2/24/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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a tremendous number of individuals not from our area that have taken up residence in the downtown areas and there have been problems with homeless persons sleeping in the stairwells. The Department has worked hard to keep them out. Chief Gabbard continued that there is unlimited access to the garage. The breezeways look nice but are a constant invitation for anyone to go in there. Those areas really need to be secured but he realized that money is an issue. Parking garages are lonely places and can be frightening, particularly in the evening. They now have an officer patrolling the garage in a golf cart from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and he hoped that would help the employees to feel safer. Commissioner Macht questioned whether the number of incidents at the parking garage are higher than anywhere else, and Chief Gabbard responded that 14' Avenue is probably more dangerous. In 1996 they had 6 crimes reported in and around the garage and a couple of those incidents were related to things going on in court and involved domestic violence. They also had some kids inhaling nitrous oxide and one incident involving a juvenile fight about 8 p.m. In 1997, they had 3 reports: a broken fire alarm, a possible break in of a vehicle and a second vehicle break in which they suspect was also related to a domestic violence situation. In 1998 they had one reported incident prior to the recent incident. The individual responsible for this recent incident was arrested and the firearm involved was recovered. Chief Gabbard offered his services for some crime prevention programs for staff in an attempt to have them better understand how to protect themselves and their property. In several instances vehicles involved in break ins were unlocked and there are a number of precautions people can be taught to employ. Chief Gabbard then reiterated that the biggest problem is easy access to the building and asked the Board to consider putting up fencing with keys being given to the police. This is an attractive place for kids to go and other buildings have similar problems. Commissioner Macht commented from personal experience about the problem on 14th Avenue and noted that these people seem to be coming from the local homeless shelter. He noted one incident where an art gallery employee had to call the police during a very threatening situation. It would appear that the homeless shelter has become widely known as a good place to hang out. The park is full of them and several restaurants have had problems. Commissioner Adams felt that Barbara MacWilliam had the right idea with volunteers for security and commended her for coming in with some positive suggestions. FEBRUARY 24, 1998 -34-