Foot Patrols

The only referendum question on this year's local ballot concerns whether on-foot beat police patrols should be reinstituted in Cambridge.

The referendum, sponsored by 32-year Council veteran Alfred E. Vellucci, asks Cambridge voters if they "favor police foot patrols in the neighborhoods of the City of Cambridge."

Thirty additional patrol officers would be needed for the program, at a cost to taxpayers of approximately $1 million, according to information on the ballot.

Most critics have cautioned that the creation of foot patrols should not subtract from the number of car patrols now in use.

While those in favor of the referendum will make neighborhoods safer and bring police into closer contact with citizens.