‘We all have a voice’

Police Chief’s Advisory Board, convening for first time, aims to promote safety, police outreach

inaugural meeting of the new Police Chief’s Advisory Board.

The board was created as a component of the Police Department’s 40-point plan to reduce gun violence in Norristown, but its focus is much broader.

Along with the town watch, the board’s stated aim is “to enhance the ability of citizens to protect themselves and their community” and “act as a mechanism to ensure that the NPD is able to maximize the input from a variety of viewpoints.”

“We all have a voice,” said one member during the board’s discussion. “We all can make a difference.”

The diverse board consists of educators, clergy, social service workers,

community activists, attorneys, a journalist and everyday citizens with a stake in Norristown’s future.

After receiving applications from people interested in joining the board, police Chief Mark Talbot Sr. selected the members not only to provide varied perspectives but to come up with innovative ideas that will enhance the department’s overall crime reduction strategy. They will meet once a month starting in January.

Following the introduction of all of the members, Talbot outlined the tenets of the quantitative, data-driven strategy that focuses on “impact players” across Norristown’s neighborhoods.

“Our strategy is based on what works,” Talbot said. “You (police) actually have to take responsibility for crime and quality of life conditions. “

Talbot also talked about the importance of ensuring public trust in law enforcement as a way of establishing legitimacy and explained the precepts of procedural justice; a set of values the department utilizes to that end.

He characterized the advisory board as a “systematic collaborative partnership” based on participation and accountability and likened its concept to the Whole of Government initiative, or “hub” model, a crime intervention program in which law enforcement engages with social service agencies on a case by case basis.

Talbot then opened the floor to the board to discuss some of the pressing issues in Norristown and talk about aspirations and solutions. Powerball (Nov. 11): 4-6-16-30-56 Power Ball: 18 Power Play: 2 Mega Millions (Nov. 14): 1-14-21-22-28 Mega Ball: 19 Megaplier: 3 All numbers unofficial until validated. Online: Check out the lottery Master’s blog HTTPS://KARLSLOTTERYBLOG.BLOGSPOT.COM

The feedback was as wideranging as the board itself, but the panelists agreed that supporting youth in terms of social services, intervention, adjudication and recidivism, is essential.

The board also heard from the department’s Community Affairs Liaison Gina Davies, who outlined the department’s various programs and community outreach Pick 6 (Nov. 13): 13-14-17-21-32-38 Xtra: 3 Cash 4 Life (Nov. 13): 9-17-21-29-58 Cash Ball: 3 initiatives, including Coffee With a Cop, Law Enforcement Explorers, Neighborhood Watch and National Night Out.

Davies also highlighted the ways in which the police department has engaged with the community through social media on Facebook, Twitter and the neighborhoodcentered site Nextdoor.