By KRWG News
Las Cruces – Las Cruces Police Chief Richard Williams today announced a new community policing initiative that will target a particular area of concern each year.
Project 365 will help identify a particular problem, or area of concern, within the city and the Las Cruces Police Department - with help from various public and private participants - will work to resolve the dilemma within one year.
The first area targeted is the flood control canal near 2100 N. Main St. which, over the years, has been inundated with graffiti. LCPD will work with various entities within the next 365 days to rid the canal of graffiti and prevent other acts of vandalism.
The Juvenile Citation Program has already overseen the painting of a mural in the canal. The mural depicts the Project 365 theme. JCP, the Las Cruces Streets Department, Keep Las Cruces Beautiful and Codes Enforcement will help maintain the area throughout the year. LCPD will provide targeted enforcement to further discourage delinquent behavior.
JCP also plans to complete two additional murals and supervise youth service projects in the canal during the year. Neighbors who reside in proximity to the flood control canal are asked to report all suspicious behavior or acts of vandalism.
Project 365 is a relatively new component of the National Night Out campaign. National Night Out is an awareness-raising event held annually on the first Tuesday of August. The National Night Out is intended to increase awareness of police programs in their community.
The Las Cruces Police Department and various other law enforcement agencies, fire departments, municipal programs and community service organizations will participate in this year's National Night Out from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2, on the Downtown Mall. The event is free and all residents of Las Cruces and Dona Ana County are invited.