Program may not fly if layoffs hit PD
BAY CITY -- Bay City’s police department hopes to add another feather to its cap called “community-based policing” with a task force designed to crack down on slumlords and blighted property. The effort would combine representatives from the police and fire departments with city code enforcement and other agencies.
“What we are trying to do is focus on rental properties and landlords that are renting to people who really aren’t connected to the neighborhood,” said Chief Michael Cecchini.
“We believe we have statistics to prove that calls to these areas and crime are more prevalent,” he added.
But as it stands the police department could face several layoffs due to budget cuts, a $1.6 million deficit, and union concession battles. Those layoffs could shelf the task force for at least the near future, if they happen on June 30.
“It’s a community-based policing program and if we have 7 layoffs, our programs will be devastated. We’ll have to focus on core areas: road patrol, investigations, and then our drug investigations unit.”
