We’re all familiar w/ news stories abt some city issue that isnt addressed until it’s covered by the news, or a local politician takes a personal interest. I feel the issue of pedestrian friendliness & walkability is similarly overlooked in Lakewood. I believe that a 24/7/365 police unit that is exclusively on foot/bike will help improve Lakewood’s walk-/bike-ability. This unit could give feedback on what areas need attention. It would also cut down on fuel & maintenance costs. It would be a boon to community engagement. 3 conditions create friendships & thereby trust: Proximity; Repeated, unplanned interactions; A setting that encourages people to let their guard down & confide in each other. To Lakewoodites, seeing officers on foot instead of in intimidating SUVs w/ rugged laptops at their finger tips, will meet these three conditions. It’ll build trust, it’ll go much further than coffee w/ a cop ever could. I believe, that the walk/bike infrastructure would be greatly improved & relatively rapidly, when several officers are discussing these issues. The officers have a great capacity to influence city gov/council. They’ll be able to see where sidewalks need attention & where benches or trashcans are lacking. When snow is blocking access, they will know first hand. They’ll have that experience & will seek solutions to problems.
While there are some on-foot officers now, it isn’t permanent presence. It’s only “often as possible,” but city gov. & council decide how often is possible. It possible to make it, & I believe should be made to be, possible all the time. Perhaps a rotating membership “unit.” I’m sure details that would have to be worked out & I do not have the understanding/time to work them out. That’s up to you all.
In the budget, instead of relying on motor vehicles; quality & comfortable bikes, foul weather gear, & heavy winter clothing can be purchased. This is 100% possible, it simply requires the will & desire to do it. I hope you take this idea up
We’re all familiar w/ news stories abt some city issue that isnt addressed until it’s covered by the news, or a local politician takes a personal interest. I feel the issue of pedestrian friendliness & walkability is similarly overlooked in Lakewood. I believe that a 24/7/365 police unit that is exclusively on foot/bike will help improve Lakewood’s walk-/bike-ability. This unit could give feedback on what areas need attention. It would also cut down on fuel & maintenance costs. It would be a boon to community engagement. 3 conditions create friendships & thereby trust: Proximity; Repeated, unplanned interactions; A setting that encourages people to let their guard down & confide in each other. To Lakewoodites, seeing officers on foot instead of in intimidating SUVs w/ rugged laptops at their finger tips, will meet these three conditions. It’ll build trust, it’ll go much further than coffee w/ a cop ever could. I believe, that the walk/bike infrastructure would be greatly improved & relatively rapidly, when several officers are discussing these issues. The officers have a great capacity to influence city gov/council. They’ll be able to see where sidewalks need attention & where benches or trashcans are lacking. When snow is blocking access, they will know first hand. They’ll have that experience & will seek solutions to problems.
While there are some on-foot officers now, it isn’t permanent presence. It’s only “often as possible,” but city gov. & council decide how often is possible. It possible to make it, & I believe should be made to be, possible all the time. Perhaps a rotating membership “unit.” I’m sure details that would have to be worked out & I do not have the understanding/time to work them out. That’s up to you all.
In the budget, instead of relying on motor vehicles; quality & comfortable bikes, foul weather gear, & heavy winter clothing can be purchased. This is 100% possible, it simply requires the will & desire to do it. I hope you take this idea up