Spring Break
Denton police initiate new program
Students see increased police presence downtown
Juan Guajardo
Issue date: 9/12/07 Section: NEWS
NT students might see more Denton police officers when they visit the Denton square and the surrounding business district. The Denton Police Department will increase its visibility with the recently formed program, Square Crime and Traffic Team.
The program, though only in its third week, has drawn skepticism and praise from students and local businesses.
Recent public intoxication and disorderly conduct complaints and an expected surge in students visiting the area prompted the program's start, said Jim Bryan, public information officer for the Denton Police Department.
The program is meant to keep crime low in an area that houses several bars and late-night businesses, Bryan said.
Officers making up the team will patrol by foot, bike and squad car on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The team operates between the northern and southern boundaries of University and Eagle drives, while Carroll Boulevard and Bell Avenue mark the western and the eastern boundaries of the program's scope.
The Denton Police Department has directed the team members to enforce the law strictly with a zero-tolerance attitude, Bryan said.
"If we see an underage drinker or someone who is intoxicated, we will take action," he said. "We want to remind people that just because they're downtown, they still can't drink and drive."
Some employees of downtown businesses said the new program will not make a significant difference since the area is not known for a high crime rate.
"There are lots of [cases of] public intoxication but there aren't really any problems," said Peter Litzsinger, Banter Restaurant and Bar employee and Rockwall junior.
During two years at Banter, Litzsinger said he has never seen a crime or disturbance and that the increased police presence could ward off customers instead of crime.
Dusty's Bar manager and NT alumnus John Guajardo said the program has its benefits despite a downside that could discourage customers.
"It's bad for business but good for everything else," he said. "I think it's a good thing really."
Guajardo said he has seen several cases of public intoxication, fighting and even harassment in the Square. He said Denton police have been quicker to respond to incidents, and that the program's use of bike patrol units will only help.
"We want to make sure people are enjoying our downtown area and that they do it safely," Bryan said.
The program, though only in its third week, has drawn skepticism and praise from students and local businesses.
Recent public intoxication and disorderly conduct complaints and an expected surge in students visiting the area prompted the program's start, said Jim Bryan, public information officer for the Denton Police Department.
The program is meant to keep crime low in an area that houses several bars and late-night businesses, Bryan said.
Officers making up the team will patrol by foot, bike and squad car on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The team operates between the northern and southern boundaries of University and Eagle drives, while Carroll Boulevard and Bell Avenue mark the western and the eastern boundaries of the program's scope.
The Denton Police Department has directed the team members to enforce the law strictly with a zero-tolerance attitude, Bryan said.
"If we see an underage drinker or someone who is intoxicated, we will take action," he said. "We want to remind people that just because they're downtown, they still can't drink and drive."
Some employees of downtown businesses said the new program will not make a significant difference since the area is not known for a high crime rate.
"There are lots of [cases of] public intoxication but there aren't really any problems," said Peter Litzsinger, Banter Restaurant and Bar employee and Rockwall junior.
During two years at Banter, Litzsinger said he has never seen a crime or disturbance and that the increased police presence could ward off customers instead of crime.
Dusty's Bar manager and NT alumnus John Guajardo said the program has its benefits despite a downside that could discourage customers.
"It's bad for business but good for everything else," he said. "I think it's a good thing really."
Guajardo said he has seen several cases of public intoxication, fighting and even harassment in the Square. He said Denton police have been quicker to respond to incidents, and that the program's use of bike patrol units will only help.
"We want to make sure people are enjoying our downtown area and that they do it safely," Bryan said.
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