Issue link: http://lawandordermag.epubxp.com/i/139048
the department's community policing capacity and crime-prevention efforts, and provide 100 percent funding for approved entry-level salaries and benefts for three years. Grant offcers are used strictly in the Community Redevelopment Areas. Once, the department used bicycles for community policing. The new CRPU has four Segways, a Smart Car, and a canvas-topped Polaris Ranger all-terrain vehicle. A new uniform was also added that included blue-andwhite short-sleeved sports shirts with blue shorts. The uniform reinforced the concept that this was a nontraditional form of policing, relaxed yet professional. Reaching Out to the Community For the problem-solving, customer service-orienting CRPU offcer, being good at his/her craft to being able to answer, "What did I do this week to improve someone's life?" One example of this occurred at a community meeting where a citizen was upset at a K9 offcer for a perceived night training disturbance and angry at being awakened. It turned out the real issue was that there were no sidewalks in her neighborhood. Pinellas Park has a sidewalk program, so through this program a sidewalk is being installed; a positive relationship was initiated with this resident. The unit also conducts crime awareness and seminars for business associations and residential citizens. The Segways, Smart Car, and the different police uniforms aid in opening communication with the citizens and area businesses. These different modes of transportation are meant as tools to cause people to approach the offcers and talk to them. Often the police didn't really know the people in the community, and it is hoped that the new unit will aid in the perception that the police are around and paying attention. One business owner went to the CRPU substation to say what a dumb idea the Smart Car was. When it was explained that the unusual vehicles were selected to encourage people to approach the offcers, talk about the strange transportation, and open up opportunities for dialog, the person began laughing. "I guess I fell for that one," he said. The police had made a friend. And yes, there have been "Smart" jokes, but now people love the new car. These unusual vehicles are not used in pursuit or traffc stops, but are tools for meeting people, helping to fgure out what they need, and giving it to them. They can also lead to an explanation of what CRPU is about and how the unit can help them. Business 101 This especially applies to business owners because the department feels that when businesses are successful, the community is successful. The offcers of the CRPU have taken what they call Business 101, and can point out what properties are vacant and introduce potential business owners to the fact that the city has a planning department and does business development. The offcers are also aware of zoning issues and the CRPU Smart Car with Officer Butterworth Some vacant and camouflaged tents of the homeless were found. Normally the entire area was littered with trash. Shown is Lieutenant Kevin Riley. basic principles needed to form and operate a business. They understand the overhead costs associated with the operations and what the bottom line means to an owner. In the beginning, the CRPU coordinated a block of training, which was open to the community to attend along with other law enforcement offcers and city service entities. It was hoped that business owners would become familiar with whom to contact to get the service they needed if, for example, they had a problem with their business suffering from a negative perception of homelessness or criminal activity. All businesses are encouraged to call when they have a problem. Proactively, meetings have been conducted with bar owners before the night begins to prevent problems. To reconnect with CRA businesses, offcers also attend Chamber of Commerce breakfasts, business grand openings, and the city's Visiting Business Program. www.lawandordermag.com 41