Ridgeland is well-known because of its emphasis on health, winning awards for that. A large part of that is due in part to the multipurpose trails found throughout the city. Ridgeland Police Department works hard to ensure that these trails are safe for all users.
Chief John Neal stated that it would be nice to have no issues on the trail. However, there are occasional problems, although nothing major has happened in recent years.
Neal said that we have had violent crime there before. It’s been around ten years since anything major happened out there, Neal said.
The only crime that has occurred at this time is the occasional car theft by trail users leaving their purse on the front seat. Neal stated that he encourages trail users to keep their belongings in their trunks when they park at trailheads.
Neal provided several items that contribute to Ridgelands’ safety: the wilderness aspect of trails, police presence and citizens ownership of trails.
Neal said that the wilderness aspect of our trails is what makes them unique. It’s rare to find a spot where you feel like you are in the city. It’s almost like you’re in the woods, mountains, or anywhere else.
Neal said that users rarely travel through areas that have businesses, office complexes or neighborhoods. Instead, pedestrians almost always walk in a wooded area. This has its benefits, but also its drawbacks.
Neal said that there are not many safety precautions that can be put in place in those areas. Instead, we rely upon the popularity of the trails, and the citizens who are out there. Residents see the benefit and do their best to keep it clean so that it doesn’t appear like a dangerous spot for criminals.
Neal advised residents to report suspicious activities to the police, particularly in rural areas. A simple example of a resident walking two miles every day at 7 a.m. to see someone new is unusual. Reporting it helps to improve the safety of the trails.
They report things like that and we are able get a reply out there and hopefully identify someone and make sure everything is okay, Neal stated.
Neal stated that the police favor the limited access points for getting on the city’s trails. He said that patrol officers do a good job of visiting those parking areas to check in.
Neal explained that they make sure that when people get out of their cars to go to the gym, they feel secure and safe.
Neal also assigns the school resource officers on the multipurpose trails to assist with summer schools.
Neal explained that we have a full-time officer who is assigned to schools. He jumps on a bike when school starts for the summer and then spends the next three years riding the trails. There are many times you can see an officer riding a bike on the trails, at different times of the day, on different days of week. This is another way we try to make our users feel secure and safe.
Because summer traffic is higher with children out-of-school and warmer weather, it becomes even more crucial to have a strong police presence on the trails. Neal stated that officers alternate their hours on the trail, so there is no set schedule. This can lead to predictable results.
Neal stated that we don’t want anyone to feel comfortable knowing they will be out there at seven every morning, as it could be seven the first morning and 4:30 the second day.
Ridgeland also has several pedestrian crosswalks. Neal stated that they have not had any issues with pedestrian traffic at the crosswalks. However, pedestrians should always be attentive and watch out for distracted drivers.
Neal stated that if you are in a crosswalk, don’t assume that because you are in a crosswalk or that you have the green signal to proceed, the motoring public is paying close attention. There are too many drivers and texters who don’t pay attention to the road.
Neal stated that situational awareness is key to safety, and it is always at the forefront his advice.
Neal stated that most people are victims of crime because they don’t pay attention to their surroundings.
He advised that, especially if you are walking with headphones or airpods, you should always look around for people behind you and for any suspicious objects.
Neal explained that anything that seems out of place or unfamiliar to you, make sure to take note of it in case of an emergency. It is the modern age that we live in that you should lock your car doors. If you pull up to red lights, someone could approach you. Take care of yourself by being aware of the world around you. Lock your trunk when you go for a walk or exercise.
While police presence is important for safe trails, Neal stated that the most important factor in trail safety is the people who use them.
Neal said that they take ownership. They are proud of the fact that the city has made this investment in their physical health and safety. They keep them clean, and if there are any issues, they are addressed. They call the police, recreation and parks department or public works department to report any issues and get them resolved before they become a problem. It is the people who use it that make it successful.