ROCKFORD – The sight of Officer Jeff Oberts striding down Broadway might be enough to instill fear in the heart of any criminal.

But for J&L Penny Market owner Luis Garcia, the sight of the police officer’s unmistakable bald head, friendly smile and 6-foot, 7-inch frame on foot patrol instills something else entirely: a sense of safety and ease.

“It’s pretty helpful because we can get comfortable in our businesses,” Garcia said, noting that while police are around, the groups of people who often loiter on Broadway and drive away business disappear.