Pocono News Section

D.A.'s Office Boosting Police Presence in Billtown

D.A.'s Office Boosting Police Presence in Billtown - Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 5:25PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Thursday, Jul 30, 2009 @ 05:25pm EST
Williamsport, Lycoming County-

Williamsport’s police department is getting an assist from the county district attorney’s office. It’s all part of a new plan to keep one city neighborhood safe.

Lycoming County District Attorney Eric Linhardt noted, “It is imperative that the Center and Flanigan Park remain positive places for our young people to congregate, to play, and to learn. Ensuring that they remain safe places is central to that task.”

With those words, D. A. Linhardt announced his office would fund overtime for Williamsport police officers to patrol the neighborhood around Flanigan Park.

The area has seen its share of illegal activity over the years, and neighbors say an added police presence would be welcomed.

Gerald Smith, of Williamsport, said, “After the activities are over with at night, these kids need to be at home. They don’t need to be hanging out at parks.”

City officials say the added patrols are not in response to any one specific incident, but rather a proactive approach to keep the neighborhood safe.

The Campbell Street Center, next to Flanigan Park, hosts hundreds of city youth each day. Executive Director Melodie Russell hopes kids in the neighborhood will embrace the situation.

Russell explained, “Well I’m hoping it’s going to bridge a gap. I think that our young people need to be introduced to police in a positive way.”

Neighbors here say cops and residents have to work together for a successful community.

Smith noted, “People are normally suspicious of police, especially if they come off with the tough guy approach. They just might find that they’ll catch more bees with honey than vinegar.”

Russell added, “We can’t be everywhere at once, so we have to do it together. It has to be a collaborative effort.”