WALKING THE BEAT

Tampa's police chief, Steve Hogue, has embarked on a policing initiative
that could make the city's roughest neighborhoods safer and more livable.
The idea is to get officers more involved with the areas they patrol. This
is a good proposal from a hands-on chief who seems extraordinarily attuned
to street-level policing problems. It can help every city neighborhood and
improve the department's public image.

Hogue's redeployment plan splits the city into three patrol districts,
instead of two. Each district will have a full complement of policing
forces, from anti-drug and street crime units to detectives who develop
some expertise in their geographic area. In the past, responsibilities
bounced around, often making it difficult for police to spot trends in
specific areas. Hogue wants the districts to focus on their particular
problems. Grant writers will help each district obtain state and federal
money to address their individual needs.

This approach should target police resources and give residents a greater
stake in how the department runs. Hogue wants to raise his officers'
profiles and involve the department more with everyday nuisance issues. If
residents see the police actively engaged in making their community better,
it will help to foster respect and confidence on both sides. Breaking down
the us-and-them mentality is as important as making patrol officers more
visible and responsive.

The biggest impact could be felt in East Tampa, where the city is making a
major push to combat drugs and violent crime. Seminole Heights, a historic
neighborhood enjoying a resurgence, could also make some gains in its fight
against prostitution. But the program should highlight every community's
quality-of-life concerns, from the problem with loose dogs in West Tampa to
speeding motorists on Davis Islands. This is a comprehensive effort to
expand the number of strong and attractive neighborhoods. Residents should
applaud the plan, and neighborhood associations should be ready to offer help.