In response to citizen concern in Old Northhampton, the Police Division implemented the Community Enhancement Task Force Program into the area. The multi-agency Task Force is dedicated to enhancing community development, public safety, and health. The focus is on resolving problems that exist in pre-identified areas through crime and fire prevention programs, health programs, police operations, and by enforcing existing state and city structure and zoning codes. The Task Force enables city agencies to interact with the citizens by being pro-active instead of re-active in helping the community maintain the basic qualities of life.
Mission
- Provide for a high visibility of police presence by increasing mobile and foot patrols.
- Improve the appearance of the area by enforcing building codes, increasing street lighting, making road improvements, and removing unsightly debris and shrubbery.
- Increase community participation in the Neighborhood Watch Program.
In order to improve the quality of life in the Old Northhampton section of the City, the Old Northhampton Initiative Project has been established in the target area. The age of the target area lends itself to widespread deterioration of homes and roads; and overgrown, unkempt shrubbery provides plenty of concealment to conduct illegal activities as well as a means of escape when being pursued by the Police. Vacant and abandoned homes are constantly broken into and become havens for drug users and run-a-ways. There is also very little street lighting in the area. A high percentage of crime and calls for service in the neighborhood can be attributed to open- air drug sale and usage, as well as the large number of people attracted to the area through these activities. Low median income level and high unemployment places the residents of Old Northhampton at high risk for substance abuse, domestic violence and drug marketing. As part of the project, a Patrol Officer is assigned to the Old Northhampton area to work with residents on problem solving issues, order maintenance and crime prevention, as well as to act as a liaison between the citizens and the Police.
For more information, please email chiefsoffice@hampton.gov or call (757) 727-6510.