Knox City officials have several options to consider when it comes to curbing vandalism at Wythogan Park. Mayor Rick Chambers hosted a community discussion last night to gather thoughts on the issue. He says several good suggestions were offered.
“Number one would be more of a police presence and writing some more curfew tickets to the juveniles we find in the park for starters. Then we’ve talked about a video surveillance system and some area lighting and maybe some sensor lighting that would come on and go off so it wasn’t on all the time,” Chambers said.
He added the existing laws governing curfew violations, vandalism and other criminal acts need to be enforced as well. This includes prosecuting the juveniles who break the law and exercising the city’s statutory authority to hold parents accountable for their children’s actions.
Chambers plans to talk to the city council about money to pay for extra lights and video surveillance at the park. He also intends to talk to the police chief about stepped-up patrols and enforcement. Prosecutor Nick Bourff was at the meeting and promised to work with the city police department to prosecute youngsters who break the law to the fullest extent possible. The mayor also intends to meet with the Knox Park Board.
