As Bob Dylan sang, The Times They Are A-Changin’ and that’s exactly what’s happening everywhere today and Suffield isn’t coated in Teflon. It’s only a matter of time before “crime is knocking at our door” per Suffield’s Chief of Police, Richard Brown. He provided some insight into the changes that are occurring around us; drugs are more prevalent and crimes are becoming more technical in nature. While the environment is changing, policing needs to change to keep up. His job is to keep Suffield residents safe and to ensure his officers are trained to meet any challenges they encounter.
What’s the plan? Chief Brown has one plan with many goals. He wants to provide Suffield residents with big department service while keeping the small town feel. One goal is for the department to advance their skills through the Six Pillars of 21st Century Policing. Those pillars are 1) Building Trust and Legitimacy, 2) Policy and Oversight, 3) Technology and Social Media, 4) Community Policing and Crime Reduction, 5) Officer Training and Education, and 6) Officer Wellness and Safety.
Many of you have already seen some of these pillars in action. Have you bumped into an officer at the Food Bag, perhaps at Dunkin’ Donuts? Chief Brown believes that communication is huge. In order for officers and residents to connect and communicate, the officers must be visible and available to anyone who wants to talk with them. Oftentimes, people are uncomfortable making a call to the police station or walking up to a police car. The “in person” personal touch works to improve the lines of communication and is helping to make the town’s safety a joint effort. This success means that his officers are out doing their job in the community and developing a rapport with the residents.
Several events have been held to promote interactions with the community and the Police Department. There was Pokémon on the Green, Chill with a Cop (program partnership with Scoop Du Jour), and Coffee with a Cop (Dunkin’ Donuts and M&M restaurant). And . . . let’s not forget National Night Out, which is held during the second week in August next to Spaulding School. This is an anti-crime community event with public safety vehicles on display, ID cards made, free food, helicopter rides and much more.
The chief is currently organizing and preparing documentation for the Suffield Police Department to become credentialed at the State level. Credentialing, which is a lengthy process, is provided by CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.). Although there are many police departments in Connecticut, only 19 are accredited, which represents 16 towns, 2 universities and the State Capitol Police. The purpose of the program is to improve public safety services, address initiatives and recognize professional excellence. Once that goal is realized, the processes put in place will stand the test of time and he can start working toward his next goal – getting credentialed at a National level.
Chief Brown is very friendly and has an open door policy. You don’t need to have something to report to stop by and talk to him. He welcomes you to stop in any time, and . . . oh yes, like them on Facebook!