The sight of police officers in White Hall City Park shouldn’t be interpreted as an indication of criminal activity or existence of a security threat.
The police department is simply beefing up its presence in the area as the park annually experiences its peak usage during spring and summer months, Sgt. Bo Hudson told the White Hall City Council at its regular monthly meeting Monday night at city hall.
The city has long boasted of the park as being a safe venue and few problems have occurred there in the past. Hudson said there’s no reason to expect anything different this year and noted that the department typically increases patrols in the area each spring as a safeguard.
Hudson said he would frequently be on bicycle patrol in the park over the next few months.
“We’re proud of our city park and the fact that it’s a safe place for individuals and families of all ages,” said Mayor James “Jitters” Morgan. “We plan on making certain that it remains fun and safe for everyone.
“Our police department is dedicated to serving the public and they always behave in a professional, respectful manner. I appreciate our police officers and the great job they do and I know the other citizens here feel the same way.
“I think it would be a nice gesture for our park users to let our police officers know they’re appreciated and supported. Maybe the people in the park can simply wave hello to an officer or walk up and introduce themselves and thank them personally for being there and always being ready to help.”
During the meeting’s business session, Morgan noted that the department recently purchased several new cars. He told the council that he had recently discussed the police car and related city purchases with a state audit official, who endorsed the city’s purchasing practices under Morgan.
The mayor said a city ordinance is needed to outline purchasing procedures on “buying through local arrangements and not always from the state” on police vehicles and other specific items. “The state knows that we can save money sometimes buying locally and it’s certainly not opposed to saving money,” said Morgan.
In voting decisions, the council – with Alderman David Matheny absent due to illness – unanimously endorsed a resolution declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the city, and a conditional approval of a final plat plan and phased development of the White Hall Lake Estates subdivision. The plat and development package was okayed last week by the planning commission.
