Some Manitowoc citizens are curious if the speculation about homeless people residing in city parks is valid.
Police Chief Nick Reimer tells Seehafer News they’ve hired “park rangers” who are accountable to him.
“They are checking the parks, the bathrooms, different things, then they are in direct contact with the Police Department,” Reimer explained. “We have met with those Park Rangers. They understand what they are looking for.”
The Police Chief went on to say that “[Parks] are not meant for people to sleep [at], but some people are desperate and are going to try that. We are doing everything we can to make sure that doesn’t happen, that the parks are safe and that people feel safe at the parks.”
Reimer says vandalism has decreased significantly
“It was actually [more] cost efficient to hire someone to make sure these things didn’t happen than to pay for all the damage that was going on,” he said. “It’s a much better system.”
Manitowoc’s Police Chief adds that “our parks are made to be used by everyone to have a good time and hiring the park rangers was one of the most important safety measures we’ve enacted to combat potential unlawful behavior.”
If you notice or see anything out of the ordinary, please contact The Manitowoc Police Department at (920) 686-6551.
