Harrisburg will launch an effort to make streets safer - abc27 WHTM

Harrisburg will launch an effort to make streets safer

Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson said the city will launch a 'Safe Zone' Project in the near future. 

Thompson said the effort is designed to eliminate drug and gun-related crime from city streets. City officials will decide if the initial effort will take place in the Allison Hill neighborhood or the Uptown section of city.

Thompson said a stronger police presence, along with social services, will help change the direction of some of the crime-ridden neighborhoods.  The mayor said several new officers were hired last month and eight more will join the department later in the summer.  She said more police will be seen on foot patrol in the upcoming weeks.

Thompson said deterrence can help keep violent crime down and she indicated that she expects surveillance cameras will be put in place in several neighborhoods before the end of 2013.