The current leadership in Monroe seems eager to promote the idea that crime is on the decline in our city, pointing to the reduced coverage in mainstream media as evidence. However, this raises questions: is this decline real, or merely a convenient narrative? Can we trust only what we're told, ignoring the reality we witness? It's challenging to accept claims of reduced crime when faced with the stark reality of grieving families (fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts and cousins) making funeral arrangements for loved ones lost to senseless violence. How do we comfort those who must visit a family member in jail, grappling with the consequences of crime firsthand? To address these issues, we must first confront the truth. Reducing crime requires more than just statistical manipulation or selective reporting. It demands a commitment to honesty and transparency, acknowledging the pain and loss experienced by victims and their families. Only by facing these truths can we hope to make meaningful progress in combating crime and creating a safer community for all.