Dear Editor,
It was with great interest that I read in The Yazoo Herald that the Mayor and some aldermen seemed to be critical of Police Chief Jeff Curtis' department.
The first thing that I think needs to be pointed out is that it was the Mayor and board’s own doings that led to a decrease in tickets and arrests by getting these nightclubs closed at a decent hour. Twelve o'clock should give almost everyone adequate time to get plastered.
This one action by the Mayor has saved a lot of runs for our EMS personnel as I usually get awakened by them. This has not only saved lives also, but it has cut down on nighttime property crimes as well, so you Ms. Mayor can take some credit for the decreases in arrests and other crimes there, and I so graciously thank you for doing a great job.
Now as far as ticket writing and arrests otherwise, Ms. Mayor you should be proud of Chief Curtis' officer’s performance under his leadership. I have personally witnessed the Chief make traffic stops, which usually is not typical of a Chief, but he does his job.
As far as the number of tickets written by officers, that should be at the officer’s choice based on numerous factors.
My father never was a big ticket writer but one who would explain the consequences that could possibly happen from them breaking the law. The vast majority of people inside the city limits are doing good to afford a car, so what good does it do to write a Social Security age person drawing a $1000 a month to live on a $200-300 ticket they can't afford to pay.
So Ms. Mayor I would say your Chief overall is getting the job done and there will always be one or two who are just drawing pay checks. Leave Chief Curtis be unless you and the board are willing to give him more money in his budget.
Mike Frazier
