ROANOKE, Virginia. – Roanoke Police Officers Dustin Moricle and Michael Ruiz are the new faces of safety in downtown Roanoke, serving as the city’s new Downtown Resource Officers.

Patrolling primarily on bicycles, officers aim to strengthen community ties.

“What’s important to us is that people say, ‘Oh, I can actually talk to you.’ I can have a conversation with you,” Officer Dustin Moricle said of his positive interactions with the community.

The new police unit was created in response to safety concerns raised by local residents and businesses. Officers say their main goal is to tackle issues such as trespassing, loitering, disorderly behavior and alcohol violations, challenges often linked to the area’s homeless population.

“Most of the frequent visitors to downtown are homeless people, who come from the rescue mission and just walk across the street to downtown to take advantage of all the amenities we have. And who could blame them? Downtown Roanoke is beautiful,” Ruiz said.

Hot spots like Century Plaza and farmers market tables are areas of concern, Ruiz added.

“Our initial focus was on this area because it was negatively impacting businesses on Market Street,” he said.

Officers began by educating the community about the laws, what is applicable and what is not.

“So far, they have respected us. And for the most part, it allowed us to go further,” Moricle said of the importance of educating both citizens and the business community.

He stressed the importance of distinguishing between legal and illegal behavior, adding: “It may make you uncomfortable, but they are not breaking the law. »

Beyond law enforcement, officers work to connect homeless people with resources, including utilizing partnerships with Blue Ridge Behavioral Health for mental health crises.

“A lot of this is because people need help and don’t know where to get it,” Ruiz noted.

Officers also educate business owners about crime prevention strategies, such as installing security cameras and Intrusion Protection Programwhich allows police to charge repeat offenders with trespassing for businesses that register to be part of the program.

Asked about the unit’s impact on overall safety in Star City and the impact of community policing on community relations, Moricle responded, “Crime doesn’t matter. From the smallest to the largest, all this can still make a difference.

Looking ahead, officers tell 10 News they plan to maintain their positive momentum by remaining visible downtown and continuing to build relationships with the community.