Nazareth to station police officer in the borough park

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

Nazareth police will again station a police officer in the borough's park during the warm-weather weekends in an attempt to curb vandalism and other shenanigans, borough Chief Thomas Trachta said.

The extra patrol officer will be posted at the borough park starting in April on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Trachta said. The officer will work from 4 p.m. until the park closes and work later shifts to accommodate special events like movies and concerts.

Trachta said he plans to use part-time officers at the park. He said the officer will be responsible for all of the borough's parks, but will focus on the borough park.

Trachta said the officer will help to curb vandalism and other criminal mischief. He said the park has already seen a few instances this year, including a spree of paintball damage and underage drinking.

Trachta said borough officials are committed to the concept despite the recent dip in the force's manpower.

The borough is down to three of its usual six full-time police officers. The borough in December terminated officer Vanessa Cruz-Smith and placed another officer, Eric Swanson, on permanent disability. Trachta said a third vacancy also exists.

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/nazareth/index.ssf/2011/03/nazareth_to_put_police_officer.html