RACINE - With three new officers almost certainly coming to Racine through a COP grant, Police Chief Kurt Wahlen said he plans to have them concentrate on Jacato Drive and 16th Street, west of South Memorial Drive.

He plans to have the officers working in the areas starting after the holidays, perhaps January, he said.

The city received an $813,000 U.S. Department of Justice grant this year for three new beat officers who concentrate on helping specific areas.The officers are included in the city 2010 proposed budget, which is scheduled to be voted on Nov. 17.

Wahlen said he is reviewing possible locations on 16th Street around Phillips Avenue and Packard Avenue to station a Community Oriented Policing officer.

The city does not have money right now to pay to rent a house or renovate it, but Wahlen said it is important to get an officer in that area and he is exploring different options.

"I hope to make a difference in the lives over there. I think this is long overdue," Wahlen said, adding, "Their faith in government services needs to be restored."

In other neighborhoods where the city has established Community Oriented Policing houses, Wahlen said it has helped the area.

As for Jacato Drive, Wahlen said he does not have any plans to station an officer in any specific apartment complex. But he wants there to be a police presence and wants them to make sure landlords are doing their jobs.