ORLANDO, Fla. — A plan is in the works to put more police officers on the streets of downtown Orlando after a recent study uncovered issues with big crowds, fights and threats of violence.
A potential solution—an “established, dedicated police unit” called a Trained Hospitality Police Unit.
The unit would include horse patrol, bike patrol.
Orlando resident Lily Ahmed said she goes downtown often and believes more police are needed at night.
“I think it’s necessary. A lot of things happen, a lot of fights happen,” she said.
Resident Adrian Harrison also goes downtown and said he feels the significant increase of police resources that the city is looking to deploy downtown is not necessary.
“Whatever they have right now is adequate,” he said.
The study cites the University of Central Florida downtown campus, which is expected to bring 7,700 students to the area, as another reason for a heavier police presence.
The young crowd that downtown Orlando attracts, the report said, brings, “Higher risk of drinking behavior that required additional security.”
The Hospitality Police Unit would help increase the officer presence to combat it.
It will ultimately be up to the city to decide if the unit will come to fruition.
City leaders will review the report Nov. 14.
There is no timetable on when the unit would start patrolling Orlando.
Cox Media Group
