How can you identify a potential murderer? Do they walk different, talk different - look like everyday folks?

Do they appear as harmless as a toothless dog, when truth is their brain is brewing up a hurricane-force storm of hatred and/or mental instability?

Ask celebrity true crime author Ann Rule, who after a volunteer shift at the Crisis Clinic years ago, was walked to her car by a decent-looking, genial, fellow co-worker whose name was Ted Bundy, the late notorious serial killer of women.

At anytime we could stand side-by-side with potential killers and not know it. Friday, Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving, I believe that happened to me-- right here in Des Moines Beach Park.

Two days later, on Nov. 29, the media released a picture of a man who allegedly killed four highly respected Lakewood Police Officers.

That suspect's picture looked like the man I saw in Des Moines Beach Park.

The man in the park wore a brown leather jacket and walked across a pedestrian bridge toward me. Maybe his size caused me to pause and a strong sense of "Take Caution" struck me.

There was no visible sign of danger, yet the look in his eyes was so blank and fixed. Should I cross the bridge now or later? I chose to proceed normally staying low-key.

I checked that my cell phone was handy and with an ounce of courage, and huge sense of uncertainties, stepped on the bridge holding my little dog Katrina's leash close to my body on the farthest side away from the man. We passed within inches of each other at mid-bridge.

I casually said "Hi," when we passed and his blank look stayed fixed straight ahead. I avoided eye contact. There was no response.
From the parking lot a man of slight-build walked by saying "Hi" to me and joined the big man. Parked nearby was a very big, classy white pickup truck.

Two days later, November 29th, Sunday, four Lakewood Police Officers were killed and a picture of an alleged person of interest was broadcast. That face resembled the blank-looking face of the man in the park. Is it possible? Media reported the alleged killer has Des Moines affiliations.

The thought of such crime invading communities is scary, yet without enough trained officers what's to prevent it? When Des Moines residents approved the 2001 Levy Lid Lift for exclusive police use they made safety #1. Recent council election candidate's campaign fliers read "#1 Priority - Police Department."

Now, Des Moines City Council members are balancing their 2010 budget and at the Dec.3 meeting voted to eliminate eight police officer positions, two community service officers and one record specialist.

Five active officers will be laid off, reducing a mostly 24/7 staff of 60 persons to 49 total. Response to crime calls will likely be slower or perhaps none for non-emergencies.

Des Moines Police Chief Roger Baker advised Council at their Nov. 7 meeting that without the continued preventative measures possible with a 60 person-staff, they can expect the 5-year reduced local crimes in this community to drift back to as bad or worse than existed in 2001.

The Crime Task Force that took down drug dealers, pimps, prostitutes, and slumlords will be diluted in effectiveness.

When you can safely walk streets, visit parks, be out at night, know your kids are safe, know your cars won't be stolen, and have no fear of "crime bullies "-- that's home.

Without safety, what? Try to picture it.

Police officers put their lives on the line everyday and are challenged now to beat the odds when outnumbered and understaffed.

Criminals do exist in Des Moines - maybe right near you.

You can contact city council members at www.desmoineswa.gov.

Today's Thought: "He who influences thoughts - influences times that follow." (Elbert Hubbard)