Having an active and engaged community is essential to community health and safety. Likewise, having a trusting relationship between the community and the police department is critical to public safety. Recent events in New York, Missouri, and elsewhere have illustrated the impact of what can happen when these efforts fall short.
In Burlington in 2014, engagement activities have been increased significantly with over 1,700 foot patrols occurring on our streets and in our neighborhoods in the first 8 months of the year. Additionally, over 2,200 door to door “knock and talks” have occurred throughout the City with more to come in September and October. Early in 2014, the first recent “Community Police Academy” was held and another is planned for the winter of 2014-15.
On Thursday September 18th from 4 to 7 pm the Burlington Police Department and Mayor Miro Weinberger, together with a variety of community partners, will host a community networking event including an open house and barbeque in Battery Park and the Antonio B. Pomerleau Building. This is another opportunity for the community to meet officers and staff in a social setting and discuss issues of importance informally.
Among the activities and information available during this event will be:
● A barbecue/picnic with food provided by the Queen City Police Foundation
● Music and entertainment by DJ Craig Mitchell
● Open house and tours of the Antonio B. Pomerleau Building
● Touch a Truck with emergency and other city vehicles on hand
● Equipment demonstrations – have you ever wondered how much a police equipment belt or bulletproof vest weighs?
● Information about the 2014-2015 Community Police Academy
● Information on community participation in interview panels for police hiring
● Recruiting information about jobs within the Department and careers in policing
● Tables and information from some of the presenting partners
● Meet officers and staff from neighboring agencies including UVM, South Burlington, Colchester, and Winooski Police
● Distribute multi-language brochures on crime prevention, personal safety, reporting crime, and providing feedback/making complaints about police operations.
● Ethnic food
● Possible dance and musical performances by the community and presenting partners
Check out our Facebook Event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1560773777483826/
