NCJ Number
169693
Journal
Telemasp Bulletin Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (May 1995) Pages: complete issue
Date Published
1995
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This bulletin profiles downtown policing efforts currently used in the Texas cities of Corpus Christi, El Paso, Houston, and San Antonio.
Abstract
Although it was initially expected that variations in downtown characteristics might dictate different policing styles, it was found that each department used essentially the same patrol methods: foot, horse, bicycle, vehicle, and motorcycle. Further, the four departments had other things in common in their downtown policing. First, morale among the foot, horse, and bicycle patrol officers was very high. Second, there was a willingness for officers to pursue both law enforcement and community partnerships in solving crime and disorder problems. Third, crime prevention through environmental design was a major component in both downtown security planning and in reducing fear of crime among citizens. Fourth, most patrol time was free from calls for service. This enabled the foot, horse, and bicycle patrol officers to focus on "soft crimes" (UCR Part II offenses) and directed patrol efforts. Many of the approaches used in large jurisdictions can also be used in smaller towns. Outline of the Policing the Downtown District Seminar and 9 references