Pubdate: Fri, 26 Dec 2003 Source: Tampa Tribune (FL) Copyright: 2003, The Tribune Co. Contact: http://www.tampatrib.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446 Note: Limit LTEs to 150 words HATS OFF TO TAMPA POLICE Local law enforcement officials weren't taking it easy this holiday week - and that's good news for residents. Tampa police launched two operations that show they're willing to use all available resources to combat drug peddling, prostitution and street crimes that destroy neighborhoods. The get-tough approach is important because allowing even minor crimes encourages further lawlessness. In contrast, clamping down hard on those crimes, as New Yorkers found under Mayor Rudy Giuliani, gives cities a sense of order and safety and reduces the crime rate. So Tampa officers were wise to target the operators of strip clubs believed to be a front for prostitution. In the past, detectives went after the dancers, charging them prostitution or drug use. This strategy failed. Tuesday they charged six club managers with aiding and abetting prostitution. Five also stand accused of racketeering. If convicted, they will face stiff prison sentences. The message from Tampa police is clear: We're after the big guys. Similarly, Tampa police this week also cracked down on what Tribune reporter Valerie Kalfrin calls an "open-air drug market" in an east Tampa neighborhood. Police arrested 19 people Sunday and Monday and were pursuing more than 20 others. Police said the Rainbow Heights community was under siege. Local and federal officials conducted a six-month investigation before launching the massive raid. Many of those arrested were charged with felonies. Police are hoping convictions will put them behind bars for a good while. But if nothing else, the arrests give dealers notice they no longer control the neighborhood. One resident told Kalfrin drug dealers and prostitutes had made the area "like living in a war zone." We are glad to see the Tampa Police Department under new chief Steve Hogue make a powerful end-of-the-year warning to these thugs. Too often, street predators intimidate residents of poorer neighborhoods and brazenly do whatever they want. That should never happen. All neighborhoods, regardless of how big the houses, are entitled to be safe. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman