James Calvillo: Police priorities are in order

I have been reading the responses The Bee chooses to publish regarding the counterfeit bill a waitress received for a tip. I read the letter “Don’t pick which crimes to investigate” (April 9) about how the writer feels about the police department is placing priorities on what they will investigate. Sounds like the writer has had some kind of negative dealings with law enforcement.

First, even if the person who passed the fake bill was tracked down, did he or she know it was fake? Could they have unknowingly gotten it from somebody else? Can the intent be established? Second, I would much rather have the police out responding to the assaults, robberies, gang activity and homicides that occur in this city. Trying to track down people for a fake $20 bill seems pointless and could tie up an officer for hours.

So, if you are at home alone at night or with a loved one and a criminal is trying to break into your home, wouldn’t you rather have the officer free to respond? Or would you rather have him tied up investigating misdemeanors?

This story was originally published April 13, 2015 at 6:18 PM with the headline "James Calvillo: Police priorities are in order."