Binghamton residents may notice more police officers walking near their homes in the coming weeks.

Mayor Jared Kraham said the additional foot patrols are part of a community policing initiative. He told WNBF News it's part of the effort to reduce gun violence and to respond to growing concerns over crime in neighborhoods.

Binghamton police headquarters on May 23, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Binghamton police headquarters on May 23, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...

The mayor said the city has not reduced the number of car patrols. He said there now is an additional opportunity for police officers "to work overtime shifts where they're walking the beat on neighborhood streets." He said the officers on foot patrol are able to interact with city residents who "may be out mowing their lawn (or) hanging out on their front porch."

Kraham said the approach can have "a positive proactive type of communication with them." He said the initiative appears to be "wildly successful" based on the feedback he's received from police officers who have worked the shifts.

A Binghamton police patrol vehicle at the downtown bus station on July 3, 2019 Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News
A Binghamton police patrol vehicle at the downtown bus station on July 3, 2019 (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...

The mayor said "it's very seldom in cities across America that you see beat cops walking neighborhood streets." He said "it is an old-school style of policing that works" that has returned in Binghamton.

Kraham said the approach "builds a relationship between the community and the police." He said the city will employ the approach during "the nice-weather months" in Binghamton.

WATCH: Mayor Kraham discusses the ongoing community policing efforts in Binghamton.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

LOOK: States with the most drive-in movie theaters

Where can you have a movie night under the stars? Stacker examined Census Bureau data to find out which states have the most drive-in movie theaters.

LOOK: Highest-Rated Free Things to do in New York, According to Tripadvisor

Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated free things to do in New York from Tripadvisor.

LOOK: Explore the iconic buildings from every state

From colonial homesteads to mansions by the ocean, iconic buildings define every state in the country. Stacker compiled this list of notable examples from historic and government reports and news articles. 

More From 98.1 The Hawk