Police Presence On Clearwater BeachBy Anne McKay Garris"Why are there more police officers on the Beach?" enquired a member of the Clearwater Beach Association board of directors at Monday's meeting. "There are no more police officers," responded Clearwater Police Lieutenant Joe Young, "they are just more visible, at my order. Instead of writing reports, parked on a side street, they will be seen, on Mandalay Avenue, South Gulfview or on Memorial Causeway," he added. "Seeing them aids in the reduction of crime." Lt. Young, in charge of the Beach division, explained that he has also given instructions for strict enforcement of the laws. This includes not only speeding and parking, but also the leash law and the law that says, "you will pick up after your pet." Rumor of a situation for laws frequently ignored leads to better obedience of the law whether or not a police officer is handy, increasing the effectiveness of law enforcement in the area. There was discussion of suspicious people knocking on doors at night and asking for money. Several board members mentioned this happening to them. Lt. Young urged that anyone seeing anything suspicious should promptly call the police, not at 911, but at (727) 462-6372. "And you should also ask anyone knocking on your door for their permission to solicit. No one is allowed to solicit in a residential neighborhood without a permission badge from the Clearwater Police," he said.
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