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Neighborhood Livability Working Group <br />Enhance Police Resources <br />Problem Description <br />The living habits of college age youth make them vulnerable targets for criminals. Crimes against property are <br />common in the campus area neighborhoods, with the West University Neighborhood experiencing far more of this <br />activity than other areas. Disturbingly, incidents of physical and sexual assault are also on the rise. In addition, <br />loud parties attended by binge drinking youth at specific locations, as well as roving bands of inebriated young <br />people coming to and from parties, trespass on private property, and commit acts of vandalism and other illegal <br />acts that call for a sustained law enforcement response to maintain a semblance of safety for all residents. <br />Insufficient resources require that the Police Department prioritize how it responds to calls of service. <br />Understandably, the department is unable to respond effectively to many less serious crimes that comprise a large <br />part of the criminal activity in campus area neighborhoods. It has become necessary to pay staff overtime to <br />provide sporadic coverage in the area, which is a practice that is not entirely effective or sustainable. The <br />experience of other town and gown communities has shown that a strong law enforcement presence is a key <br />component of an effective program that addresses criminal hotspots around campuses and the community impacts <br />from a culture of binge drinking and partying. An increased police presence in the area would deter criminal <br />behavior and address some of the nuisance behaviors that make residents feel unsafe. <br /> <br />Strategy Description <br />Secure funding for the equivalent of five additional officers and one sergeant to maintain an effective law <br /> <br />enforcement presence in the campus area neighborhoods. <br />Achieve efficiencies by targeting peak periods of activity and investing in a proactive media campaign <br /> <br />be strictly enforced. Other communities have found that aggressive, well-publicized enforcement can <br />reduce the number of incidents that require a response over time. <br />If this approach is to be implemented, the processes will need to be set in motion to secure the necessary <br /> <br />funding for the new team of officers. Once funding has been secured, the timeline necessary to hire the <br />additional officers will take between 12 and 18 months. <br /> <br />Related Goals/Policies <br />West University Task Force recommendations (June 2003): <br />Consistent/Enhanced Police Presence Increased police presence in the neighborhood would deter criminal <br />behavior and address some of the nuisance behaviors that make residents feel unsafe. <br /> <br />Costs and Potential Resources <br />The costs for a team of officers will be approximately $630,000 per year. In addition to the ongoing yearly <br />costs, the establishment of this team will require approximately $250,000 in one-time cost, which covers three <br />vehicles and outfits the new officers with equipment. The cost of creating a new patrol team for this purpose will <br />be the primary barrier to this strategy. <br /> <br />Issues to Consider <br />One concern is that the creation of this patrol team becomes the end-all answer for the problems faced in this <br />area. It is essential that the problem continues to be pursued as a community-issue, not simply as a law <br />enforcement issue. <br /> <br />Measuring Effectiveness <br />The primary measure of the effectiveness of the new team will be the overall crime rate of the area, and police <br />calls for service. <br /> <br /> <br />22 <br />Page <br /> <br />