CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – The city of Chicopee welcomes C3 policing to Williamansett in order to reduce crime.

It’s the second C3 unit in Chicopee! The first one was in Chicopee Center, originally formed in 2019 but was put on hiatus due to staffing issues. It was restored 4 months ago.

“What we’ve decided with the success of Chicopee Center is to expand Williamansett,” said Chicopee Mayor John Vieau.

Now three new C3 officers are to patrol the area of Williamansett. The C3 unit will focus its efforts primarily on the area between Sarah Jane Sherman Park and Empire Street, where it is most needed.

Alan Blankenship, a Sergeant for Chicopee Police with the Williamansett C3 unit told 22News, “We have a lot of violent crime down here, gang activity, drug activity and we are looking to reduce that.”

Blankenship adds a lot of the calls also do involve domestic violence, but with the C-3 unit, victims are being helped, and those who are experiencing drug addiction and homelessness.

“We are going to get to know these people by name and offer them probably, every day every time they see them that opportunity to get some help,” said Mayor Vieau.

It is expected that they will form relationships with citizens to identify criminals.

“It’s good to have the police come down here and be more involved with the community, creating partnerships to create a safer neighborhood,” expressed Sargeant Blankenship.

Mayor Vieau says he hopes to see more C3 units like this one in every village in the future.