The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to pass an initiative allocating $100,000 to sections of Madison in need of increased policing efforts.

Assaults, armed robberies, and gangs on Madison’s east and west sides prompted the initiative which parallels that of the one set up for downtown.

In response to crimes in the downtown area, residents have participated in neighborhood meetings over the last month to discuss what could decrease the amount of unlawful activity.

To respond to these calls for help, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz allocated thousands of dollars for Madison Police Department overtime.

Cieslwicz’s budget for 2008 allocates $2.5 million for 30 new officers. He hopes the new officers will be an aid in reducing crime outside the downtown area. However, Madison’s budget remains contingent on the passage of the state budget.