In order to provide a higher level of security and to help oversee the daily activities at Pierce Transit's Commerce Center, the agency has assigned a full time security officer beginning this week.This officer will be working Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. His name is Paul Strozewski, and he will be wearing the distinctive tan uniform. He is in direct communication with BIA Security patrols and can be reached at (253) 261-0974.
We really need someone in the area on weekends.
ReplyDeleteIn the past, I've seen the bicycle patrol all over that area. Last Sunday, I was waiting at the bus stop at 7th and commerce with my little girls. There were a group of geniuses riding the Link back and forth, and following people around. We got on the bus and a bunch of them got on and followed us a few stops, then got off and walked back to do it again.
I don't know if they were actually dangerous, but they were clearly trying to intimidate people. There was no one in authority around to stop them, and nowhere a bus rider could go if they actually wanted to catch their one-time-an-hour bus. That would be enough for some folks to never come back to downtown Tacoma.
Honestly, I will think twice about taking the bus down there on a weekend if there's not going to be any police presence.
This officer will be working Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. His name is Paul Strozewski, and he will be wearing the distinctive tan uniform.
ReplyDeleteThat's very good news and a big step toward trying to get the transit station and surrounding area under control.
Too many people have told me they are harassed at the station waiting for the train. The station is still avoided by potential visitors downtown.
It would be nice to extend the time at least a couple more hours so that downtown workers are able to take light rail home.
I think it also a high priority to have someone there on Saturday.
I just drove by the transit station about 7:00 p.m.
ReplyDeleteThere was someone on duty at the transit station. I will tell you it made all of the difference in a positive way.
I am sure it has a cost to have someone at the transit station. However, because it is the gateway to and from downtown, we are going to have to have someone there.
The unique dynamics of the transit station also makes it necessary to have someone there and because potential transit riders have to wait at the station.
Thus, unlike other parts of downtown, it is a bottleneck where everyone has to travel though to use the transit, and thus, deserves the high priority it is getting.
Nice work. Let's keep moving forward.