Off-Duty Police Officers To Begin Patrols In Old Louisville

In an effort to cut down on crime in the area, off-duty police officers are set to begin patrolling the streets of Old Louisville.
Metro Councilman David James tells WLKY the patrols will start Wednesday. Louisville Metro Police are short about 200 officers, James said, which leaves too few on the street. A $5,000 grant will bring additional off-duty officers to the area. The officers will work three shifts per week, three to four hours per night. "This is needed all over the city," James said. "The safety of the citizens [is the] No. 1 responsibility of government." Howard Rosenberg, chairman of the Old Louisville Neighborhood Council, said he hopes the extra patrols would make people feel safe and will expand commercial uses of the area. James said he has received complaints of panhandling and vandalism in the neighborhood.