Lack of a moral compass fuels crime - The Derby Informer

Cregg Jerri is my hero. You probably never heard of him, but you may have recalled what he did in a California coffee shop last month. Seems the business was being robbed, and Jerri, a regular customer, wasn’t going to stand for it.

So he took a chair and – bam! – he beat the thug over the head. A struggle ensued, with the two wrestling over a knife as Jerri landed numerous blows onto the criminal, all visible on a security video. Both were wounded, and the robber fled, but was quickly captured.

Now, I’m sure the police would not recommend taking on a robber with a knife, but I can understand Jerri’s frustration, even if I wouldn’t do what he did. He was trying to enjoy his morning coffee and get some work done and the people at the counter were just trying to make money to pay their bills.

That’s the way the normal world works – but not to a robber, who thinks he’s entitled to simply take from others, and if they refuse, feels entitled to beat or kill them.

Maybe it’s because I’m getting old and cranky or perhaps it’s a result of covering the crime beat for The Informer, but I no longer have any patience for crime, especially violent crime. Sure, it’s been with us for thousands of years, but we’re far too accepting of it as a part of life.

It reminds me of the statement from a man who was helping out the Crime Stoppers of Derby fundraiser: “There shouldn’t be any crime.” I was kind of taken aback by the comment, but he had a point: there’s really no need for it. This isn’t England in the Middle Ages, where Robin Hood had to help those truly in need.

Robbing a business is a selfish act to seek cash to buy drugs or some other self-satisfying desire. They aren’t sticking them up to buy baby formula.

And sorry, I’m not buying the standard excuses for crime, such as “poverty.” Give me a break. There are primitive jungle tribes who live without any form of money and almost no possessions and feel no compulsion to beat and rob each other. Jobs? We have a robust economy and a need for working people. I’ve talked to a number of small business owners in Derby who need dependable employees with a good attitude. And anyone is free to start their own business. Apple Computer started in a garage with almost no start-up money.

And robbery is not a job. I recall the startled reaction in the courtroom when the man who shot and almost killed Derby resident Julie Dombo tried to excuse his action by saying he was only trying to support his family.

No, what it boils down to is simple: the lack of a moral compass, or a person’s ability to judge what is right and wrong and act accordingly. That’s something that has to be instilled by a caring person.

I’ve got to admit I’m fortunate: first of all, I actually had parents who were with me and secondly, they cared enough to teach me right from wrong.

But there are other resources in place even if parents fall down on the job. That’s why I’m glad to see the School Resource Officer program in place in Derby schools. They’re not just there to keep the peace, but to mentor young people who may be thinking about choosing the wrong path in life.

And even if you’re not a sports fan, just be glad to see so many Derby students involved in them. Not only can sports keep them out of trouble, coaches often serve as mentors and can provide the type of advice for life outside of sports that will last a lifetime.

That’s especially important for boys, as crime, especially violent crime, is far more skewed toward males.

In 2014, according to the FBI’s Table 33, women were charged with 561 murders. Males? A mind-blowing 4,368 murders, or almost eight times as many killings. In robberies, men were charged with 40,077 and women only 6,679.

Young men, whose brains and decision-making process develop slower than females, need the framework that a father can provide. If not a father, there seems to be a need for some sort of strong male figure in their lives – otherwise, they easily fall prey to the allure of street gangs.

One thing I’ve noted in all the times I’ve covered a trial of a violent criminal: I’ve never seen his father in court. Moms are usually there, sometimes other family, but dad is absent, either long gone or never around to start with.

As far as the level of crime, it’s up for debate as to whether it’s up or down. As a news source put it, it depends on the data being used and where it’s focused. Crime may be down nationwide, but up in certain cities or even neighborhoods.

But data doesn’t have feelings, and as any victim can attest to, if you’re robbed or have your car broken into, that’s a personal, inexcusable violation.

I do hope the hoodlum who was involved in the altercation with Jerri will straighten out but statistics don’t provide much confidence, and we need to figure out that some people just don’t understand anything other than prison. I’ve seen defendants in court with dozens of arrests. They’ve blown past their second or third chances and have chosen the wrong path. Chances of them changing at that point are almost nil.

As for our crimefighting friend, Jerri, I hope that video is viewed by any would-be robber – and if I ever meet Jerri, his next coffee is on me.

Let's block ads! (Why?)