The Columbia police have a rough few weeks ahead of them. The incidents from last weekend have raised safety concerns from people all over the city, and the cops are under a lot of pressure to show citizens not only can they respond to crime but that they can also prevent it.
But they’re not the only ones who are nervous. With the police’s promises to bring 40 cops down to Five Points next weekend in time for USC’s home game against Georgia, the topic has been buzzing around campus as well, as students wonder whether their night of celebration over USC’s pending victory will end up turning into a major hassle with authorities breathing down their necks. It’s a reasonable assumption. Earlier this week, Columbia police Chief Randy Scott said eradicating underage drinkers would be a main focus of their new crackdown.
However, the police have now slightly altered their words. Underage drinking won’t be ignored, they say, but the top priority is still to prevent crime. While that’s a slight relief for students to hear, we still hope the police stick to their words and concentrate on the places they are needed the most, which is more on the streets and less in bars.
That said, we should also recognize that in times like these, we also have a duty to be vigilant and aware of our surroundings. We should have fun, but also be responsible enough to report danger when we see it. There are, after all, going to be 40 cops, and they’ll welcome all of the help they can get.
Only with a well-coordinated police system and accountable civilians can we make Columbia a safe environment for everyone to live in.