Build on substation’s early success

Things are better along First Avenue East. Crime is down. A police substation is getting some of the credit. And more residents are willing to call the cops with tips.

Overall, the city's effort to bring more law and order to neighborhoods along the stretch of First Avenue to about 19th Street has seen substantial success. Congratulations are in order.

Nonetheless, police, residents and business owners cannot afford to be satisfied. Spring is just around the corner and that's when crime typically picks up.

An eruption of violence along the First Avenue area east to about 19th Street, including the assault and life-threatening injury to a police officer in late March, triggered an enforcement crackdown last spring. New Police Chief Greg Graham announced plans for a substation along First Avenue. Community forums, neighborhood marches for unity and calls for more accountability from landlords built momentum toward finding lasting solutions.

A temporary substation opened in July. The permanent facility opened its doors Oct. 1 at 1501 First Ave. SE. Its name, Community Connections Resource Center, reflects multifaceted services. It houses staff from police, fire, housing assistance and code enforcement. Schools and probation officials have a presence. There's a reading area for kids, a computer lab and a meeting room for community groups.

The substation's mission was to build trust and cooperation among police, business owners and local residents.

The sharp drop in assaults, robberies and thefts during 2009 compared to 2008 provides some evidence that it's working. Police say neighbors are more willing to call when they see suspicious activity. “People in Wellington Heights, Uptown College District and Moundview have been great to work with,” Graham told us. Volunteers help at the substation.

Nonetheless, some business owners and residents want to see even more officers dedicated to patrolling the area. They say there's still a serious public safety problem. And some say the substation, which closes at 6 p.m., should be open longer in the evening.

Graham says there's little walk-in traffic after 5 p.m. and police have only so many resources to spread around the city.

We get that. Constraints on the city budget are severe during this difficult economic time. Still, we wonder if the substation's effectiveness would be enhanced if it stayed open longer at night, after the dinner hour, when residents who work day jobs are home and can more readily drop by.

It's one question to consider as the substation operation, just over four months old, is evaluated this year. For now, we appreciate its presence. Residents and businesses must keep communicating with police and each other. Build on the progress you all made by working together.