Fayetteville Asks City Workers To Report Problems In Neighborhoods

A new team exists at City Hall to try and fix areas in Fayetteville that are rundown. They are relying on city employees to help them identify those areas that need help.

Preventing crime is Fayetteville police officer Frank Kinser's top priority. He has made it a point to help clean up the community he patrols as well.

In the last three years, Kinser has kept a list and reported more than 600 work orders to other city departments. Requests range from cleaning up illegal dump spots to fixing potholes.

"I just want to make an effort to maintain the area I've been given responsibility for as an officer and to make sure people in the community have a quality of life they can enjoy," Kinser said.

Police officers have been making these types of reports for years. The concept is currently being expanded to all 1,200 city employees in a new program called Community Improvement Team and You or C.I.T.Y.

"It's really just working smarter instead of harder," said Sgt. Mike McGlothlin, C.I.T.Y. Team Coordinator.

All city employees have been trained on problems to look for and how to report them. The idea is even being spread to other cities in community watch workshops.

Jesse Kirkland has lived in his neighborhood for nearly 40 years. An active member in his community watch, he is excited about the city's commitment.

"When we get everyone involved, we have a good program going," Kirkland said. "When you just have a handful of people doing it, it takes a while to get done."

Pretty soon, residents will be able to participate in the program. A phone number will soon be published for anyone to call about problems they see around town.