The Cheyenne Police Department has began assigning officers foot patrols., or walking a beat as it is commonly known, in the downtown area according to a department spokesman.

Officer Dan Long says having officers on foot in the downtown business district increases their approachability and gives them a chance to get to know people in the area better. ''An officer in a car just drives by" Long says, adding "an officer on foot is someone you can get to know".

Long says officers on foot are also well equipped to deal with things like alcohol violations and similar crimes. Long says the foot patrols will increase with the approach of warmer weather. He also says the foot patrols may eventually be expanded to other areas if they work out well downtown.

More From KGAB