Dubach Residents Plea for More Police Presence

Less than a 1,000 people live in the town of Dubach, but residents there say there are a few bad seeds in the bunch. Now they are voicing concerns and looking to get more police presence. Virlia Ree-Jenkins has lived in Dubach more than 30 years. She always looks forward to visits from Police Chief Russell Croxton who is one of only two officers protecting the small town. Jenkins says they both need more help. “He cant run this area 24 hours a day, so I would really like to see more police on this street, well this whole place." Ms. Jenkins says yes crime is a problem even in the small town of Dubach. But shes most concerned about her safety because she lives right down the street from a wooded area, which she says has been the occasional hang out for suspicious people. "I just really want to feel safe here. If I want to get out in my yard and work or whatever and thats it," said Jenkins. Charlain Hanna lives in her home alone. Several incidents led her to call police recently, but no one was on duty at the time. She says a third officer patrolling the streets would help ease her fears. "Its just scary, Ive never been afraid before since my husbands dead,” but Hanna says, “just lately I have sounds outside and I couldnt tell you where theyre coming from." Police Chief Croxton hears his residents’ pleas and feels their pain. He works 17-hour shifts and is on call 24 hours a day. He says enough is enough. “You have to sleep sometime. We cant stay out 24 hours a day." So hes requesting the town to hire a part-time police officer to work an overnight shift on weekends at a salary of $12,000 a year. Council member Mary Billberry feels like the council will back the idea but now its just a matter of finding the money. If the council sees they have enough money, they will have to amend the towns budget and create a new ordinance ir order to a hire new part time officer. (Copyright 2008, NBC 10/Fox 14 News, Written by Casey Ferrand)