Editor, Commonwealth:
The recent letter by Janice Johnson was sad and moving (“Begging authorities to solve son’s murder,” June 9).
Her son was murdered and so far no response. We seem to have so many unsolved crimes in Greenwood. Maybe we need more detectives or better trained ones.
A few weeks ago, there was a hit-and-run in front of The Crystal Grill. It was recorded on three security cameras, but no idea who did it. Someone at the time said that if it had been turned over to Leflore County Sheriff Ricky Banks, they would have had the driver arrested by night.
I have noticed that across the country sheriff’s departments seem very interested in helping and pleasing the victims. They are customer-oriented, whereas police are more authoritarian and not as sensitive.
I think this may be because sheriffs have to be elected every four tears. Maybe police chiefs should have to stand for election. Maybe a small board of elected commissioners to oversee the department would help.
I admire all law enforcement officers, but some probably should be doing something else. There is so much that needs to be done, but that would take a really long letter.
John Hey, MD
Greenwood
