Issue link: http://lawandordermag.epubxp.com/i/139048
UP-CLOSE Community Redevelopment Policing Unit CRPU canvas-topped Polaris Ranger all-terrain vehicle, with Lieutenant Kevin Riley CRPU Officer Steve Vangeli and a social services counselor from Directions of Mental Health team together. Directions for Mental Health, Inc., and Operation PAR, Inc., a provider of comprehensive behavioral health services, are two contracted, grant-funded social services of long standing that work with county and state social services and the police. VEHICLE IMMOBILIZERS •Provenperformance (since1958) •Collectunpaidfnes The Substation CRPU's substation is located within the Community Redevelopment Area and is pleasantly furnished with secondhand desks and chairs, all purchased with confscated funds. The CRA itself is divided into districts. The CRPU offcers assigned to the districts are expected to meet with a certain number of businesses every day, and to assist in determining how businesses can be made more successful. Crime prevention tips and educational programs for the business' staff are offered, and help can be given in cases of unsafe environments. Whereas time is the enemy of patrol offcers, CRPU offcers are able to spend more time addressing issues. It is felt their relationships reduce crime. For example, addressing misdemeanors takes the legs out of larger crimes; regular offcers will be responding less. CRPU offcers do their best to support local businesses, dropping in to introduce themselves, leaving their card, and asking what they can do to help. Being addressed by their frst names is encouraged by the offcers. This is part of the outreach to make the area fnancially sound, help folks keep their homes, and make their businesses successful. Property Awareness •Modelsforall applications •Parking enforcement •Anti-theft applications Prevent wheel damage! Use Rhino D, H, HG & PB Series (US PAT. 5,865,048 6,032,497) CALL FOR CATALOG 3183 HALL AVENUE • GRAND JUNCTION CO 81504 970-243-9500 fax 243-9200 toll free 1-866-545-6484 services@mitico.com • website: mitico.com PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA Click on EInfo at - www.lawandordermag.com reader service #17 42 LAW and ORDER I June 2013 A current neighborhood concern is the issues involved with small cottage homes in old community subdivisions that are no longer active. Many repairs are needed, as well as demolition of any abandoned cottages. The offcers identify homes where people have walked away and have them boarded up. New owners must bring them up to code before they are occupied again. For the CRPU offcers, this is an opportunity to bring in services and put the right pieces and assets into place. CRPU offcers also work with business and property owners to get graffti cleaned up. First, property owners are encouraged to get it cleaned up themselves. If they can't afford it, the offcers have a program to supply the paint while the business supplies the labor. Often, paint returns to stores can be used. In using the returned paint, local businesses are supported. Mom-and-pop restaurants are also supported by CRPU offcers