Many of you probably are familiar with or are avid watchers of FOX networks show COPS a sanitized image of our urban police forces and their “war on crime”. It is reality based entertainment. But for some of us it is not so entertaining – behind the yellow tape
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The realities of living in an area that is under assault and terrorized by thugs and gangsters is far more reaching than the simplified television version. Unlike the television version the men and women in blue unfortunately do not always get their man and crime scenes are not wrapped up in a few minutes.
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The area is often hectic with the rumble of the Ghetto Bird (helicopter) circling, police radio squawking, and sharp voices carried through the air. At night the effect is compounded by the bright spot lights, police cruiser lights and sirens that eco ominously cutting trough the dark.
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Nine times out of ten when the echo of shots is heard, many have a good idea where they came from and who probably pulled the trigger. Gang members and “regular people” live side by side. After a few not so subtle warnings neighbors fear retaliation if they call police.
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Many of us develop a type of immunity to it all. Unless someone is bleeding we go about our routines in the backdrop of cop cars, ghetto birds, and swat team actions.
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It is when the streets are silent that we really worry – silence an eerie forewarning that something is going to go down – the lull before the next storm.
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Dang…i’m behind again, but what a great (and chilling) photo essay on life in the city.
It is a stark reminder of the consequences of giving attention to the rich while ignoring the poor, angry and armed in our country. 🙁
I suspect the bad guys are much richer than the rest of us here.
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I don’t know of many in our community that are not armed to be honest with you. Most of us have some weapon(s) of sorts.
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Just think my little townhouse was worth $248,000.00 last year. Now I think we would be lucky to sell it for a buck LOL – now that really sucks!
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