DETERRENTS

 Part 1: Fighting Crime in the Near Future

Because of the large number of rapes, shootings and home invasions in certain neighborhoods, tough emergency laws are passed making it illegal for people living in these “high-risk” areas to leave their shades and window grates open after 8:00 PM. This is meant to protect the population by preventing criminals from taking clear shots into buildings and homes, gaining easy access, or otherwise harming the innocent inhabitants. Considered to be a sensible and valuable public safety initiative, locking door and window grates combined with drawn shades is proven to reduce the number of gunshot injuries and domestic invasions during the nighttime hours.

          Responding to another 911 call, a heavy policeman shows up at a woman's first floor apartment. He peers through the bars of her outer door. “Police, Ma’am. Can I come in?” After testing the door locks he lets himself in, and scans the mess around the grieving resident. “What happened? Home invasion or burglary?”

“Burglars. I just walked in,” the sobbing woman tells him. “I didn’t even have time to call the police. How did you know?”

“We got a 911 hang-up call. Probably from one of your neighbors,” the big cop replies. Then he examines the window shades and the locking grates. “Hmm, I’m sorry, Ma’am, looks like I may have to cite you for this,” he tells her. 

“What? What are you talking about!” she yells, and plunks down hard on the sofa.

“Yes, I’m sorry, Ma’am.”

“I can’t believe I’m hearing this!” She slams her thighs.

“You have to protect yourself better. Your window grates which are facing the street were left unlocked for any intruder to come right in. That’s tempting fate and endangers the entire community. By law it’s a citable offense.”

          “Don’t give me any ‘best interest of the population’ crap!”

          “I’m afraid so, Ma’am. Unlocked window grates are like an invitation to crime.” He removes his bulging handheld computer. “You left a breach in the building security and placed the whole population here at risk.”

          “This must be unconstitutional—giving me a citation!”

          “Talk to the Legislature.” His helmet and body armor prepared him for waging a small war all by himself.