COLUMBUS – A warm-weather anti-crime offensive returns to the streets this month.
The Columbus Division of Police kick-off its 12th Community Safety Initiative Friday morning at Douglas Community Recreation Center, 1250 Windsor Avenue.
The 13-week initiative is an anti-violence program designed to improve neighborhood safety by cracking down on violence, guns and drugs through community policing tactics, strategic crime analysis and increased visibility.
The goals include arresting individuals responsible for violent crime, possessing illegal firearms, selling drugs on street corners and suspects who have a violent criminal history.
Police officers assigned to the initiative will be selected from volunteers who have first-hand knowledge of problem areas within neighborhoods and who have distinguished themselves as top performers.
Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious or criminal behavior.
Officers will stay in touch with neighborhood residents and leaders by attending block-watch meetings and from telephone calls and e-mails.