Councilwoman Glorious Johnson, At-Large Group 5, is in the process of introducing legislation that will positively impact the safety of people working in convenient store facilities.

The City of Jacksonville continues to be plagued with a particularly vile and heartless crime, which targets Convenience and Gas Stores for robbery. More often than not the victim of the crime is the unwitting owner or employee of said establishments. Even when complying with the criminals' demands, they may wind up beaten, stabbed or shot. Too often the result of this crime is the death of the victim for little more than 'pocket change'. On some occasions it is an unfortunate patron of such an establishment who is also victimized during the crime.

This crime is certainly not new to our community, but what has changed is the degree of daring and violence displayed by these criminals. The complete lack of or concern for human life is stunning and compels us to respond with whatever steps and/or legislation required to further our efforts to fight this type of crime and criminal.

As a councilwoman my concern is first and foremost with safety of the innocent citizens of Jacksonville and those sworn to protect them. Our citizens have the basic human right to make an honest living in as safe an environment as possible. Our police officers deserve all the help they can get to make this happen.

I intend to offer legislation to positively impact the safety of those working in these establishments and those who uphold our laws. One of the factors that have unfortunately lent itself to the growing boldness of the criminal is the lack of visibility from the outside of most of these establishments. The glass windows and doors are generally covered in signage making it virtually impossible to get a clear look into the store. Having obliterated the visibility from the exterior, the signs Offer the ideal 'cover' such criminals look for making it nearly impossible for anyone, most importantly officers on patrol to clearly see what is going on in the store.

By introducing legislation that does not permit signs or displays blocking the storefront windows and doors we can insure greater visibility into the business making it easier for the employees to be seen from outside increasing their safety and for criminal activity to be more easily spotted by our police officers on patrol.

The legislation would not allow signage on windows or doors placed in the three-foot area, which falls between 3 feet from the business floor to 6 ft from the business floor. In essence no signage would be permitted between 3 and 6 feet. Nor would it permit displays backed up to the windows or doors, which would block this area of visibility. An officer on foot or from his patrol car would have clear visibility and if necessary a clear shot into the business. Patrons would also be able to see into the store and avoid walking into dangerous situations.

For additional information, contact (904) 630-1387.