Tucson Police share strategy for safety downtown

Tucson police say their downtown safety strategy focuses on visible patrols, community contact and de-escalation. The approach is used in areas including 4th Avenue and University Boulevard.

Officers are stationed near busy areas, with marked cars and uniformed patrols. Around bar closing time, police may use emergency lights so people know officers are nearby. During the weekend shooting, officers were close enough to hear the gunfire and respond before anyone called 911.

Police said 20 officers, five sergeants and two community service officers were working downtown that weekend. Rio Nuevo and the Downtown Tucson Partnership help fund some officers so more police can patrol the area.

Lieutenant Aaron Marquis said officers receive training to recognize rising tensions, drug or alcohol impairment and mental health concerns. They also receive de-escalation and advanced first aid training. Police maintain direct contact with downtown businesses, including sharing officers’ cellphone numbers so businesses can report problems quickly.