COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A plan to change how Columbus police patrols the city is coming under fire by residents and the local police union.
Fraternal Order of Police President Jim Gilbert said the redistricting plan from the Columbus Division of Police will hurt the Short North and neighborhoods around it.
One of the changes will take place on the far east side of Columbus near Brice Road. It's currently in the 14th precinct, but it's being cut in half.
Part of the area will remain the 14th precinct, but another part will become the new 20th precinct.
The precinct numbers may not mean anything, but the police chief said the change will make the department more efficient, adding that officers will be able to get to their locations faster and there will be more officers on duty when the crimes occur.
Another area that will change is the far north side, which is now the 18th precinct. Part of the area will become the 1st precinct.
Gilbert was joined at Goodale Park by local residents who echo his sentiments.
Gilbert says the move will reduce the number of officers in the Short North and could bring back crime to an area which has had incredible rehabilitation in the last 20 years.
Gilbert says the crime could return.
"Like the old folks say, 'If it ain't broke don't fix it,'" said resident Joyce Hughes.
Like other residents, Hughes said she likes things the way they are.
The current officers know the area and the residents, Gilbert says, and can better respond to their needs.
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