CHICOPEE - Businesses and restaurants line the streets downtown and people in Chicopee spend a lot of time in the City center.

But some residents say they have safety concerns. 

To combat the concerns, the Chicopee Police Department opened their C3 Substation. 

Chicopee resident Ken Stearley said, "Being the victim of a brutal assault back in September, I am looking for more police presence down here in the center. So I hope and pray this will be a positive thing for our city."

Another resident, Tom Kirley said he thinks the center is better during the day than at night and says he’s noticed a drug problem. 

"I think the Substation will make people think twice before they do stupid stuff,” Kirley said. 

Stearley also said he is happy to see the substation staffed. "Its very visible here on Center street, so I'm thinking it's a really good thing,” he said. 

Police are hoping to crack down on issues in the center and make sure everyone feels safe. 

"It's more a problem of people hanging out loitering, panhandling for money, public intoxication,” said Chicopee Officer Mike Wilk. “So those are the things that need to be focused on."

There is also an area patrol car, walking beats and three officers whose shifts are dedicated to the center.

"If theres a criminal element in the center, something causing destruction in the center, people breaking the law in the center, they are going to be there. Our officers are going to be there,” said Wilk.

Currently, the officers at the substation work Monday thru Friday 8 AM to 4 PM, but police say that will change in the future, once the officers get acquainted to the downtown community. There will also still be a strong presence downtown even during the times the substation is not staffed.