A reader continues to lobby for The Trentonian to resurrect The Blotter, a printed round-up of criminal behavior in the greater Trenton area. The once popular daily presentation gained almost as many eyes as the Trentonian’s Page Six female. For the record, considering the evolution of society, a male version of Page Six seems overdue. The Blotter required a respectful communication between a reporter and police information officer dedicated to delivering accurate accounts about crime, no matter the incident. These reports registered as timely tidbits of lower-level criminal activity. However, some incidents deserved full-blown coverage and honesty from city officials. As Trenton leaders attempt to remake the capital city as a safe place by acts of deceit and deception, let’s be perfectly clear — Trenton remains a dangerous destination in some areas. Being kept out of the loop jeopardizes the safety of both visitors and residents. For instance, on October 30 at approximately 6:40 p.m., Trenton Police responded to a ShotSpotter alert near 101 Coolidge Avenue. Officers arrived at a parking lot on Oliver Avenue to find a 14-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. An airlift transported the teen from Capital Health Regional Medical Centerto Cooper University Hospital. The boy listed in critical condition after undergoing surgery. Detectives from the Shooting Response Team continue to investigate, with no further details available at this time. A 14-year-old boy being shot in Trenton the night before the city’s overhyped Trunk or Treat event would have cast a pall on the candy party at Cadwalader Park. It’s unfortunate that our city’s Black teen victims do not live in suburban communities where being shot, listed in critical condition or killed, takes away breaths or holds them hostage at least. A recent death of a student at Grice School in Hamilton Twp. delivered this response from officials. A communication to Grice School families acknowledged the loss and advised these actions to support children. “We have suffered a great loss, one of our students has suddenly passed away…..During this difficult time we encourage you to talk with your child. As adults, it is important that we assist our children with continuing to develop coping strategies. It is essential that the children know they are loved and supported as they talk about their feelings,” read the correspondence which listed numerous teachers, administrators, members of the Child Study Team, and counselors available to talk with students. The letter included these suggestions. • Reaffirm your child is safe and loved. • Allow for your child to talk about feelings. If this is the first loss your child has experienced, your child may not know how to respond and will be looking for your guidance. • Affirm all expressions. It is okay to express feelings honestly. Tolerate the expressions rather than dismissing them or discouraging the expression of feelings. • Affirm your child’s reactions. • Watch for signs of distress or concern. • Help children return to as normal routine as possible. Kudos to Hamilton Twp. for understanding the importance of offering love and comfort to children, families, and communities. City of Trenton officials should comprehend the tremendous traumatization that occurs with violence, especially when the victim lists as a teen or child. One can only imagine the outpouring of concern and public outcry if a teen from Lawrence, Princeton, Hopewell Valley, etc. listed in critical condition after being shot in the head. And, yes, certainly, media coverage would register as significantly different than the three or four paragraphs that accompany Trenton shootings, homicides, assaults and other dramas. On the same night of the teen shooting, at approximately 8:15 p.m., Trenton police officers responded to the 500 block of Hoffman Avenue, where a 59-year-old woman had been stabbed in the face. Reports noted the victim suffered a stab wound to her cheek and additional injuries to her arms. She was transported to Capital Health, where she is listed in stable condition. A short time later, police arrested a 20-year-old woman after she lost control of her 2013 Infiniti G37 and struck a 33-year-old pedestrian. The man suffered a traumatic brain injury and listed in extremely critical condition. Police charged the driver with assault by auto and hindering apprehension after initially providing false information. While we may never end violence in this city, how we respond to such issues counts. The sanctity of life and the treatment of humans must always matter. L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at [email protected].