It’s been years since the Russellville Police Department has had a substation at the Ridgecrest Apartments on Washington Avenue, but the RPD has just opened one up in an effort to improve the safety of the community.

The substation is located in the office building at Ridgecrest and is accessible to RPD 24/7.

“Officers will be able to come here, do paperwork, interview people and just be on the premises as a deterrent and to help,” Chief Chris Hargett said.

Around March, Ridgecrest came under new management, and managers are making various efforts to improve and maintain the safety of the residents, according to Tim James.

“The property had gone down. We’re trying to turn it around and keep the crime out,” James said.

Sobia Mughal is the new property manager.

Hargett said he has already seen a positive difference in the property since James and Mughal have become involved.

“Prior management wasn’t as proactive as the current management is in dealing with issues that cause problems in the community,” Hargett said.

He said officers will patrol the property just like they do other areas of town, and the substation provides a secure place where they can help with any problems that arise.

“We want it to be a safe property for the residents to live,” Mughal said.

Their hope, Mughal added, is that the police presence will deter criminal activity from going on within the property and help keep outside criminal elements from entering, as well.