THE HEADLINE on Tommy Mitchell's Wednesday commentary reads "Who brought the fight to Sullivan's? Council." However, it was the business itself that provoked the increased attention of law enforcement by failing to adequately regulate the behavior of some of its customers.

As a full partner in the mission to protect and enhance the quality of life for all city stakeholders, the Police Department is committed to strategies that proactively address identified concerns.

Since the closing of Mexico Lindo in April 2011, the Police Department has tracked the record of officer responses to city businesses that primarily cater to a nighttime crowd. While Fredericksburg nightspots vary in size and allowable occupancy, among those that are comparable in drawing a sizable clientele, F.W. Sullivan's clearly stood out this year. Since its opening, both the number of complaints and the number of arrests that stemmed from F.W. Sullivan's warranted attention and intervention from authorities.

The British military officer who broke into the Fredericksburg Baptist Church in August and caused several thousand dollars in damages to stained-glass windows spent the evening celebrating at F.W. Sullivan's before going on his rampage. The young Fredericksburg man who unlawfully entered a home on Hanover Street in July and was met by the homeowner wielding a shotgun became heavily intoxicated at F.W. Sullivan's before opening the wrong door and making a mistake that could have ended his life.

Between Jan. 1 and Sept. 8 this year, nine people were arrested for driving under the influence after, by their own admission, consuming alcohol at F.W. Sullivan's. Ten reports and/or arrests for assault and 13 arrests for public intoxication related to F.W. Sullivan's occurred during those same eight months.

There have also been numerous complaints from neighboring property owners about trash, urine, and vomit left on their doorsteps following weekend activities.

These are only snapshots of the incidents that support the need for increased police presence in the 400 block of William Street.

However, a number of assertions in Mitchell's commentary about this targeted patrol effort are simply not factual.

There has never been a raid for drugs or for any other reason conducted at F.W. Sullivan's.

While more than one member of the city council has participated in ride-alongs with police on numerous occasions and accompanied officers on patrol, no council member has ever been disguised or "undercover."