We the undersigned are executing this petition to call to your attention an epidemic that we believe plagues our society as well as our community.  The plague which we are referring to is child abuse and related crimes against children.  It is no secret that child abuse can be traced to the root of so many of our society’s ills.  As a dedicated law enforcement offical, we realize the battle against child abuse falls squarely on your shoulders and we wish to encourage you in what must surely be a daunting task.  We want you to know that we recognize yours is a position of difficulty and a towering burden and we as citizens and taxpayers recognize the challenges you face. We support your efforts and are equally mindful of your obligations.

Our research tells us that child abuse cases are without doubt some of the most difficult to prosecute because many are without eye witnesses other than of a young victim, usually little if any physical evidence, and certainly challenging witness testimony.  We feel that while these cases must make for some of the most challenging prosecutions, that must not be a reason to abandon them. We, as concerned citizens and more importantly parents and grandparents of children at risk, want you to know that we will not hold the your office responsible for not receiving favorable jury verdicts while trying to prosecute these cases.  We are, however, ever watchful for a failure to file charges and pursue prosecution because of a “lack of evidence” or “unwilling victims.” 

We realize that your office may have limited resources and an ever growing assortment of criminal matters to attend to.  This petition is simply intended to serve as a reminder that parents care deeply about their children and are here to support your efforts to make child abuse prosecution your foremost concern.  We are here, as well, to ensure that you and your staff protect our society’s most vulnerable members and fight for them in spite of the challenges these cases present.  Rest assured, our community would rather a child abuse case be tried and lost than a predator be granted continuous free reign to harm another of our children.

Thank you so much!