The Roanoke Rapids Police Department is increasing its foot patrols in several areas of the city.

They include the mill villages, South Rosemary, Hodgestown and the business district.

“Foot patrols make you highly visible as well as invisible,” Captain Andy Jackson said today. At nighttime you're able to move around, sometimes undetected.”

Moseley and Delancey Edmonds take a break at Edmonds' house.

Foot patrols go deep into the history of police work. “Some of the officers when (Roanoke Rapids) was first incorporated spent time on foot and most of the time didn't have any radio communication.”

What the police department is doing is looking at areas where it sees Part 1 crimes, those including murder, assaults and nonviolent crimes such as burglaries and break-ins. “It gives us the most effective means of policing we can get,” Jackson said.

While no method is 100 percent, foot patrols in many law enforcement circles are viewed as the ultimate form of community policing. “When a police officer is assigned to a foot patrol an officer gets up close and personal with every element of the community and it doesn't become long before that officer is an encyclopedia of who's who in the neighborhood.

“That's why many times there is nothing better than a foot patrol for a new police officer. Many times when an officer is out foot patrolling he gets to communicate with people and neighbors. It gives the opportunity to explain the activities of the police to the neighborhood on a continuing basis. It's a tried and true form of policing and, yes, it's old school.”

Hundley and Moseley talk to a man looking for his son.

It is not always perfect, Jackson explains. There is extreme weather, high temperatures coupled with the burden of wearing bullet proof vests and dark clothing which creates more hydration breaks. “You could run into a situation where an officer on the beat has to get back to their vehicle. That's where you depend on backup.”

On a walk with the officers today, rrspin.com observed that as a man speeding through one of the neighborhoods failed to stop at Moseley's command. The man, it was later learned, was driving on a suspended license and a warrant was obtained for his arrest.

Jackson believes, however, the pros outweigh the cons. “Chief (Jeff) Hinton had several people in the public approach him saying they would like to see foot patrols. We are servants of the public and want to work with the public as best we can.”

Since refocusing on the foot patrols two weeks ago, the department has noticed a difference. “We have noticed a reduction. It's not your imagination. Foot patrols do several things. One is reducing the fear of crime. The fear of crime has incredibly corrosive effects on the entire community. What we like to do is strive to to reducing crime and improving the quality of life. It helps enhance public safety.”