Doesn't add up
July 24, 2002
Dear Sir,
I am just writing to congratulate the Police for their vigilance in catching those awful tourists with a few joints, and the various raids that have netted .015 grams of weed in people's homes. Well done! But, let's take a look at the cost of such brilliant police work. We have the two or three policemen/women that attended the various "busts"...conservatively I will estimate the cost of their time at $20 per hour. Also conservatively I will give each a full day for which to complete the bust and fill in the required paperwork. The total is therefore three times 20, times eight, $480.
Then we have the cost of taking these awful criminals to court...let's estimate that at another $500. Roughly $1,000 spent ... all to take in a $300 fine. Meanwhile, the crack and heroin dealers are busy plying their trade. Something is very wrong here.
CONFUSED
Warwick