Last night was an eye-opener for me. Nothing life-threatening, but it was something I never considered an issue while living here in Phoenix. I live in an apt. complex, and it's gated. Used to be guarded, but they went to some independent security co. to save $$ I assume. Anyway, party was going on during the night in one of the gazebos, and by 3:30 a.m. things were getting a bit rowdy, so I called the noise-control #, and they said they'd send someone out.
Now, I have no problem with people wanting to have fun, but whooping and hollering in the middle of the night for several hours is a bit much. I could just go out and yell at them again, but I really don't want my tires slashed. Anyway, it was now 4:15, and things were still swinging, so I call again. No-one shows, and I call at 4:45. Turns out they only respond until 4a.m. and the security guard had gone home anyway. "Okay," I said, "What do you suggest?"
"Call the police if it's getting out of hand," she said. Right about then, I hear what sounds like glass breaking, so I hang up.
I felt calling the police was a bit much, but did it anyway. They were polite, and said they'd send someone by. Finally, just as I'm dozing off, my phone rings. It's 5:45, getting light outside, and an officer is at one of the gates asking me to let him in. I didn't say anything for a moment, then asked, "Don't you guys have a pass?"
He said, "No, we either have someone buzz us in or follow another car."
"How do you get in if it's an emergency?" I asked.
"Same thing," he said. "Is the party still going on?" Again, as if on cue, I hear another chorus pick up, so I let him in. Turns out the party-goers were just hollering their good-byes, and were dispersing as he got here.
The thing that shocks me most, is the PD can't get in unless someone else lets them. There is a "Fire Dept. Key" slot on the gates, but evidently the PD doesn't get that privelege. I've ordered pizza on countless occasions, and never had to buzz them in. Plus, as I'm sure you can guess, they get here a lot faster. Understand, I'm not knocking the Phoenix PD; far from it. We just lost two of them in a shooting last weekend to someone holed-up in an apartment complex near me. But as I sit here today, it's noon, I'm still tired, there are empty liquor bottles littering the gazebo outside, and I'm dumbfounded by what that officer told me. I had no idea...
I am very glad that Arizona is still a gun-friendly state. I've carried 24/7 and will continue to do so. Last night was never an issue regarding use of force or anything close to it, but it has really made me think. Maybe this was common knowledge for some of you, but it certainly wasn't for me. Anyway, thanks for reading this. Any thoughts/comments are welcome...
