Now that more people are spending time in downtown Johnstown to see the holiday decorations and lights, police are stepping up patrols to prevent vandalism and keep people safe, especially at night.
“To keep an eye on everything and have a visible presence,” said Johnstown Police Captain Chad Miller.
Police officers will periodically stroll through Central Park to help people feel safe while looking at holiday decorations and while spending time downtown.
“We want to be down here so people are safe. So people go to our businesses, go have dinner, go see the Christmas tree. Do some shopping,” Capt. Miller said.
Residents said they might feel safer seeing more officers downtown. Leo Ratchford avoids walking around at night because he has been mugged several times.
“I don’t think they help too much, outside of their presence is around because then they won’t bother,” said Ratchford, a Johnstown Resident.
Angel Phillips, Jeremy Wrobel and their son, Jeremy II, just moved to Johnstown this year. They said they are enjoying their first holiday season in Flood City: taking in the lights, music and decorations on display in Central Park.
“He loves it. His favorite person is Santa, honestly,” said Angel Phillips about her son’s favorite decorations.
Phillips said she feels comfortable bringing her family downtown.
“Since we moved, we heard there’s a lot of drugs. With police being out it’s cutting everything down. “I actually feel safe bringing my 3-year-old, which I think is awesome,” Phillips said.
Police officers on patrol may even have special presents to give to children on Santa’s “nice list.”
“Toys, items, coloring books, stuffed animals. You never know when an officer will be down here playing Santa Claus handing out items to the kids,” said Capt. Miller.
Police said they want to enforce a safe and a happy holiday season.
“Christmas is my favorite time of year,” said Dominique Debarnes, a Johnstown resident. “If there were police here I would come downtown more often.”