Comments on: The Dignity of Choice

By: Christopher

Christopher — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:32:37 +0000

It’s incidents like these that go on daily, perhaps hourly, or even minute by minute all throughout our countries. They go unnoticed by most, yet how powerfully they reflect upon the men and women who’ve chosen this strangest of professions.

By: Hi

Hi — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:40:29 +0000

Sandra, this is an interesting subject. Obviously, in DTES one can live on the street much easily than in, say, Kerrisdale or another upscale neighbourhood, where the presence of a sidewalk camper would likely result in a call to police.

In light of the above, what is VPD’s policy regading dealing with calls complaining of someone camping on the sidewalk near their residence?

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:21:43 +0000

I’m enjoying the positive posts. I’d like to fill a Christmas Card with them and send it over to David Eby. Could bring the lil’ grinch some holiday cheer perhaps.

By: DC

DC — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 04:53:56 +0000

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/12/07/bc-chu-homeless-shelter-law.html

The VPD can be proud of that decision. I can’t imagine putting officers in a position where they are told to use force to put a homeless person, like John, in a shelter.

As you said so well…”dignity of his own choices”.

By: Sandra

Sandra — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 03:46:40 +0000

Slamdunk – yes, I agree, and I’m staying with the Christmas spirit this week by publishing only positive posts. Thanks for the input.

By: slamdunk

slamdunk — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 01:16:42 +0000

I think sharing these human interest stories about policing are important–it so much a very important yet ignored aspect of the job.

By: valley girl

valley girl — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 23:11:42 +0000

Ok, two lessons were learned – both should just be a given.

By: valley girl

valley girl — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 22:58:55 +0000

I was fortunate enough to do a ride-along with two officers who work in District 2, the Downtown East Side. While I was not surprised that they respected the street people, I was more impressed with the great rapour they had with them. Knowing alot of them by name, asking them how they were doing. In return, anyone we spoke with were co-operative, polite and geuinely happy that the police were looking out for them. They understand that the police have a job to do, and the police understand that, although this is not a lifestyle they would choose for themselves, they still repect the ones that do. A great lesson was learned that night. No matter who you are, or where you come from, you have a story and deserve respect.

By: Ann T. Hathaway

Ann T. Hathaway — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:01:23 +0000

Dear Sandra,
Yes! I could go on for hours about this. We allow people to choose. If they choose what we would not, we still show some respect. Sometimes we give a helping hand.

Kindness matters on the street. And it comes from respect. By respecting others, we allow them to grow confident. Maybe even to be more like us.

Sincerely, thank you,
Ann T.