used for a special purpose (such as a police facility). We will be voting to increase the general fund, which can be used for any purpose.

The next issue is more deceiving; it deals with the lack of computerized tracking, identifying and arresting criminals. According to the Monrovians for Improved Public Safety, “there is no computerized method of tracking, identifying and arresting criminals.” Yet, the city’s annual report states, “The Police Department has been notified it will receive a grant to track and focus on career criminals through computer analysis.”

The Police Department received another computer which helps officers measure eye symptoms that indicate the type of drugs in the system of the suspect. There was another grant to purchase equipment not normally in the Police Department’s budget. This grant provides money to upgrade the anti-gang tracking system. Plus, the grant included money for laptop computers, so reports could be written by officers in the field (they will take up a lot of space in the old police station).

Do we need a new police facility?

DEBI PHIPPS

Monrovia