Historical March 1980 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
To The Editor: On Feb. 12, at Grace and Peace, Officer Gary Melker presented a Crime Blocker training program to either a small crowd or a large incident—depending on how you feel about twelve people. Officer Melker — talking on his own time off, but on duty and on record— made a few points that deserve a wider audience.
First of all, he pointed out that the workman is only as good as his tools (a point most rehabbers would agree with). To the police officer, the tools he needs are good information from concerned citizens. Otherwise, he is left as “thumby” as the primal rehabber was when he was first asked to choose whether crosscut or ripsaw, no matter how good his intentLions or training. He pointed out that Crime Blocker training is meant to help concerned citizens provide those good tools, and it involves only mother wit, observation, and decent concern . . . something all of us should be able to provide.
One point especially endearing to an old Clinic hand (even though Officer Melker thought it “far out”) is a telling one: many folk don’t care about disease transmission or immunity, and consider public health warnings “for the other folks” . . . until they have a case of the disease in their family. Then, they’re rushing to get shots! Similarly, many think that crime happens to the “other guy” and they don’t want to get involved . . until they get mugged or burglarized.
Preventive medicine— be it in health care or in crime prevention —exists by definition BEFORE the onset of the malady. It involves caring enough about yourself and your neighbors to be informed, to take precautions, and to think about what you do!
Since homicide is the fourth leading cause of death in St. Louis, maybe Officer Melker was really talking about another health care suggestion, after all. – Christine Smith
Originally published in The Paper, March 1980.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1980_03.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
