One of the most critical components of effective law enforcement is the establishment and maintenance of public trust. Though vital to public safety, its existence is often taken for granted. But as recent events have demonstrated, questions about police practices, use of force and community trust and engagement are being raised. These incidents and the resulting inquiries have placed the police at the forefront of our nightly news and stimulated discussion in our communities. That is why examining our relationships with the community is essential to maintaining law and order.
What is community engagement? It is a way for police to work in effective partnerships with the community thereby enabling citizens to participate in policing at
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Through my role as a leader and trainer in the law enforcement field, educational background and involvement in numerous community and volunteer groups, I have acquired the knowledge to develop a strategy and vision for the Berlin Police Department . As the Chief of Police I would be able to implement that vision and move the Berlin Police Department into the forefront of community policing. This vision and philosophy includes greater openness and transparency, transformation from a protective and closed culture to one driven by accountability, implementation of problem-solving strategies and a community outreach and partnership …show more content…
More likely than not, you will be told that it is communication. The success or failure of any Community Policing philosophy must include a two way open exchange of information and ideas. After all history has shown us that a closed government breeds corruption and discontent. To that means, Berlin Borough and the Berlin Police Department, through me as the Emergency Management Coordinator is the most active user of the swift911 community notification system in Camden County. The relaying of information to the community, engages them to be aware of what may be going on in the community and allows them to be an active participant to the level that they