Walking patrols, community meetings, weekly Facebook live segments, “Behind The Badge” social media promotion of officers. In just a few months Police Chief Roderick Porter has humanized law enforcement away from the traditional robotics of communication.
He’s also made clear he’s steering clear of political machinations. Ponying up locally isn’t his schtick. And that’s just fine with Mayor Joe Ganim who tapped Porter to a five-year appointment over his predecessor Rebeca Garcia.
There’s a collective sigh of relief these days inside the mayor’s office. Garcia was largely loathe to community interaction. Every controversy was left for the mayor and his communications team to handle. Garcia said you deal with it.
Mayors don’t want to own police departments. It never works unless, perhaps, the mayor was once a police chief.
Recent shootings, unauthorized cars shows and concerts in Seaside Park would have been dumped into the mayor’s office under Garcia.
So far Porter has deftly handled imbroglios.
Meanwhile his latest community outreach includes a short community survey.
Q1:
To what extent does the Bridgeport Police Department work together with community members to solve local problems? *
Q2:
How safe do you feel walking at night in downtown Bridgeport? *
Q3:
Do you think crime has increased, decreased or remained the same over the last 12 months? *
Q4:
What are some changes we can implement to improve Community Policing in your neighborhood? *
More visability ……walk patrols……..more involved with the community that they work in…PAL as big in my day……….
Evidence that officers in blue are actually listening. I am hopeful.
And listening includes specific questions, long ignored, that is likely frustrating.
And willing to indulge in what is termed “effective communication” as covered in a community forum at the Main Library earlier in the week. An example of community neighbors employed as public servants in a variety of local and State positions sharing observations about what allows such communication to occur and serve all parties, in the moment, or shorter term as well as the long term. How significant is the learning and practice curve? Time will tell.
John, we have to define listening, and communication, especially in a coded world. I mean for true transparency. 🤣
Though when it comes to that blue line, we are on a need-to-know base, logically speaking of course. 🙂
To the first question, to what extent does the Bridgeport Police Department work together with community members to solve local problems?
First, we must define the term “local problem”. Surely the problem being referred to is not crime or criminal behavior, snitches get stitches, or the so-called blue line where cops do not rat out other cops.
If the local community and local police were behaving properly, “honestly”, and accordingly, there wouldn’t be a lack of “communication” because there would be any problems, I would think 🙂
So my guess is to what extent does the Bridgeport Police Department work together with community members to solve local problems? I would have to say act properly, “honestly”, and accordingly. 🤣
Though there really tends to be one major problem in the world that diversity, equity, and inclusion will have a hard time achieving, (extended battery shelf life) to combat the light and the dark. (coded of course) You know for that communication thing we got going on here. The End 😛
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz3SBY8zj8w
Wouldn’t be any problems 🙂
I’m impressed, a new chief and a new approach are a welcome change for policing in Bridgeport. Every journey begins with just one step, good job Chief Porter, keep up the good work.
I’m glad that so far things are working out. Before A. J. was chosen, and this last go around, I had said that Porter was the best logical choice.
But what did I know?!
Keep up the good work Chief.
(Maybe Frank C. is looking out for you as well.)
Cheers!!!!
Question 2, How safe do you feel walking at night in downtown Bridgeport?
Fairly safe I would assume. Don’t start no shit won’t be no shit. Though you have to ask how safe are the nightlife establishments downtown and the police presence.
That being said, I have to say, Porter saying he is steering away from politics is off, considering it was politics that made him the “Logical Choice”. It’s somewhat diluted without R at the helm in the white house.
So the navigable water will not be as choppy, Logically Speaking. But let’s be a little honest. hair Crime/Policing is nothing but political no matter.
I just saw Gomes on New 12 about the recent domestic homicide that took place in the Port, and I am sure Port’s police can attest to the magnitude of domestic violence in their daily workload while working with community members to solve local problems. Right?
I depart with the prophet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uelHwf8o7_U
Question 3. Do you think a crime has increased, decreased or remained the same over the last 12 months? *
Think? Are we talking about facts or perceptions?
I believe during one of Chief Porter’s Corners on crime statistics crime was down.
https://www.facebook.com/bptpolice/videos/8438201039584781
However on a perception level. It’s most definitely down. Thanks to G2’s Administration media police blackout. But to be fair-ish if Chief Porter claims to be steering away from politics is it G2’s police media blackout or Chief Porter’s?
At any rate, I am sure Stephen Krauchick of Doing It Local has something to say about that, regardless. #transperantcy. 🤣
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=921380469183699
Though, to be honest, or transparent isn’t it always about perception more the reality? #Descartes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3-jlhJgU9U
Coded speaking, of course, You know who you are. #transparancy 🤣
I depart with the prophet. 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8E3Dh-gfhM