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Best Web OpEds    H3'ed 7/3/14

Skid Row Cop: Downtown Is in a Mental Health State of Emergency By Deon Joseph

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Message Samuel Vargo
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LAPD Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph says when it comes to policing Skid Row in Los Angeles, it's like trying to keep a finger in a crack of a dam. In the Central City East community, a dire and ultra-needy class dwells in a vulnerability amid a hideous criminal element that also operates within this area.

"Many of (the mentally ill) are drawn to Skid Row for the free services that are not available in other parts of the city or county. Many of them are law-abiding citizens when they properly manage their illnesses. . .However, while in Skid Row, these individuals' issues often become exacerbated, as many are victimized and exploited by the criminals here. Others begin to self-medicate on the plethora of illicit narcotics being sold throughout the area. . .," Joseph continues.

- A concerned, committed cop's opinion, and a good op-ed from the USA's 2nd largest city.
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At www.ladowntownnews.com
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Samuel Vargo worked as a full-time reporter and editor for more than 20 years at a number of daily newspapers and business journals. He was also an adjunct English professor at colleges and universities in Ohio, West Virginia, Mississippi (more...)
 

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