On a recent Friday evening, Scranton police officers Olivia Muchal and Kyle Kemp met a friendly family visiting from York. They were in town for a basketball tournament at the University of Scranton and couldn’t decide where to eat. Muchal and Kemp eagerly gave them some suggestions: Burgers from Chef von & Mom, Thai food at Thai Thai, or a classic pub fare at The Backyard Ale House.
Charlotte Disney, whose granddaughter attends the university, appreciated the strong police presence in the area. Muchal and Kemp explained that their visibility helps deter crime, and they remained attentive to their surroundings. When a minor road rage incident broke out nearby, they quickly jumped to the situation.
Kemp, a veteran officer with over 20 years on the force, noted a significant drop in crime compared to when he first started patrolling in the early 2000s. Back then, bar fights were common, but now such incidents are rare. The police are especially responsive during busy times, sending more officers to Courthouse Square on weekends.
As the downtown area adapts, so does the police response. Chief Thomas Carroll emphasized the importance of community awareness. He stated that while Scranton’s downtown population has grown, crime has not. In the past three years, most of the over 14,000 incidents reported were non-emergent, focusing more on community engagement than criminal enforcement.
Carroll also highlighted how technology aids their efforts. The department uses a mobile command center for large events, helping keep the area safe while increasing their visibility. Cameras play a crucial role, providing extra eyes and helping officers detect unusual behavior.
In Wilkes-Barre, Lieutenant James Sheridan shared a similar view. When he visits local spots like Abide coffee shop, he enjoys chatting with baristas and residents. This fosters trust and a sense of community. Sheridan believes that crime in downtown is predominantly non-violent and often involves individuals who know each other.
Both police departments view downtown areas as vibrant neighborhoods rather than just hubs for businesses. With more people living downtown, patrols focus not only on crime prevention but also on building relationships. This proactive approach increases community trust, allowing residents to feel secure while enjoying their city.
Zubeen ‘Saeed, founder of Building Blocks Learning Centers, echoed this sentiment. While visiting Abide, she noted that Wilkes-Barre’s downtown is much more than a collection of buildings; it’s a community where people create their own narrative. The police, along with organizations like Volunteers of America, assist those in need, reducing the stigma around the homeless population who often simply seek solace in local parks.
In both Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, officers are not just responding to calls; they are actively involved in the community. With growing numbers of young professionals and retirees alike choosing to live in downtown areas, the role of police is evolving into one of support and partnership.
For those out enjoying the nightlife or engaging in community activities, the presence of welcoming officers serves as a reminder that safety and support are always close at hand.
For more insights, refer to community policing strategies from the National Institute of Justice and explore how such initiatives are reshaping urban safety and community trust.
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