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Public's help can make a difference in Officers' work

By Times Wires
Published October 7, 2007

St. Petersburg

It has been said over and over, but it is true: Police officers cannot do their jobs without the public's help.

Much has been said to discourage "snitching," or the practice of cooperating with police. The reality, however, is that our criminal justice system cannot function without reliable witness testimony.

In other words, the cops need your help.

Such was the case recently when a resident called the Communications Center to alert St. Petersburg police to two suspicious men in the neighborhood.

It was 9:30 a.m. - broad daylight - but the caller knew the two men did not live in the area. The caller thought the men might be "casing" the home for a burglary. Our caller provided a description of both men. Officers moved into the area and stopped two men a few blocks away. Both acted nervous when asked to identify themselves and explain their actions. When Officer Stephen Corbet directed one of the men to walk with him toward his cruiser, an 18-inch screwdriver fell out of the man's clothing and onto the pavement.

It could have been used as a weapon, or perhaps it was a burglar's tool. The officer arrested the man for loitering and prowling and during the search incidental to arrest, he found cocaine, gloves, socks and a black stocking cap with two "eyeholes" cut into it.

Both men confessed they were planning to commit a burglary in the neighborhood.

If you see a suspicious person in your neighborhood, or if you have information about a crime, please get involved by calling our nonemergency number at (727) 893-7780.

William Proffitt, St. Petersburg police spokesman

[Last modified October 7, 2007, 01:39:25]