DECATUR - As residents of some neighborhoods voice concerns about police response time, the department says it is stepping up efforts to go door-to-door to collect input from citizens.

"Working together with the neighborhoods on a personal level is the most effective way to fight crime," Police Chief James Anderson said.

Officers have canvassed the West Decatur Street area, where residents met Tuesday to form a neighborhood organization. One of the issues that drew heated discussion among citizens gathered at that meeting was the issue of police response time, with several residents complaining of long responses to situations in which residents were in immediate danger.

Police have stepped up directed patrols, neighborhood canvassing, foot patrols and other actions, officials said.

Some of the department's efforts have included the removal of more than 80 vehicles from the Old King's Orchard and GM Square neighborhoods, higher directed patrols in the area of Maffit Street and Johns Avenue and the areas near the 2100 block of East Clay Street and the 700 block of West Decatur Street.

Sue Neisslie, president of the Coalition of Neighborhood Organizations, said that though there have been many complaints by residents, she and other neighborhood leaders feel the police are making consistent effort in working with residents, but that officers must give priority to different types of calls in a city with as many calls as Decatur.

"Sometimes, there are neighbors that get frustrated because something comes along and to them it's important," Neisslie said. "I really think the police department is doing a good job; they're coming to so many of the things within the neighborhood to build up trust."

Neisslie said there has been significant improvement in police coordination with neighborhood groups.

"We've seen so much of a difference in the last two years," Neisslie said.

Rich Hunter of the Nelson Park neighborhood group said his area is well patrolled and that police cooperation with citizens has been "superior."

"We have a very good rapport with them, including the park police," Hunter said.

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