POTTSVILLE -- Over the past year, the Pottsville Police department has rolled out more patrols and they're also revitalizing the force's drug unit.
"I believe our police have down a fabulous job in the past and we're only going to go and get one step better now," said Jim Muldowney, the mayor of Pottsville.
The Pottsville city council and police department have teamed up to get the police force back at full staff, which is 22 full-time officers.
After three officers left, the council and police promised to replace them.
The salaries of the three new rookie officers saved the department money and they were able to put the extra cash into the drug unit for new equipment and technology.
The mayor said, "I think visibility is the biggest thing for our citizens to see the presence of police officers in our downtown. "
People in Pottsville think adding to that drug unit is a good idea. They said it could keep the streets of downtown pottsville safer, which means more people will come, shop and spend money. "
"You put more boots on the ground, people feel better, people come out," said Mark Catranis.
Myrnda Ost said, "Everyone I know does drugs anymore. It's taking over society. "
"A lot of people are on drugs. The pills are out of control. I think it's a good thing ya know? Definitely," said Peter Russo, co-owner of Roma Pizza on West Market Street.
Business owners in Pottsville said they're also glad the department will have more of a presence in the city.
"We used to have that always in the 70's, 80's and 90's. With the lack of force they can't do that. So i think this is fantastic," said Russo.
The city now hopes to keep a list of reserve police officers to speed up the hiring process.
