Page 66

WASHINGTON POSTLETTERS TO THE EDITOR

JANUARY 24, 2021

I’m glad to see coverage in theWashingtonPostof the crime reduction plan put out by our new mayor (“Baltimore mayor proposes stripping police of weapons”). I’m asking thePostto consider being more specific and accurate in their descriptions and headlines in the future.

Our new mayor, Angela Coleman of the People Against Violence party, has not suggested that police in Baltimore carry no weapons. As part of her new plan, City Without Guns, she is proposing that police carrynon-lethalweapons. This plan will continue the sharp drop in shootings and murders that has already taken place in Baltimore.

The more that people in our city, including police, feel they are in danger, the greater the chance they will carry a gun for protection and be tempted to use it. We must bit by bit, step by step, make itfeelsafer, in addition to making itbesafer.

The police officers will still carry weapons, including Tasers and batons, and still have the option to call for backup with lethal weapons. However, people on the streets of the city will take comfort in knowing the same rules apply to everyone. No one is allowed to carry a gun. No one is allowed to put others at risk.

Postreaders could push for the same in their own city. If you want to know what it feels like to walk around in a City Without Guns, come to Baltimore. It could be like that in yourcity as well. PAV candidates are running for DC Council and Mayor.

Sincerely,

Mikayla Adamson

Baltimore, Maryland

People Against Violence