Partnering with PPD

Over the past year I have worked closely with the PPD to clean up our Scenic Bay Bluffs Park. My first endeavor was an on site visit with Officer Donahoe to assess the CPTED opportunities. CPTED is a law enforcement process of environmental design to deter criminal activity and increase safety. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.

The Pensacola Firefighters completed the first CPTED clean up by clearing 8 areas for safety and access within the Bluffs Park. PPD has stepped up patrols, done sting operations and undercover enforcement within the park. The Fire Department donated additional lighting and the PPD increased their camera coverage of the area. Officer Donahoe has done 2 more site visits and identified areas to clear for safety and design in support of the concepts within CPTED.

Recently, while doing a city wide beautification project with the Bay Cliff residents, I became aware of an issue with youth entering the Bay Bluffs Preserve after hours at the North end of the park.

From: Maren Deweese
Sent: Monday, March 01, 2010 8:38 AM
To: Al Coby; David Flaherty
Cc: John Mathis
Subject: Bay Bluffs Park Request

Good Morning,

While doing our city wide beautification at Brookshire & Scenic Hwy this past weekend, I became aware of a situation that may need some work.

The Bay Bluffs Park extends north to Brookshire Dr. The situation is a large group of teens & young adults come from Santa Rosa County (the license plates have been checked by residents) and they park along Brookshire & Montaigne and enter the Bluffs Park on Scenic Hwy at Brookshire.

Residents have contacted the PPD, yet our officers are not aware that the park extends all the way to Brookshire Dr and they tell residents there is nothing they can do to the partying teens since it is private property.

It would be useful to post one of our park closing signs on the Bluffs at Scenic & Brookshire and let the PPD know they can enforce park closure in that area as well. A wooden sign designating the Bay Bluffs Park would be great, yet I know that is more of an investment than the white closure signs.

Please let me know your thoughts as well as any background info you may have.

Thanks for your time and attention to this matter.

til soon,

Maren DeWeese
City Councilwoman District 3


PPD response:

From: John Mathis
Sent: Monday, March 01, 2010 9:27 AM
To: Jay Worley
Cc: Al Coby; David Flaherty; Maren Deweese; Chip Simmons
Subject: RE: Bay Bluffs Park Request

Jay make sure your officers are aware and respond accordingly.

thanks

John W. Mathis
Chief of Police
Pensacola Police Department


The PPD is responsive to resident's requests and addresses enforcement needs within the park and has been the driving force in creating a safe and accessible Bay Bluffs Park.

The citizens of Pensacola now have access to their Bay Bluffs park and can enjoy the natural beauty and experience all the trails the park has to offer.