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"The MIPD's request for five and a half additional FTEs, or full-time equivalents, came in for scrutiny. Chief Don Hunter has proposed the institution of a special unit, a three-person "flex group" that in addition to performing regular patrol duties, can serve warrants, and surveil career criminals and gang members, who have been showing up on the island, he said."

If this is seriously considered, I will truly now understand the machinations of this island and how it views crime. From my perspective, I fear the spending on crime more than the crime itself, unless you could classify the new crime as gang member related. The question is which gang is of most concern, the gang in city management or the gang members infiltrating this city as ........

I am truly in awe as to the extent of those with budgetary responsibility will stack the deck, but now with flex gangs!

As an exercise in %increase, I did not note any reference to the size of the existing force. Does this island warrant such an increase?

If you want efficient policing, you focus and reapportion existing responsibilities, you do NOT add personnel under the mantle of flexibility.

And given the request by the Chief, is there is a parallel request for more county law enforcement presence on the island, as well, for flexibility?

Folks, the budget for safety on this island has risen to the point that I am more concerned with the dollars the city takes from me to protect me, now to include criminals classified as gangs.

I ask, which gang do the citizens need protection? From my perspective, the gang I fear most is now housed within city administration.

I understand Marco Island is a vacation destination, but has it now risen to the level of gang related; unless, a family of four is classified as a gang.

Price: ?