The San Diego Police Department’s Western Division will boost the number of summer patrol officers for Ocean Beach earlier than usual this year. The beefed-up patrols in Ocean Beach began April 29, including a team of four additional police officers concentrating on the beach areas. Their coverage area will include the 5000 block of Newport Avenue, the Ocean Beach Pier, Saratoga Park and the adjacent parking lots, stretching out to the surrounding neighborhoods and Dog Beach. The beach team ensures extra safety for Ocean Beach residents, tourists and merchants, and enhances the visibility and presence of local law enforcement between the hours of 5 p.m. and 3 a.m. daily, said Officer D. Survilo of Western Division. According to statistics provided by the San Diego Police Department, the total crime index in Ocean Beach increased by 30 percent in a month’s period, culminating in 67 reported incidents in February. The number of reported incidents in January was 43. The recent physical assault on a female police officer in front of the Ocean Beach Hotel in the 5000 block of Newport Avenue on April 13 also stunned residents and police. Investigators and witnesses said a mentally disturbed, homeless man around the age of 30, referred to locally as “Karate Kid,” was observed physically attacking one of the officers. “The man lunged at the female officer, forcefully slamming his right elbow to the back of her neck,” one witness said afterward. He came out of nowhere and totally caught the officer off guard.” The officer, whose name was withheld for safety reasons, was treated at the scene and was taken to the emergency room by paramedics, police said. She was later releasd with a concussion and is expected to return to her work shortly, according to Det. Gary Hassen, a media spokesman for the police department. Survilo said he believes the added police force will prevent more extreme criminal behavior in the area. Over the next few weeks, the regular summer beach patrols will be joined by eight additional police officers, who will remain in place through September. “It will be the longest patrol period and the biggest-staffed SDPD beach team shift ever for Ocean Beach,” said Survilo. He added that “beach team-assigned officers will solely handle incidents in those areas and are generally not called on for other emergency calls.” Police foot patrols have not yet been assigned in Ocean Beach this summer, officials said. To inquire about summertime beach foot patrols, call Western Division at (619) 692-4800 Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.