Help Fight Crime -- Don't Create It

The prolific Seattle superhero, known as Phoenix Jones, made news headlines throughout the west this week. Not because he saved the residents of the Emerald City from dirt bags or the like, but because police arrested him for assaulting several people with pepper spray in attempts to bust up an alleged fight.


It’s an amusing story. I’m actually torn on whether to admire the guy for his tenacity to help fight crime or call him an idiot in his approach to crime fighting. The irony of the story is that Mr. Jones’ attempts to fight crime actually created more crime.

The Seattle PD had this to say about the incident:

“Our message has been the same from the beginning: If you see something that warrants calling 911, call 911,” Seattle police spokesman Det. Mark Jamieson said. “Just because he’s dressed up in costume doesn’t mean he’s in special consideration or above the law. You can’t go around pepper spraying people because you think they are fighting.”

The Idaho Falls Police Department encourages community involvement when it comes to fighting crime or community policing. It’s what assists the department in keeping our crime rates low. We don’t, however, encourage people taking the law into their own hands.

If you want to help the police in fighting crime, I’d offer these two suggestions:

1. If you witness a crime or are a victim of a crime, report it to police. Officers are highly trained to handle these situations and try and bring it to a good resolution.

2. Take an active role in crime prevention by considering organizing a neighborhood watch or by practicing crime prevention methods, such as locking doors/windows, educating children and adults about obeying the law or promoting public safety.

For more information on crime prevention, visit our website at idahofallspolice.com, IFPD Facebook page or ncpc.org. Remember October is National Crime Prevention Month, making a perfect time to start thinking about how you can help build a safe community.