Police Relocation Idea Shot Down by Gulfport Councilors

Immediately upon taking office, Councilor Michael Fridovich suggested moving the Gulfport Police Department to 49th Street. Frodivich believes more police presence will help tackle crime and the perception of crime along the border corridor. 

During the most recent council workshop, on Thursday, May 9, Fridovich also expanded on how the move could lure more businesses to the area.

"It's totally underutilized," Fridovich said. He added that he's spoken to businesses owners and residents in that area who agree with him.

Despite his efforts and suggestion to borrow $3 million for the project, the remaining councilors disagreed with taking out a loan of that amount.

During the workshop, Mayor Sam Henderson said he didn't want to commit future councils, staff and residents to repaying this loan.

"That's a big chunk of money to take out every year," Henderson said.

Vice Mayor Dan Liedtke asked Fridovich, "What's the goal?" and questioned if there were measurables the city could evaluate. Liedtke also asked if there were case studies where police headquarters were moved to an area and crime was reduced or business investments increased. None were brought up.

Henderson said there might be ways to increase police presence without having to go into debt. He suggested looking into allowing St. Petersburg Police to use the Neighborhood Center at 1617 49th St. S. as a substation. Perhaps the city could look into renovations at the center as well, he said.

Councilor Jennifer Salmon agreed with the mayor. “I love the idea of opening the space to St. Pete. ... If we could share space, that’s a good idea," she said.

During the workshop, Chief Robert Vincent answered a few questions. He stated that the only way to measure the success of the project was to conduct a citywide survey. Vincent said in a 2010 survey, residents felt they needed more police presence in the 49th Street area. The only measurement that could be made, he said, was to then ask after the project is complete if residents still felt that way or not.

Vincent also referenced a study from Milwaukee, telling councilors, "The bottom line is increased police presence does not affect crime rates, only the perception of safety."

In the end, the four other councilors, not including Fridovich, said they were not interested in pursuing a $3 million loan to build a new police station on 49th Street.

What do you think, Gulfport? Did city leaders make the right decision? Should they reconsider?

Related Articles:

Should Gulfport Build a New Police Station?

Michael Fridovich Thinking 'Outside of the Box'

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