St. Joseph announces new initiative to address crime and safety at city parks
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- In an effort to improve safety and reduce criminal activity at city parks, the St. Joseph parks and police departments will strengthen coordination and efforts as part of a new city plan of attack.
The city announced the two departments will participate in a new parks safety initiative beginning with pilot programs at Hyde Park and Krug Park, two of the city's busiest park facilities.
The city will utilize Crime Prevention Environmental Designs, a multidisciplinary approach to crime prevention, to reduce criminal activity and improve park conditions by improving sightlines, defining access points and providing consistent maintenance.
“When parks are well maintained and actively monitored, they work better for everyone,” St. Joseph Parks Director Jeff Atkins said in a news release. “This initiative focuses on addressing issues early and ensuring our parks are safe and accessible to the entire community.”
The initiative will see parks staff and police officers conducting joint park walks, increasing patrol visibility during peak hours and improving lighting, vegetation management and graffiti and litter removal.
The move comes in response to increases in theft, vandalism and other forms of illegal activity which often lead to higher maintenance costs, as well as public concerns.
A city survey conducted last spring found that while 9% of respondents reported feeling unsafe at parks during day hours, the number rose to 64% at night.
Community involvement remains a key component, with new tools to allow residents to directly report safety and maintenance issues.
"The City will support volunteer efforts such as youth service days and Adopt-a-Park programs and will continue working with social service partners to prioritize outreach and assistance when engaging with individuals experiencing homelessness or other challenges," the city news release reads.
Residents are encouraged to attend park events, report concerns and participate in volunteer opportunities as the initiative moves forward.
