Police Cell Phone Aids to Increase Safety on North Halsted Street

Chicago, IL (September 2007) - Late night North Halsted Street business owners and employees have comfort in knowing they have a new, helpful way to handle suspicious behavior and activities that may be lurking nearby. The Northalsted Area Merchants Association (NAMA) has begun a new initiative to increase safety by giving area businesses a way to contact Halsted Street patrolling police officers directly.

Business Liaison Officer for the 23rd District, Carrie Von Sagun, was presented with a cell phone by NAMA President, Dr. Andrew T. Knecht, to be used by late-night beat officers patrolling the area. "Our priorities are to keep Halsted Street safe for everyone to enjoy and to ensure our patrons' safety," states Knecht who owns and operates his own chiropractic business on Halsted Street.

The cell phone was secured with the help of Special Events Management, the company who directs Chicago Pride Fest and Northalsted Market Days® for NAMA each year.

While this initiative is just one of many steps in guaranteeing Halsted Street safety, Knecht acknowledges that the cell phone has already proven to be a fine addition. "The cell phone has been very successful in allowing businesses to have a quicker police response to crimes and we appreciate everything the Chicago Police Department has done to aid our Association."

Northalsted Area Merchants Association (NAMA) is located at 3739 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60613. For more information on NAMA and its business members, please visit www.northalsted.com.

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