HARRISBURG – The City of Harrisburg and HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, are partners in a joint effort to provide additional security to students, residents and businesses in the Midtown area.Mayor Linda Thompson and HACC President John J. “Ski” Sygielski, Ed.D., made the joint announcement today at a press conference held at Midtown 1, site of the new police substation, at 1523 N. Fourth St.
“The substation is an excellent mid-town adjunct to the city’s overall security plan,” said Thompson. “We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with HACC and the general community moving forward.”
“HACC is pleased to join forces with the city to provide extra police protection for our students and others who are in the area during the evening hours,” said Sygielski. “Our mission as a community college is to serve all members of our community – students, staff, faculty, residents and businesses in the Midtown area. Having an additional police presence during the week will enhance the security and safety of everyone using HACC facilities, visiting area businesses and living in the vicinity.”
In addition to Thompson and Sygielski, the city’s police command and college representatives attended the press conference.
A Harrisburg Bureau of Police decal will be placed at the entrance, and patrol cars will park in front of the building on Fourth Street. The substation will be open from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, said Harrisburg Police Capt. Annette Oates. "“The officers will spend most of their time patrolling the area instead of sitting in the substation,” she said.
“Since we opened Midtown 2 in 2007, our student population has continued to grow as we have expanded the programs and services we offer here,” said Sheila Ciotti, executive director of Midtown.
More than 1,000 students are enrolled in technology and trades programs offered in the three locations, which are along Reily Street between Third and Fourth streets.
