Officers would target "rundown areas"

MONTEBELLO - The city will soon start a program that places police officers in areas that have seen an increased number of calls for service.

The City Council unanimously approved moving forward with a program that targets rundown areas of the city at a June 25 meeting.

The program is expected to cost about $500,000 annually and requires hiring two police officers and two community service officers, according to City Administrator Richard Torres.

"The program visibly places officers in the neighborhood and they gain a better relationship with the community," said Mayor Bill Molinari. "Officers will be in areas where there have been concerns."

Police Chief Dan Weast is working out the details of the new program and is expected to present them at a July 23 council meeting.

Some of the projects the officers would be assigned to include community cleanups, addressing public drunks and transients, graffiti and drug enforcement, among others.

The program may be run similar to a former program NIPET, Neighborhood Improvement Project Enforcement Team, officials said.

About 15 years ago, NIPET worked with code enforcement officers and focused on cleaning up areas near Greenwood Avenue and Date Street by improving the appearance and quality of life there, city officials said.

Molinari believes older, rundown apartment buildings scattered throughout Montebello will be targeted by the officers. Many are located on Greenwood Avenue, Date Street and Hines Avenue.

"There tend to be some social and crime problems in those areas with landlords; not screening tenants and not maintaining property," Molinari said. "Officers can go in to these little pockets and effectively address the concerns."

The officers may have an office in a storefront or in Chet Holifield Park to maintain a community presence, said Torres.

The program was originally presented by Councilwoman Rosie Vasquez, who recommended building a police substation in south Montebello.

Vasquez said residents approached her about feeling unsafe in certain areas.

"My real concern was an intimidation factor that people were feeling," Vasquez said. "NIPET was done before and it was proven to be effective."

amanda.baumfeld@sgvn.com