Downtown to Get More Police Power

The city will be able to hire an additional police officer for its spruced-up downtown area when Brea gets its share of a $100-million state program to boost local law enforcement.

The city’s $81,000 grant will also pay for augmented bicycle patrols, city officials said.

Mayor Burnie Dunlap said the city will use the state money to create a storefront annex for police on Birch Street. The annex will be similar to a police substation but smaller, he said, and will not have booking facilities or holding cells.

“We wanted to ensure that there’s not only real public safety, but a feeling of public safety, because sometimes those are different,” Dunlap said. “This gives us an opportunity to increase police presence.”

Construction began this month on a project to redevelop the downtown area, centered on Birch Street west of Brea Boulevard. Anchored by an Edwards Cinema, the area is envisioned as a pedestrian-oriented walkway lined with shops, restaurants and outdoor dining areas.