Police chief's plans for codes
3:24 p.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The police chief is taking on high weeds, houses from hell and junky yards. Code violations have been an ongoing issue for neighbors in the Capital City.
For more than a year, we've investigated the problems the Code Enforcement Department is facing. Now, under the supervision of the Police Department, it will be called the Code Enforcement Unit.
Topeka Police Chief Ron Miller emphasized, "Where we need to be is working with neighborhoods, the neighborhood improvement associations, the neighborhood associations, landlords."
That's the approach Chief Miller is taking to try and deal with some of the code enforcement issues that are a constant problem throughout the Capital City. One of those concerns is Houses from Hell. 49 News investigated how many of these abandoned structures will sit for years attracting drugs, vagrants and other crime. Miller admits it's a legal battle getting rid of Topeka of abandoned properties.
Hear more from the Chief
Hear more about codes enforcement, weed abatement and the need for public help here.
Miller said, "That's why the dilapidated structures that appear from Houses from Hell series, that's why those dilapidated structures still stand."
The City will be mowing weeds again. Weeds grew out of control this summer after Public Works cut more than $60,000 from its budget. That budget will be moved to the Police Department starting next year.
But Miller wants to do more with that million dollar budget. He hopes to ask the community for help to get the weeds cut next summer.
"Subcontracting, having our neighborhoods help to do those kind of things and partnership," said the Chief.
There will be a total of twelve codes officers. They will be placed in each police zone where there is a Community Officer. Currently there is one just maintenance person to board up houses and paint over graffiti. The Chief has used some police officers to help with graffiti and hopes to add at least three more people to help with those issues.
Code Enforcement officers will soon get new uniforms. The Chief says it makes them easier to identify and lets people know they are City employees.
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