Random bits of Audrey-ness

There has been a lot of buzz lately about the hiring practices of the Memphis Police.  Some are saying that they aren’t hiring enough black cops, or that there is a higher number of rejected black applicants than any other race.  The other issue is whether they should allow Memphis police to live outside the city limits. 

The first issue is so ridiculous.  If you look at the numbers, the amount of applicants rejected is pretty much the same no matter what color you are.  The fact that there are more black applicants than white means that more black applicants than white would be rejected.  The number one reason for applicants being rejected: they simply didn’t show up.  That is not a race issue.  That is a laziness issue.  No matter what color you are, if you don’t show up for your interview, you can’t be expected to get the job.  The second reason: criminal record.  If you have even one arrest for something small, you can’t be an officer.  I have no problem with that.  It just so happens that in Memphis, a city with a higher percentage of blacks than any other race, has more black criminals.  Didn’t any of these people who are bitching about it being a racist thing take statistics in college?  It’s a pure numbers thing. 

As for hiring outside the city I am all for it.  If a person is willing to risk his or her life for my safety I could care less where they live.  It’s not like officers make a ton of money.  And now the brilliant city council wants to make them pay to be a cop and live outside the city? Memphis city leaders please listen to Shea Flinn, he just might be the smartest, most realistic person on the city council.  We need more officers in the city.  Does it matter where they live?  They will spend some of their money in the city, they have to eat lunch and buy gas and buy coffee.  We have one of the highest taxes in the nation.  You will get their tax money.  And don’t make this a race issue.  Who thinks this is a race issue?  If you look at the votes, the black city council members are against hiring outside the city, the white members are for it.  How in the world did this become a race issue?  It’s common sense.  If there are qualified people who live in DeSoto or Fayette county and they want to work to protect this city, then let them.  Why in the world wouldn’t you?  Don’t complain about crime when there aren’t enough officers to prevent it.  There are people who WANT to be officers but can’t because of where they live.  It’s absolutely ludicrous.