A western Massachusetts city is stepping up efforts to combat crime in the downtown business district.
A Chicopee Police Department substation opened Thursday in a back office of the Chamber of Commerce Building.
Police Chief William Jebb said it strengthens the community policing effort in the city center.
" Just driving around in a cruiser, waiting for something to happen, responding to calls that really does not get the public involved at all," explained Jebb.
A spike in violent crime in Chicopee Center last fall that was blamed on rival gangs led to more police patrols, the installation of 11 new surveillance cameras, and plans to open the substation.
Trained civilian volunteers will staff the substation for most of its hours of operation between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m