An age-old remedy for public safety: neighbors

Public safety, especially that for our students, has been on the minds of residents this past week.
The kidnapping and assault of a 16-year-old female student waiting at a bus stop has prompted concern and outrage from the community – and it’s understandable.
The kidnapping is indeed a nightmare scenario for parents and kids. The alleged events are truly horrifying.
From this case came calls for increased police patrols and the installation of security cameras. And it just so happened that there was already a request last week from the police department to purchase more Flock traffic cameras that was approved.
Unfortunately, all the police officers and security cameras in the world will never eliminate all violent or criminal conduct.
The most effective preventative remedy is an age-old one: neighbors keeping a close eye on activity happening on their block.
Evil in the world will never be fully eradicated. This kidnapping underscores the need for all of us to become more aware of our surroundings. The best surveillance is a network of caring neighbors looking out for each other.
Hamtramck is hurting from this ugly incident, and it will take some time to heal.
Our thoughts go out to the student and her family. We can’t even imagine the pain they are going through.
Posted April 24, 2026