The Chuck Huckleberry Loop Patrol Program has come to an end | Local News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – The Chuck Huckelberry Loop Patrol Program, a pilot initiative aimed at monitoring designated areas of the Loop and associated parks, ended on June 28, after ten months of operation.

According to a memorandum from Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher, the program involved security guards who interacted with 10,301 people, with 72 percent appearing to be experiencing homelessness.

Security personnel provided information on available services and enforced Parks and Recreation rules. During the program, public safety partners were called upon 48 times to address illegal activities and safety concerns.

According to the memorandum, six locations with significant challenges were identified, including illegal drug activity and encampments. Despite the efforts, only 22 out of 58 sites showed a downward trend in illegal activity, while 19 sites experienced an increase, and 12 remained unchanged.

The program offered valuable data and facilitated engagement with public safety partners, but it did not significantly impact illegal activities in the targeted areas.

According to the memorandum, the financial cost of the program was not justified at this time, despite the strategic insights gained.