LETTER TO THE EDITOR: With the recent turnover of four Metro Board Members, the dynamics of decision-making processes

in Baton Rouge are about to change dramatically. The departing members biggest concerns are the city's efforts to ensure progress with the renovated sewage system and crime. LSU students in particular are worried about the latter. The amount of violent crimes against students as well as Baton Rouge citizens is simply unacceptable. With a recent increase in violent crimes and students deprivation of safety, its time to seriously evaluate where our precious dollars and police forces are being allocated. The mission of the Baton Rouge Police Department is to "serve with the community to prevent crime and to promote the safety and well-being of all." From the students' perspective, this mission statement does not reflect the actions of our sworn protectors. It's hard to believe in a police force that targets students for minor offenses when they could be using any and all resources to fight crime. It shouldn't come as a shock to the Chief of Police that everyone would like see police posted on the corners of our city's most dangerous areas rather than sitting outside of French Quarter Daiquiris trying to meet quotas by giving MIPs to college students-the same 30,000 students who are responsible for a thriving city and economy. Its time for the Baton Rouge Police Department to make an impact by reducing our crime rate and performing its sworn duty to serve and protect. LSU students and the city alike, would like to see this happen by focusing on the core reasons for our city's 40% jump in per capita homicide rate and a crime index of 3 (Baton Rouge is safer than only 3% of cities in the nation). Chief of Police Dewayne White says that the lack of trust residents have in the police department is an important issue that needs fixing. He can "fix it" by taking the steps necessary to prove that students are under the protection of BRPD rather than a targeted group of criminals who drink underage and supply alcohol to minors. T Graham S. Howell 1.901.734.7369 thowel3@lsu.edu @tgshowell