Bethel plans to add a more regular police presence to city parks. City Manager Pete Williams made the announcement during the June 22 Bethel City Council meeting. In recent council meetings, Williams has said repeatedly that park vandalism is an issue in Bethel.
Chief of Police Richard Simmons responded to an email from KYUK and said that the Bethel Police are aware of problems in the parks, such as damage to public property, public intoxication, and four-wheeler traffic. He said that he plans to have his officers patrol the parks more often between their other duties.
