Making Downtown Huntington Safer for Everyone
What We’re Hearing
Huntington should be a place where families, workers, and visitors feel safe both day and night. When people feel secure, they spend time downtown, support local businesses, and fuel growth. At this point, however, too many in Huntington feel unsafe because of the visible drug use, aggressive behavior, and growing number of people living in crisis on our streets. We’ve heard concerns from residents, business owners, and our partners at every level of government.
What We’re Doing Now
In response, this week the Huntington Police Department will deploy foot and bicycle patrols and increase monitoring throughout downtown, including in city parking garages. We’re also preparing to open a new police precinct at Pullman Plaza. These actions go beyond enforcement. They focus on visibility, presence, and building real relationships between officers and the community to restore a sense of shared safety.
Protecting Everyone with Compassion and Accountability
We know homelessness is not a crime. Many people on our streets are experiencing crises, not committing crimes, and they deserve compassion and support. At the same time, public drug use, theft, and vandalism cannot be tolerated. We have a duty to protect the safety of everyone who lives in, works in, and visits our city.
This effort is not just about downtown storefronts. It’s about the people behind them, the workers, families, and neighbors who want a city they can feel proud of and safe in.
Coordinated Crisis Response That Works
The Huntington Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) has already made a difference in how we respond to mental health challenges. Built on a proven national model, CIT brings together law enforcement, mental health providers, and community partners. We are committed to expanding this work to better serve those in crisis.
We will align the good work of our CIT with the new Downtown Patrol Unit to make sure we are meeting people where they are. That means recognizing the difference between those actively seeking help and trying to improve their situation, and those engaging in criminal behavior that puts others at risk and creates obstacles to services for those who genuinely need them. This coordination will help us respond more effectively with both compassion and accountability.
Investing in Long-Term Solutions
In the long term, our work through the Huntington Homeless Services Hub will help people move off the streets, into permanent housing, and into recovery.
Moving Forward, Together
It is time to move our city forward together with reasonable law enforcement measures and a shared commitment to public safety that protects everyone and reflects our values. We owe it to the people who live, work, and invest in Huntington to get this right. With practical steps and shared resolve, we will build a safer, stronger city that reflects the best of who we are.