| |  |  |  | | | West Patrol Division's almost 13 square miles includes the Port of Long Beach, the area west of the 710 freeway and a large portion of central Long Beach. The 136 sworn and three civilian employees serve almost 100,000 people. This division responds to over 40,000 dispatches each year. The West Patrol Substation opened in late 1997. The Substation's presence in the area has improved community access to police and encouraged citizens to reclaim "ownership" of their neighborhoods. In 1998, an additional Neighborhood Improvement Strategy (NIS) area was created based on population demographics, crime and socio-economic characteristics. NIS areas can receive specialized funding and the department assigns officers to collaborate with residents, schools, nonprofit groups and key city departments to solve area problems. | | | |
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