Visible presence. Clear enforcement.
Safer downtown.

 

Purpose

To increase visible law enforcement presence downtown and create a coordinated enforcement and prevention strategy addressing:

• Indecent exposure / flashing

• Aggressive or threatening behavior

• Chronic camping in core commercial areas

• Repeat disorder in identified “hot zones”

• Student safety perception

• Nighttime presence around bars, restaurants, and Laxson events

 

Strategic Objectives

1.   Increase visible patrol presence (day and night).

2.  Improve response to quality-of-life violations.

3.  Strengthen coordination between:

• Chico Police Department

• CSU Chico Campus Police

• PBID Ambassadors (Block by Block)

4.  Support policy tools that improve downtown safety.

5.  Improve perception of safety for property owners, businesses, students, and visitors.

 

Proposed Action Steps

 

Step 1 – Executive Meeting
Participants:

• Police Chief (and others)

• CSU Chico Police Chief or representative

• PBID Vice President, PBID City Liaison, PBID CSU Liaison

• Ambassador

• City Manager, Asst. City Manager

• PBID Attorney (if policy discussion expected)

Agenda Topics:

• Downtown “hot areas” assessment

• Illegal feeding unsheltered in the Plaza

• Data: calls for service vs patrol deployment

• Night presence strategy

• Coordination with Ambassadors

• Enforcement approach for flashing / lewd conduct

• Camping enforcement strategy in commercial core

• Post-warning enforcement

• Event coordination (Laxson, weekends)

• Communication channels between PBID and PD

 

Step 2 – Policy Discussion Track

Explore feasibility of:

• Re-establishing Sit & Lie ordinance

• Targeted no-camping enforcement in commercial core

• Time, place, and manner restrictions

• Phased enforcement model

• Environmental design (such as, removal of benches conducive to camping)

This may require:

• Legal review

• Council engagement

• Data documentation

 

Step 3 – Property Owner Engagement

• Educate owners and provide reporting cheat sheet on:

  • Not allowing sleeping in doorways

  • Reporting incidents

  • Lighting improvements

 

Measurable Outcomes for Reporting

• Increased visible patrols (if achievable)

• Reduction in documented indecent exposure incidents

• Reduction in daytime camping in core

• Improved student/business perception

• Established coordination structure with PD & Campus Police