The Pana Police Department is working to address a rise in homelessness in the city.  It comes as they also look to ensure the many local summer events happen safely.  The department, like others in the area, is involved with the Safe Passage program.  It’s an opportunity for them to send community members in need towards recovery rather than incarceration. 

Police Chief Daniel Bland spoke on the homelessness issue.  He says it’s a priority for his department in part because it affects the impression people receive of the city. 

The department also continues its work with Safe Passage.  Chief Bland says the goal is to reduce recitivism, and what he has seen from the program in the area shows progress in that regard.

The local Safe Passage chapter recently held a commencement for those who completed the program.  It’s an opportunity for the community to see the difference the program makes. 

Many summer events are on the horizon in Pana, beginning with Independence Day festivities this week.  The influx of people creates possibilities of many incidents to prepare for.

More information on the Pana Police Department is available at www.cityofpana.org/police-department.

Police Chief Daniel Bland appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show.