By Chase Cain
With a new administration underway, there is no doubt we can expect a lot of changes.
And Louisville's Chief of Police, Robert White, hopes the transition in Washington will translate to safer streets at home.
WHAS11's Chase Cain talked exclusively with the chief, to find out what he wants from an Obama presidency and his feelings about this historic day.
When this chief of police talks politics, especially presidential politics, you should probably listen; because Chief White spent three decades as an officer in Washington DC, with part of that time helping lead the capital city's police force.
"The needs are great and many of the needs that we desire have to come from the White House."
No doubt Chief White believes President Barack Obama's campaign motto of hope; though he says, for the last few years as a police chief, he hasn't had much of that at all.
"What's happened is a lot of the monies that we were getting in local law enforcement from the federal government have been taken away from us and have been re-directed in the office of homeland security, or some other office."
The chief says President Bush's creation of homeland security has been valuable to keeping our country safe, but he also doesn't think that should hurt another kind of safety; safety on our streets.
"I am very confident things will change for local law enforcement; starting with us being able to get funds."
Funds, money, the chief says he hopes he has the flexibility to use. Whether that's to buy more cars, hire more officers, or just pay the officers he has overtime. Because he thinks doing simple things like that can have a much bigger benefit.
"My argument and many police chief's arguments is that there is a direct connection between terrorists and the foot officers on the beat. We just haven't been too successful in convincing the last administration of that."
Just one of several things the chief thinks President Obama will change; like strengthening the economy to reduce crime and when crimes do happen, giving detectives more resources to track weapons and lock-up criminals.
Though, for this chief, he may have one regret about Barack Obama's presidency; but it's a regret, for which he can still be thankful, "I only wish my mother was here."
"My mother, because she was a praying lady, would spend half her time on her knees thanking God, the other half crying. I cannot tell you how elated I am and how proud I am as an American to see this day come."
Web story published by Chris Wright
