Amid rumors and complaints indicating the Paden City Police Dept. has become “lackadaisical” in its enforcement of municipal ordinances, Police Chief Michael Owens announced his department will be cracking down.

“As chief of police, I have instructed my officers to proactively enforce the ordinances of the City of Paden City,” he said. “The main focus will be on all-terrain vehicles, rubbish in yards, abandoned vehicles, curfews and park violations.”

Because the four-man department deploys one officer per shift to police the town, Chief Owens has asked the residents to practice patience. “It is difficult for the officer to be everywhere at once. Please give the officer time to do his (or her) job,” he noted.

Residents who witness a violation are urged to contact the Paden City Police Dept. at 304-337-2281.

Owens added, “If the officer doesn’t know it’s happening, the problem can’t be corrected.”