Police Chiefs Hold Round Table To Kick Around Ideas On Community Policing
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Community activists, members of the clergy and police chiefs representing more than a half-dozen suburban police jurisdictions gathered at the Lower Merion Township Building to map a strategy for an upcoming summit.
The police chiefs, some in uniform, and some in civilian wear, talked about how to foster a better dialogue, especially with younger people who may be distrustful of officers, even during routine stops, according to Bensalem Police Chief Fred Harron.
"People don't learn that in driver's ed, what to do when you're encountered by the police."
Upper Merion Chief Thomas Nolan says they have "role playing forums" involving his officers and young people.
"The cops actually play the role of the kids on the corner, and the kids play police officers, and everyone gets a different perspective."
Radnor Police Superintendent William Colarulo admits to stealing an idea from the Philadelphia Police Department, where he was a former ranking Chief Inspector.
"Ministers ride along with police. It can have a calming effect not only on tense situations in neighborhoods, but it also gives the officer a chance to communicate with a minister, and perhaps deal with some issues that the officer may be facing."
Organizer Andrew Howell, founder of the Race for Peace Committee, says the summit is designed to seek positive relations between officers and neighborhood folks in Philadelphia and its nearby suburbs.
