Our police department is in desparate need of basic equipment

I feel compelled to relay am incident that occurred during the blackout last night in order to highlight a increasingly worriesome issue, the fact that our police officers lack even the most basic equipment needed to conduct their duties to protect the welfare of our citizens.

As usual I was at dart practice last night when the power went off about 8.30. Due to the heat, my teammates and I decided to chill outside when we heard one of the neighbors holler for someone to call the police. Since the area was pitch black and the neighboring property a little distance from where we were, we immediately called the police. This was about 8.40pm. The 911 operator said that she would dispatch a car immediately. At 8.50, no police had arrived, area was still in blackout and we were becoming increasingly worried as we heard nothing from the neighbor and saw flashlights moving at opposite ends of the house. Fearing that robbers were inside the building and possibly threatening the neighbor, we called the police again. This time we were told that the radio equipment was not working properly and they were having problems communicating with the patrol vehicles in the area. At about 9.10 when no police still hadn't arrived, we called again and were given the same explanation. Finally, I'd say about 9.25 the police finally arrived which is a full 45 minutes after the original call. Upon their arrival, one of my teammates rushed accross to alert the officers and was asked if we could lend them a couple flashlights as they had none. Surely, this is a basic piece of equipment that every police officer must have.

Anyway, the neighbor, upon seeing the police came out of her house and said that someone had been attempting to break into vehicles in her back yard and when she called for help in her panic, they ran off. We were all relieved that nothing more serious as transpired as were all worrying in the long elapsed time period. Luckily, something serious had not occurred as who knows what could have happened in those 45 minutes before the police finally arrived?

I am in no way critisizing the professionalism of the officers themselves as I had to say they were extremely dilligent and followed strict protocol when they arrived. They interviewed our neighbor, conducted a thorough search of the area, and thanked us for alerting them, saying that you can never let your guard down. What I am saying though, is that it is a disgrace that our officers lack the basic equipment to communicate with each other and dispatch patrols. A blackout should be no excuse for communications to come to a halt as they should be thoroughly prepared for such instances and thus possess flashlights, a backup generator, batteries etc.. We all know that a blackout is the opportune time for robbers to reap havoc.

Will our government ever get their priorities straight? Instead of investing in luxory vehicles for this, that, and the other minister, our emergency services should be given top priority. Even before money is invested in necessary infrastructure: paving of roads, installation of proper drainage etc.. we need to ensure that our police officers, firemen, and paramedics have the necessary equipment to respond effectively in the event of an emergency as our people's lives are at stake.