University District Inc.

Residents Enjoy Higher Police Visibility

Mar 18, 2001

You may have noticed more police officers in the area lately. This higher visibility is one of the results of the opening of the Northeast Precinct this past November. Officers of the Ventral Precinct are no longer responsible for the neighborhoods east of I-240. And while the patrol areas has been reduced, the number of officers has stayed the same, which means police presence is notices much more by everyone.
According to Mary Pollard, Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, the feedback since the opening of the new precinct has been very positive. She notes that ?“the Neighborhood Watch easers have said visibility is up?” and the increased presence of police officers is a comfort to residents.
The scaled down patrol areas is also beneficial to the officers of the Central Precinct. With a smaller area to patrol, officers are able to maintain a steady, visible presence and better patrol their wards. Pollard also says that response time to calls is quicker and residents will benefit in many ways.
In an area whose biggest problem is theft and break-ins, the higher visibility of police officers should help to reduce the crime rate. However, residents can help themselves y not leaving anything of value in their cars. As Pollard put it, ?“?… it?’s an open invitation?” to criminals when valuables are left in automobiles. People need to be cautions, especially now that identity theft is on the rise, here in Memphis, and nationwide. The advice is simple says Pollard, ?“ Don?’t leave valuables is your car.?”
While it may be too early to tell exactly how the crime rates will be affected by this higher visibility of police, at the moment things look promising. It?’s also a good time to remember and appreciate the efforts made by our officers each and every day they are out on the streets.