COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — The recent violence in local Columbus parks and recreation centers has raised questions and concerns about park safety.
Since June, the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office says park patrol has been providing a presence at local parks. Sheriff Greg Countryman tells WRBL News 3 that Columbus City Council approved the park patrol unit with a nearly $2 million budget, intended for 12 employees and their salaries, uniforms, vehicles and equipment.
"Our primary job is to show a presence in the park," said Sheriff Countryman. "We're not there to be security for the ball games or things like that. Whoever does that, signs a contract with the city and it's their responsibility to have their own officers there."
Countryman explained that an estimated 12 hours a day is spent patrolling the nearly 60 parks in Muscogee County.
"We need to have that constant presence in there, but when there is heavy call volume, there's a lot of traffic and we're spread all over the county." Countryman said.
The park patrol is scheduled to meet with Columbus Parks and Recreation soon about their concerns.
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