San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan hit the streets with police in downtown Thursday with a plan he hopes will make residents and businesses feel safer.
Mahan was joined by the police captain in charge of the central division for a foot patrol, checking in with shop owners.
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WATCH HERE“I don’t feel safe. We usually work more than one person here just in case someone comes in," said Leyla Naderjah, owner, Rosies & Posies Downtown.
Four officers have spent their day on downtown foot patrols over the past year and a half.
“We took an analysis of six months before and six months after the officers were deployed in full-time [patrols] and we did see an increase of 25% in arrests, and about 18% in citations,” said Carlos Acosta of San Jose police.
While some businesses feel like they’re bouncing back, others haven’t seen the upside.
Mahan has proposed a budget that would double the rate SJPD hires new officers. From 15 officers a year to 30 officers a year and an increase of foot and bike patrols downtown.
To give residents and businesses a greater sense of security and to keep them in the area.
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