Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said the city is exploring new ways to make city parks even safer for its citizens and visitors.
Lowery said the city is taking proactive measures to deter crime, including new emergency response stations. From security cams to street lamps, Lowery said visibility is key.
“Just to have well-lit visible parks, and regular patrols, and eyes on the park from camera systems and things like that help stop, at least deter, crime in some way,” Lowery said. “And we just think it’s good for the community to have a trust factor when you go to the city parks.”
Lowery said the city is looking at grants to fund new security stations, like the ones seen on college campuses, with flashing blue lights and an emergency SOS button to alert 911 as a further deterrent to local crime.
“Evil lurks in the dark, if you will,” Lowery said. “Most of the time, things don’t happen in the broad daylight. Or at least, if you know you’ve been in a camera. And easy access to those push buttons if you need it. We think it will help keep crime down.”
Lowery said the security stations will serve as a valuable, alternate way to immediately reach first responders.
“Let’s say I’ve got a child, I’ve dropped my cell-phone, and someone’s attacked me or something,” Lowery said. “If I can run and get to that button and press it, then I know 911 will be called. I think it’s just another easy way to try to help curtail illegal activity.”
In addition to heightened park security, Lowery said an increase in traffic stops is another way the city is trying to curb crime — and vehicle accidents.
“Once our policemen are out on patrol and try to enforce the speed limit, people know that if you come through Sparta, you don’t need to be speeding,” Lowery said.
