Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer has outlined plans for continuing efforts to reduce criminal activities in the community.
His plan, outlined at a city council committee meeting Tuesday evening, include an earlier curfew, supplemental police patrols this summer, and also having firefighters spending evenings in parks and neighborhoods.
‘’They did so, with great success’’ last summer, noted the Mayor. He says it helped build greater relationships and partnerships with residents while providing some extra eyes on activities.
The Mayor is proposing altering the curfew ordinance to lengthen the time and reduce the age. ‘’It’s believed these efforts helped reduce juvenile criminal activity last summer, and therefore the Administration is seeking a similar resolution.’’
The curfew applies to anyone under 18. It would begin at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and at 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Like last year, there would be exceptions for such things as school activities, public entertainment events and going to and from work.
The Mayor noted the criminal activities are not going on only in Danville, but in every community. The Mayor also noted other steps which are being taken to address a recent outbreak of criminal activities. Those steps include:
- Police will once again be very visible in parks and around neighborhoods with not only regular patrols but Summer Supplemental Patrols, too.
- The City will continue to work with the Housing Authority, and he says the City has a great working relationship with the State’s Attorney’s Office which has pledged to file the highest level of charges in an effort to maximize sentences upon conviction. ‘’Already we have seen higher bonds and higher offenses charged keeping criminals off the street much longer,’’ said the Mayor.
- In some places around the city there are video cameras which are being used to monitor and record possible criminal activities. And the City is continuing to ask that businesses which such cameras notify the Mayor’s office.
- Local Law Enforcement has begun doing sweeps and raids in an effort to seize drugs, weapons and those wanted on warrants. ‘’These sweeps and raids have been very impactful so far, and will continue throughout the summer and fall,’’ said Mayor Eisenhauer. And he added the City is working with other jurisdictions, including the County, State Police, FBI, Federal Marshall and others to assist in the local efforts to fight crime.
- The Housing Authority of Danville now has video camera access at each of its developments – including 35 new cameras which have been installed at the Fair Oaks Complex. Fair Oaks also has license plate recognition cameras at each entrance to better monitor guest traffic.
- And Mayor Eisenhauer says the City is working with summer youth programs aimed at keeping youth engaged, educated and out of trouble during the summer months.
Mayor Eisenhauer added that citizens can continue to help by supporting the ‘’See Something, Say Something’’ campaign. He says everyone must be engaged in keeping eyes and ears open to what is going on around them, and share that information with Police.
