Police department adds manpower to downtown patrol

The Hot Springs Police Department will be more prominent downtown starting next week.

City Manager David Frasher told the Hot Springs Board of Directors earlier this week that an increase in pedestrian traffic requires more manpower to police the busy city center.

“You’ve probably noticed our downtown is having what looks like a banner year,” he told the board. “We’re having more and more visitors appear down there. We’re happy about that.

“I met with our law enforcement and talked about some ways we could increase uniform presence down there. We want them out on the street, where the crowds are, particularly during our peak season. We’re having a lot of visitors down there. When they look both ways, we want them to see some uniforms.”

The plan adds a police services assistant and a motorcycle officer, joining the bicycle patrol and the assigned patrol officer already serving downtown. School resource officers will join the effort at the end of the school year. The city’s news release said the department will work with the National Park Service in implementing the scaled-up enforcement plan.

“Our highest priority is to ensure the safety of citizens and visitors alike while they enjoy our bustling downtown area,” Police Chief Jason Stachey said in the release. “This also provides business owners, property owners and merchants an added measure of assurance. Obviously, the downtown is undergoing major transformation, and we want to do our part to support the growth and economic development that is rapidly unfolding.

“Although our police officers respond to few reported incidents downtown, implementing an enhanced law enforcement presence is a proactive way of providing elevated safety for everyone downtown.”