Once again, the Christmas holiday season is here and is a very special time of the year bringing to the majority of people, a time of hope, joyous occasions, family get-togethers, gift giving and excited children. The incidence of crimes such as burglary, assault, child abuse, drunk driving and family violence all increase during the holiday season. It is particularly disheartening to encounter serious child abuse at Christmas time. Family violence in any form is devastating and deblitiating. It causes untold anguish, frightening our people in places and at times when they are most entitled to the security that ought to come from home and family.
Home is a place where a child expects to find love and protection from the cruel world.
Sad, too, is the fact that this joyous season also becomes an extremely depressing time for so many others. Unpredictable behavior, results of high emotions, may be caused by our unstable economy, broken families, loss of a loved one or just outright despair. As a law enforcement officer it has been my experience to know first hand that the worst can be expected during the holidays, resulting in need for police response. It takes a well adjusted individual to be able to go home to his or her family and friends and enjoy Christmas following such incidents. When you see your municipal police officer, state police officer or sheriff's officer this holiday season, extend your best wishes to him or her and remember that while you sleep behind your locked doors, the police officer may be called to put his or her life on the line to make sure your doors stay locked and you remain safe.