Is safety real? Sometimes, it’s a feeling that can be fickle; your actual safety isn’t always the same as your perception of safety. Then again, public safety is one of our core services as a city, a very real thing that we work hard to fulfill every day. …I think it’s safe to say (pun intended) that people aren’t feeling quite as safe these days. It could be because of something that happened to you or a friend here in Sumner or because of regional crime constantly in the news. Or, it could be because social media is programmed to feed us shocking headlines from across the world and nation to get “clicks.” That can’t be good for us.
The reality of safety is that all of us have a hand in it. Police are here to respond to, investigate, and hopefully prevent possible crimes. They are prompt, professional and proactive. Yet, your safety is not entirely their responsibility. We have to pay attention to our surroundings, avoiding distractions whether we’re shopping, walking or driving. We have to call dispatch when something doesn’t look or feel right. And we have to focus on the facts of what’s actually happening in our community rather than rumors swirling around on social media. Reality is scary enough; we don’t need to fan the flames of fear with rumors, thank you.
One resident was concerned about safety at Fred Meyer lately and took that active step to ask us about it on the Rumors & Questions page. I’m so glad she did. Please take a minute to read her question and our response. Many people can take away your sense of safety—criminals, media, social media and even a friend who wants you to share their emotions. On the flip side, many people can increase your sense of safety—police, neighbors, friends, and your own self-awareness. Please continue to reach out to police—politely—if you have questions or concerns about safety. And as we’re out and about this spring and summer, let’s all look out for ourselves and each other so we all stay safe in Sumner.
Mayor Kathy Hayden
