Community policing

1) The effectiveness of a police department is evidenced by low crime; 

2) Every community member must share the responsibility of preventing crime and 

3) Recruiting and retaining officers who understand the community.

This month’s Chief’s Column focuses on the second of these core principles. 

It is not a secret that violent crime in Person County is on the rise.  Discussion on the various factors for the cause were shared in previous C-T articles and public forums. Those will not be expounded upon in this article.  

There is evidence in our community that those most impacted by violent crime often refuse to cooperate with law enforcement. A common phrase is told to law enforcement, 

“I did not see anything, did not hear anything and do not know anything.”  In some instances, that statement might be true, but not likely for the majority of violent crimes. Numerous violent crime investigations caught on video show numerous people observe the crime occur, then claim amnesia when police arrive. If the police and community must work together, it will take more than the police consistently seeking ways to be transparent, engaged, and building relationships. Bridges of trust and legitimacy are a two way street.  

There is a responsibility for the community to help restore quality of life and reduce crime. One of Peele’s principles states, “Police, at all times, should maintain a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full-time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence.”  

Unlike the production of TV and Hollywood glamour, the police can not effectively reduce crime on their own. In fact, the ability of the police to reduce crime requires the support and cooperation of the public. There existed a time when families sat on their front porch with neighbors while children of the community played in front yards.  

Now, it is rare you see families enjoying that quality of life. In the city limits, there are approximately 8,350 residents. That means, there are at least 16,000 sets of eyes and ears who can report suspicious activity and tell the police about crimes. If that happened, those committing crime would not be free to terrorize our communities.  

Despite the rise of violent crime, our overall crime rate remains at historic lows. We owe it our children and grandchildren to create a safer community for generations to come. That means, it will take all of us working in unity to take a stand and say, “Violent crime is not happening on my watch.”  

If you see something, say something.  

It is time to take your community back and put a stop to the non-sense plaguing our community. Time to stop the violence.  

Have a blessed weekend.