Chief Moton gets quiz on crime

S. Toledo group seeks answers on foot patrols, safety

6/3/2014

Toledo police Chief William Moton was quizzed Monday about efforts to tackle crime and add police foot patrols in South Toledo neighborhoods at the monthly meeting of Burroughs Neighborhood Organization.

The group’s concerns were addressed in five questions posed to Chief Moton by Ramon Perez of the South Toledo Neighborhood Alliance at Burroughs school.

When asked about assigning officers to walk neighborhoods, he said the number of officers in police classes has failed to keep pace with retirements, stretching the department’s resources.

“I only have so many police officers,” the chief said.

He said he could not tell residents now that officers will be on foot, but he said he will look into it for the future.

He said the captain who directs operations at the Scott Park District Station will attend meetings of the Burroughs Neighborhood Association and is the officer who can address their safety concerns.

“It is his responsibility, and I will hold his feet to the fire,” he told about 40 people, mostly residents of the neighborhood near Airport Highway and South Avenue.

When he was asked whether he’d meet with the owner of the Byrneport Apartments off Airport Highway near Byrne Road and the Burroughs group to help reduce crime near the complex, Chief Moton said the department can only investigate crimes, and that he does not have the authority to intervene in the management of the property. “Crimes happen and we respond,” he said.