Downtown Footbeat Program
Program Objectives
The primary role of the downtown patrol detail is to work with business groups, City government, the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, citizens and other community interests to establish and maintain an environment that promotes safety and security for those who work at and patronize the downtown businesses.
How the Program Works
- One officer is assigned to the central downtown area and acts as the department's primary liaison with the Chamber of Commerce and Todos Santos Business Association.
- This officer works with these organizations, City representatives, and other community groups and individuals to identify issues that negatively impact the Downtown Business District. Working in partnership, they develop and implement programs and other measures designed to have a long-term resolution to the identified problems.
Program Results
- The creation of the unit has greatly enhanced the relationship between the business community and the City.
- In each of the past citizen opinion surveys, the community has identified safety in the downtown area as a concern. The citizens want to feel safe as they enjoy the many opportunities that the downtown district affords them. The downtown patrol gives them a cadre of officers whose primary focus is helping to provide that safe environment.
- Since the inception of the patrol, complaints of crime and general nuisances have steadily declined. The major concern for merchants now is the availability of parking for their patrons, displacing crime and the fear of crime.
