In the aftermath of a tragic 2009 shooting that claimed the lives of two men in downtown Greenville, the City Council — working at the behest of concerned citizens — instructed law enforcement to adopt a more intensive approach to policing that area. In recent days, a dispute emerged between the outgoing police chief and city officials over the effectiveness of those efforts and how best to proceed.

Such a review of law enforcement policies is long overdue as many in the community have correctly questioned the value of devoting so much time and energy toward that one city sector. Nurturing a vibrant, thriving and safe downtown will require cooperation and the implementation of well researched, proven strategies rather than hasty reactions.

When a drive-by shooting killed two innocent bystanders in downtown Greenville nearly three years ago, residents demanded action. The outrage at a rising tide of lawlessness led to a series of meetings, some in the public view and some regrettably behind closed doors, and a search for solutions to improve public safety in the so-called Center City area.

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