Trenton Police ‘walk and rides’ – Will they help the community?
It wasn't long ago that Trenton police withdrew from parts of the city due to safety risks, but Sunday they started walking the streets in a program that aims to improve community relationships.
Officers are now required to maintain a daily physical presence in the areas they patrol as part of the Trenton Police Walk and Ride Program. They're also encouraged to walk door-to-door and introduce themselves to residents, and these interactions will be tracked to help assess the program throughout its several month trial period.
Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson told The Trentonian he hopes to have 30% more "feet on the street" as a result of this initiative.
“I want the citizens of Trenton to know their officers and I want my officers to know the citizens of Trenton so that their concerns are known and can be addressed,” Director Ernest Parrey said in an interview with the paper. “The bridge between the community and the police can be built with interaction but it must be strengthened over time with trust.”
Do you think these "walk and rides" will be effective in building strong relationships between Trenton police and city residents? Let us know in the poll below!