Merced officer takes on her new beat. Police hope it’ll be a ‘safe, inviting destination’

A Merced police officer will begin a newly defined beat in Merced this week.

Officer Jennifer Shaw has been assigned to the newly created “Downtown District” beat to support the city’s business district, according to a Merced Police Department news release.

“We want downtown Merced to be a safe and inviting destination for commercial customers and clients,” Merced Police Chief Tom Cavallero said in the release. “Jennifer is not only an exceedingly capable police officer, but is genuinely caring and approachable as well. She appreciates the value of this effort and will be tireless in making downtown Merced even better.”

Shaw, who is a six-year public safety veteran, will work to build relationships with merchants and participate in special events while conducting law enforcement and service efforts on the beat, defined by 19th Street, 14th Street G Street and Bear Creek Drive, the release stated.

Police said this area of the city has generated more than 12,500 incidents for police staff this year. Shaw will work during traditional business hours initially, but “will have the complete support of her department as she develops strategies to meet her goals,” according to the release.

“This is an important part of creating a safe and vibrant downtown, furthering the council’s goals and priorities,” City Manager Stephanie Dietz said in the release. “We see this as an important pilot program that can be expanded to other commercial centers throughout the city.”