Iowa City police begin 'Ped Mall' crackdown

Iowa City police are cracking down on illegal behavior in the pedestrian plaza, more commonly known as the "ped mall." The crackdown comes after the city received multiple behavioral complaints in the area  from business owners and citizens.

On Wednesday Iowa City police Sgt. Denise Brotherton confirmed there has been a larger police presence in the area near the 100 block of Washington St., and officers are making more arrests and issuing more citations.

This week officers have made three arrests for littering in the ped mall.  One of the arrests included a charge for smoking in a prohibited area.

Brotherton said the department is in no way "picking" on transients who frequent the ped mall.  Anyone who smokes, litters or commits other offenses could be subject to arrest or citation, Brotherton said.