Community policing efforts downtown
By Denise Walker Vedder
You might be surprised to learn that Carlsbad has two different downtowns. They're in one location, yes, but they are as different as night and day.
During the day, the Village area is described as a quaint, fun place for visitors. But at night, especially on the weekends, the Village transforms itself with a lively entertainment scene, growing almost weekly.
Carlsbad Police Department Sergeant Jim Chapman says it's still a surprise to many people. "For residents that haven't been there late on weekend nights, it's a robust nightlife with music."
But with growth comes growing pains. Both merchants and the increasing number of downtown residents are grappling with conflicts among the different groups: with noise, traffic, boisterous patrons coming and going, and problems associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
The Carlsbad Police Department is proactively addressing these issues, borrowing from their successful community-oriented patrols in the beach and downtown areas during the summer months. A downtown community-oriented policing team formed and began working with the community to solve problems before they start.
Police Chief Tom Zoll says all parties involved share a single goal. "Our biggest concern is that we provide a safe community for people to live in, visit and enjoy. This is critical to businesses in the area who rely on people doing their dining and shopping here. Working with the business community will help us help them, and that makes our job easier, and hopefully help their business prospers," said Zoll.
As part of the team, Chapman sees education as a key. "We have conducted public education with the bars about crowds, managing crowd capacity, and beverage service. We're re-acquainting owners with conditions of their licenses and their service… not serving minors, for example," he said.
Chapman says the downtown business community has generally been a receptive and valuable partner. "All are very concerned and are teaming up with us. They have a vested interest in not violating the law or their licenses," said Chapman.
Some problems are solved just by listening. The police meet regularly with businesses to talk about solving problems and working together. "It gives businesses a chance to talk to the police in a non-acute situation. It gives an opportunity to brainstorm and find ways to reach our common goals," says Chapman.
"We've gotten a lot of positive response, whether city employees, partnership groups, or concerned citizens. We're certainly moving in the right direction to create a community feeling that includes the police department," said Sgt. Chapman.
Carlsbad Police Lieutenant Don Rawson, who supervises the program, explains that all parties must be involved for community-oriented policing to work. "People think if there's a problem the police will fix it. We're trying to change that mindset in the community. We can't do it all by ourselves, we need the help and participation of residents and businesses to be truly successful."
"Everyone brings different resources to the table. We (police) can bring a lot of resources, but we might not be the right resources. Sometimes the more long-term solutions aren't cops coming in and arresting the same people every day," Rawson said.
Chapman invites anyone with concerns or questions related to the downtown business area to call him at (760) 931-2172, or email him at [email protected]
The City will be represented at the upcoming Business Expo on September 21. Economic Development Manager Cynthia Haas will be there to answer your questions about doing business in Carlsbad. Also, for those interested in starting or expanding a business in Carlsbad, she'll have handouts about licenses, inspections, and other information that businesses need to get started successfully.
By Denise Walker Vedder
You might be surprised to learn that Carlsbad has two different downtowns. They're in one location, yes, but they are as different as night and day.
During the day, the Village area is described as a quaint, fun place for visitors. But at night, especially on the weekends, the Village transforms itself with a lively entertainment scene, growing almost weekly.
Carlsbad Police Department Sergeant Jim Chapman says it's still a surprise to many people. "For residents that haven't been there late on weekend nights, it's a robust nightlife with music."
But with growth comes growing pains. Both merchants and the increasing number of downtown residents are grappling with conflicts among the different groups: with noise, traffic, boisterous patrons coming and going, and problems associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
The Carlsbad Police Department is proactively addressing these issues, borrowing from their successful community-oriented patrols in the beach and downtown areas during the summer months. A downtown community-oriented policing team formed and began working with the community to solve problems before they start.
Police Chief Tom Zoll says all parties involved share a single goal. "Our biggest concern is that we provide a safe community for people to live in, visit and enjoy. This is critical to businesses in the area who rely on people doing their dining and shopping here. Working with the business community will help us help them, and that makes our job easier, and hopefully help their business prospers," said Zoll.
As part of the team, Chapman sees education as a key. "We have conducted public education with the bars about crowds, managing crowd capacity, and beverage service. We're re-acquainting owners with conditions of their licenses and their service… not serving minors, for example," he said.
Chapman says the downtown business community has generally been a receptive and valuable partner. "All are very concerned and are teaming up with us. They have a vested interest in not violating the law or their licenses," said Chapman.
Some problems are solved just by listening. The police meet regularly with businesses to talk about solving problems and working together. "It gives businesses a chance to talk to the police in a non-acute situation. It gives an opportunity to brainstorm and find ways to reach our common goals," says Chapman.
"We've gotten a lot of positive response, whether city employees, partnership groups, or concerned citizens. We're certainly moving in the right direction to create a community feeling that includes the police department," said Sgt. Chapman.
Carlsbad Police Lieutenant Don Rawson, who supervises the program, explains that all parties must be involved for community-oriented policing to work. "People think if there's a problem the police will fix it. We're trying to change that mindset in the community. We can't do it all by ourselves, we need the help and participation of residents and businesses to be truly successful."
"Everyone brings different resources to the table. We (police) can bring a lot of resources, but we might not be the right resources. Sometimes the more long-term solutions aren't cops coming in and arresting the same people every day," Rawson said.
Chapman invites anyone with concerns or questions related to the downtown business area to call him at (760) 931-2172, or email him at [email protected]
The City will be represented at the upcoming Business Expo on September 21. Economic Development Manager Cynthia Haas will be there to answer your questions about doing business in Carlsbad. Also, for those interested in starting or expanding a business in Carlsbad, she'll have handouts about licenses, inspections, and other information that businesses need to get started successfully.