How many new police officers does the East Ridge Police Department have? Why don’t I see more officers patrolling in my neighborhood? Why does the department buy SUVs instead of cruisers? What’s the most expensive piece of equipment an officer has on his/her belt?
If you’ve got questions, comments or observations about the men and women who keep East Ridge safe you now have a time and a place to perhaps get them answered.
Every Wednesday at high noon, a member or two of the command staff participates in a program that the department is calling “Walk and Talk.” It’s a 45-minute-plus stroll around City Hall and the track at Pioneer Frontier playground where everyone is invited to interact with our men and women in blue.
Assistant Police Chief Josh Creel, who is continuing to pursue a personal exercise regimen, came up with the concept in recent months. He said it’s a way to get a little exercise and have a potentially substantive dialogue between police officers and the public.
Creel said the program has gotten off to a good start, as a number of residents have joined the group. He said he wants more people to join in.
“Hey, when it starts getting real hot, I’m not above moving this thing to earlier in the morning,” Creel said. “We are open to suggestions.”
Creel said after getting back from an FBI training program for police officers, he was looking for more and better ways to connect with the community. He said walking around and having a good chat gives residents an opportunity to get to know officers and officers an opportunity to get to know residents.
Last Thursday, Chief Clint Uselton joined the group. Chief Uselton has more than 25 years of service at the department and was forthcoming in his observations about the city he serves. I got the answers to a number of questions I had about the operations of the department. I asked about increased patrols in neighborhoods. Chief Uselton said he would like nothing more than to have officers cruising around various neighborhoods; however, with about 35 officers responding to more than 40,000 calls for service on a yearly basis, having the time to pursue such community policing is challenging.
Chief Uselton said that East Ridge police officers on an individual basis answer more calls per officer than any other law enforcement agency in Hamilton County. That insight alone was worth hoofing it around the block with the cops.
In coming months Chief Uselton said he intends to pursue another community outreach effort. “I am going to invite everyone to Local Coffee (4104 Ringgold Road) in the mornings and I’ll buy,” Chief Uselton said.
There was one caveat: “none of the froufrou stuff. If you like it black, I will buy,” he said.
So, it appears that the East Ridge Police Department is more than willing to have a casual exchange of ideas with the citizenry. They can’t do it alone; it takes a willingness on the part of the citizenry to engage.
I intend to return to City Hall next Wednesday and have another walk with police officials. I learned something last week and I anticipate learning even more as these “Walk and Talks” move toward spring.
