DSM's new downtown summer police squad issues 3,000 tickets

Nearly 3,000 tickets were issued in the first 10 weeks of Des Moines Police Department's new downtown "summer squad."

Why it matters: Officials believe it's working. Since the launch, there's been a noticeable drop in traffic-related nuisance behaviors like loud mufflers, blaring music and loitering, Downtown Neighborhood Association of DSM president Deb Madison-Levi tells Axios.

Catch up fast: Complaints about noise and unruly behavior in downtown perennially escalate in summer months when "scooping the loop" is at its peak.

Meanwhile, downtown's population is growing and more people are being affected by the problems.

• City and county officials have turned to extra policing in entertainment districts and parking restrictions in recent years to make improvements.

State of play: The "summer squad" started April 15 with six existing patrol officers placed on the special assignment through September.

• The team focuses on common violations that diminish quality of life downtown, like speeding or excessive noise.

By the numbers: The officers had written 2,925 citations, 631 warnings and made 129 arrests as of last week, Sgt. Paul Parizek tells Axios.

The intrigue: Problems persist on weekends but weekday issues are less severe, Parizek said.

What's next: City officials will in the coming months evaluate whether to continue the squad next year, he added.