ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - With the shortage of police officers, City of St. Louis Sheriff's Deputies will pitch in this summer patrolling the streets of downtown.
After the recent mayhem on Washington Avenue, with revelers dancing atop a police car, Sheriff Vernon Betts says he wants to help out.
"Downtown can be saved," Betts said, "And I believe if we work together--we have to be firm with our policing--we can save St. Louis."
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Starting the first weekend in June, two-man teams of deputies will walk the streets of downtown on weekend nights, resuming a six-month pilot program begun under former Mayor Lyda Krewson.
Betts says the armed deputies will be under the authority of city police and have the impact of deterring crime, but also the power to detain trouble makers if need be, until police arrive to make an arrest.
Also today, Mayor Tishaura Jones' Administration announced plans for summer crime reduction.
They include more police patrols to deter cars cruising Downtown, more patrols in parts of the city where calls for help have been more frequent, and more enforcement of building codes for bars and businesses that are overcrowded are staying open past hours.
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