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Decrease in crime along “The Loop” since the launch of the safety patrol program
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Decrease in crime along “The Loop” since the launch of the safety patrol program

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Pima County Parks and Recreation has noted a decrease in criminal activity, namely vandalism and theft, since the start of The Chuck Huckelberry Loop Patrol programaccording to Facility Safety and Security Manager John Stuckey.

Although there is no specific analysis of the data yet, he said, the total number of reports has decreased over time.

The program, launched in August, aims to improve safety along the Loop, a popular network of 137 miles of bike trails connecting Tucson to surrounding parks. It was created in response to concerns about safety and misuse of the trail.

“There are park staff during the day — they do their maintenance duties and everything. But at night, there’s not a lot of presence there,” said Stuckey, who mentioned that the hours Trail opening times extend from dawn to dusk.

To address this issue, the program deploys two rangers seven days a week in the evenings, when visibility is low, to patrol the trail, adjacent parks and underpasses.

Although rangers do not have law enforcement powers, Stuckey explained, they monitor illegal activities, such as violations of park rules, and work to enforce those rules.

“By enforcing these rules overnight, we hope to create that environment so that when people use it during the day, it’s a safer place, there’s less damage,” Stuckey said.

Vicki Ortega regularly walks along the Loop.

“It’s nice to see their presence,” Ortega said, referring to the guards.

Although Ortega said she doesn’t normally feel unsafe, she avoids certain areas.

“There are areas where you have to be a little careful, like if there’s a group of people who are doing drugs or who are loud and rowdy, maybe they’re not acting right, we let’s get around it,” Ortega said. – go the other way.

Stuckey said his rangers have reported vandalism, fires, drug use and people staying in the parks after closing time.

“We started primarily with an educational component informing people who are in these spaces about possible violations,” Stuckey said.

Throughout the program, the county also tracked the most problematic areas, with the Santa Cruz area identified as a hot spot.

“We just come across a lot of people who don’t have housing and need help and services,” Stuckey said.

While many of those who stay in the parks after hours are homeless, Stuckey stressed that the patrol works to connect people with services.

“It could be substance abuse resources. It could be mental health resources. It could just be shelter resources,” Stuckey said.

As the program comes to an end, Stuckey said Pima County will decide soon whether to extend it for another three months.

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Maria Staubs joins KGUN 9 as journalist and multimedia producer in July 2024. Her passion for writing and storytelling comes from hosting her college’s news show and editing her high school yearbook. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications with a minor in film and media production, as well as a master’s degree in mass communications. You can email Maria at [email protected] or contact her at X/Twitter Or Instagram.