(FORT WAYNE) - Fort Wayne Police have opened a new downtown district inside The Pearl, placing a 30-officer team in the center of the city's fastest-growing area.
The new district is designed to cover the growing downtown residential and entertainment core, where city leaders say more people are living, dining, attending festivals and using public spaces like Promenade Park.
The district will be led by Captain Jeremy Webb and will patrol downtown using ATVs, bicycles, patrol cars, drones and a police boat during major events and festivals.
City leaders say the goal is to keep a strong visible police presence as downtown continues to add apartments, restaurants and public activity.
Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker says the city's growth depends on people feeling safe whether they are living downtown, working there or attending events.
Fort Wayne officials say a similar district is planned for the southeast side at Southgate Plaza in the coming months.