Cambridge Cuts Police Foot Routes

Police foot routes will be cut from 33 to 13, and the number of prowl cars increased from four to nine in a six-month experiment beginning next month, Cambridge Police Chief John R. King disclosed last night.

The plan was passed by the Cambridge City Council, despite vigorous opposition from Councillor John J. Foley, who termed it an invitation to "burglars, rapists, and thieves . . . to come into Cambridge, watch a prowl car go by, and then do their damage."

King stated that in his opinion the change would enable the police to have more efficient coverage of the Cambridge area. He said that the number of officers on duty would actually be increased, and with the newly-purchased cars, police could answer a call within two minutes.