SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Responding to recent surges in criminal activity, the Sylacauga Housing Authority has initiated a strategy to thwart outside threats by opening a law enforcement center within the Drew Court housing community.
Sam Royster, the Executive Director of the Sylacauga Housing Authority, spearheaded the idea of a law enforcement center. He believes that increasing the police presence in Drew Court will significantly enhance security for its residents. New surveillance measures, including 24/7 video monitoring, have been implemented to keep a watchful eye on the vicinity.
“We’re just trying to figure out a way to have more police presence [in Drew Court],” said Royster. “I think we’re getting a pretty good response already. ”
The former office space within Drew Court has been repurposed into a law enforcement hub, welcoming officers from various agencies including the Sylacauga Police Department, deputies with the Talladega County Sheriff’s Office, and Alabama state troopers.
Access to the facility is granted through a code provided by the Housing Authority.
Equipped with amenities such as WiFi, a 65-inch TV, and multiple video monitors, the center will provide a good environment for officers to conduct paperwork, hold meetings, and coordinate efforts effectively.
The new center, operational since Thursday, March 14, is a significant step towards restoring a consistent police presence in Drew Court, which has been absent since the closure of a precinct back in the 1990s.
“With increased law enforcement and security cameras and the knowledge that they are there,” said Rob Blanchard, Resident Program Manager of the Housing Authority, “hopefully it’ll be uninviting to the wrong element coming in if they know they’re going to be videotaped and there’s police around. That’s going to be a deterrent.”
Plans are underway for further community engagement, including a cookout for law enforcement personnel, which will likely take place in April or May.
