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Law enforcement, downtown businesses meet

| February 5, 2010 8:00 PM

Groups pledge to work together to make area, citizens safer

COEUR d'ALENE - Downtown can expect extra evening patrols, the police department said in a press release on Friday.

Coeur d'Alene Police Chief Wayne Longo advised a group of city officials and downtown business owners that area law enforcement agencies have agreed to assist with extra manpower around Sherman Avenue in light of increased calls for service.

"Obviously we're seeing a trend," said Sgt. Christie Wood. "We're seeing crime trends increase downtown and we've seen some high profile cases involving weapons.

"The time had come," she said.

The groups met Friday morning to share ideas about increasing downtown's safety.

Bar owners and managers spoke up about over intoxication by patrons, a certain disorderly element that is attempting to be in their businesses, fights, malicious injury to property, and verbal harassment of visitors as they leave restaurants and other businesses in the evening hours, according to the press release.

Solutions to these problems offered by the parties ranged from additional police presence in the downtown area to bars providing enhanced training to their bartenders, and increased door security personnel. Another idea brought forward was a dedicated taxi cab area for patrons to access.

Capt. Steve Childers said the police department wants to work with them to resolve these issues rather than focusing on enforcement.

The extra patrols will include officers initiating bar checks to determine if there is over serving or underage drinking occurring, according to the release.

Bar owners were very cooperative in welcoming these enforcement tactics, as they are committed to a safe and fun environment in the downtown area, the release said.

Deputy Fire Chief Glenn Lauper shared concerns about dealing with unruly crowds while responding to medical situations, and offered bar owners the fire department's services to perform occupancy checks.

"We appreciate the ideas and cooperation of the downtown bar owners and look forward to continuing these types of meetings in the future," Longo said.