Moreno Valley Introduces "Officer Friendly"

MORENO VALLEY>> The city of Moreno Valley has launched "Officer Friendly," a program designed to help improve life for business owners and shoppers. The program, which originally launched in February, installs an on-foot officer in several of Moreno Valley's business districts. The city believes that visible police presence will not only deter crime, but it will allow the officer to build relationships with the local community. The officer will serve as a means through which business owners, local residents, and employees can ask questions and share concerns. The on-foot police officer will also be able to resolve small issues before they get out of hand. The "Officer Friendly" will also pay close attention to members of the homeless community who congregate around the business districts. The officer will be able to help provide the homeless with information regarding homeless resources, and prevent illegal activities such as panhandling and public intoxication. "Officer Friendly" will help ease the relationship between business owners and the homeless that live in the area, while making the local community feel safe.