The Cambridge City Council criticized police priorities in one of the city's most dangerous neighborhoods, advocating greater communication between law enforcement officials and area residents at a low-key meeting last night.
During the three-hour session, the council approved no major policy initiatives, instead taking time to discuss in depth several orders--measures that express an intent or sentiment but do not authorize funds or take any formal action.
The final order on the agenda called for an increased police presence in Area 4, an East Cambridge neighborhood known for its high crime rate and drug-related problems.
Two weeks ago, the council approved an order to support organizing meetings with Area 4 residents to discuss their neighborhood safety concerns.
A meeting with Area 4 residents is tentatively scheduled for Thursday at the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House.
"This is probably the umpteenth order about Area 4," said councillor Kathleen L. Born. "[Crime] just goes away for awhile, and seems to come back."
Councillor Timothy P. Toomey Jr. questioned the priorities of the Cambridge Police Department (CPD).
He cited the fact that six uniformed CPD officers were present at the Cambridge Post Office on April 15 to insure that Cantabrigians turned in tax forms in an orderly manner.
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