Visitors to Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs this summer may have bumped into police officer Andrew Streim riding around. But he doesn't cruise in a patrol car. He rides a bike.

Streim spends his days riding and walking the area as part of the Saratoga Springs Police Department's community policing initiative.

“Trying to advocate for business owners, the unhoused population, really just trying to get into the community, dig my feet in, meet people, build connections," said Streim.

He has been on the Broadway beat since July and as of right now, he will continue through the end of September. After that, it’s likely the position will become a rotation with different officers.

The city's public safety commissioner, James Montagnino, said it's a priority to keep Streim on the assignment, but staffing shortages puts that decision up in the air.

“We deal with a lot of issues throughout the city every day, so if you get a different person showing up to your complaint every day, it’s like starting back at square one," Streim said.

Matthew Fury, a shelter resident, said Streim is working to make the city a better place.

“He’s an asset, man. He’s a good person. He’s an advocate for the society. He helps the people that need help mental health and substance. He actually cares and helps us," Fury said.

Business owners said they like knowing the officer who’s serving their city.

“It's nice that, like, if there is something happening, we have a direct line. Whereas before, I didn’t know who to exactly call, and a lot of us, we have part-timers who work here, so I know that they’ll be OK, too," business owner Shelby Moszkowicz said.