We've been very fortunate in our area for quite some time...compared to most parts of New Jersey, and the rest of the country for that matter, very been very safe in our parks, streets, and shopping centers. Lately, however, we've had a murder in Berkeley, gunshots in Brick Plaza, and a jogger attacked in Toms River.
More public awareness and outcry is needed to focus attention on the problem and find solutions -- before these isolated incidents become a trend. Most of the crime seems to be related to gangs -- either real ones or, more likely, regular kids acting out with a gang mentality. Whether more cooperation is needed between the police and school system, or Police need more resources, Riverguy is not smart enough to know. But I do think awareness of the problem -- early on -- is the first step toward solving it.
