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Community Policing
The police department has invested much time in developing programs to enrich educating residents in CRIME WATCH PROGRAMS.The Ashland Police Department has met with resident groups and business owners in an attempt to form increased contact and the easy dissemination of crime control information. This web site serves as an example of utilizing modern technology to enhance citizen-police contact with our residents. A community partnership means adopting a policing perspective that exceeds the standard law enforcement emphasis. This broadened outlook recognizes the value of interactions that contribute to the orderliness and well-being of a neighborhood by providing solutions. These activities could include the way we help accident or crime victims, providing emergency medical services, help solve domestic and neighborhood conflicts (e.g., Family violence, landlord-tenant disputes, or racial harassment), working with residents and local businesses to improve neighborhood conditions, controlling automobile and pedestrian traffic, providing emergency social services and referrals to those at risk. By fine tuning this concept of community/police interaction, we will develop trust between the department and the community. This trust will enable the Ashland Police to gain greater access to valuable information that could lead to the solution and prevention of crime. This alliance will ensure in determining the underlying causes of crime depends, to a great extent, on an in-depth knowledge of the community. Therefore, community participation in identifying and setting priorities will contribute to effective problem-solving efforts by the community and police. The ratio of police officers on patrol to residents in Ashland is approximately one officer to every 5,000 residents. During rush hour traffic this ratio is much greater as commuters use the town for access to their work places. It is anticipated that the M.B.T.A. Train Station will again tax the police departments manpower to a level never seen before, with its residual affects on traffic accidents and service calls. We need to gain the advantage of having our residents be "Our Eyes and Ears", and call us with any suspicious activity they observe. We need a partnership in this effort. With limited resources the department has formed the Bike Patrol. This new form of contact allows police officers to travel around town and speak with residents in their neighborhoods. The Bike Patrol is in line with the Community Policing Philosophy. The officers are able to engage both young and old in the community. The department has sponsored a bike rodeo to teach children about bike safety. APD has met with residents and businesses to promote a Crime Watch Program and a Vials of Life Program. All these activities are examples of community policing. We need your help in solving crime in Ashland. It is a responsibility we all share. Community Policing Programs |
Send mail to
mvinciulla@ashlandpd.org with
questions or comments about this web site.
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The
growing trend within communities across the country in the fight against crime
and disorder is "Community Policing". The Ashland Police Department, under the
direction of Chief Scott Rohmer, has entered into a cooperative effort with the residents
of Ashland in a strategy of community policing - partnership and problem solving.
