Two probation units will be patrolling the Downtown Business District this weekend. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said the teams will be circling around the area and visiting local establishments. McMahon said these officers will function as a deterrent to those who have "bad intentions" in downtown Syracuse.
Four officers will be out this weekend. McMahon said that officers will ask those who they consider dangerous to leave the area. He believes that people will leave simply by seeing a patrol officer before any more action needs to be taken. McMahon also said that this is to make patrons of local businesses feel safe.
"Any growing or thriving community has to have a vibrant nightlife. These businesses are very important to us for that, so what has happened was unacceptable. No violence is ever acceptable at any time in any neighborhood," McMahon said.
Probation units will be on patrol in places like Armory Square and Hanover Square from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. McMahon said despite the increased patrols, people should still feel safe visiting Downtown Syracuse.
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh calls this system of patrol a "proven model" for crime reduction.
Walsh also announced that the Syracuse Police Department has a twelve-person patrol detail including a sergeant at Armory Square. No officers on patrol at Destiny USA will be pulled from their post, according to McMahon.