Loran Howe: Glad aircraft put on hold

Re “Police plan to buy light aircraft on hold” (Page 1B, Feb. 14): It’s proposals like this that make me question the leadership of the Modesto Police Department and and city council. Why is MPD and the council wasting time, resources and tax dollars on a senseless proposal? The cost of operation, let alone the initial cost of a “limited fixed winged aircraft” are more than the already taxed-strapped citizens of Modesto can afford.

Face it, this fixed-winged aircraft would spend more time on the ground parked with two officers staring at it than the minimal useless time it would spend in the air flying in circles.

The $660,000-plus operating cost would be better spent putting more actual crime fighting officers on the street protecting property and lives. It’s pretty difficult to stop a violent crime in progress when you’re 1,500 feet in the air.

Here’s a novel ideal when thinking of proposals for ensuring the safety of citizens: Cost plus benefit.

This story was originally published February 16, 2016 at 2:22 PM with the headline "Loran Howe: Glad aircraft put on hold."