Police to merchants: We’re there to help

Borough merchants and business owners heard that one of the best ways to prevent crime is to call police.

three dozen borough merchants and business owners heard that one of the best ways to prevent crime is to call police, Thursday, at the Chester County Historical Society.

The event was sponsored by the Business Improvement District and the historical society.

Mayor Dianne Herrin, Police Chief Scott Bohn and Sgt. Chris Daly told the inquisitive audience that the police response time in the borough is about 90 seconds.

“Keep us in the loop, Daly said. “We will never fault you for calling the police.

“If you guys call us were going to come and take it seriously. If things don’t feel right that probably means something.”

For fire and health emergencies, call 911, and for a direct line to borough police call 610-696-2700.

Daly said that when on the phone, first state the basics: who; what; when; where; and why.

Dispatchers understand that a caller might be upset or angry, while dealing with a contentious situation.

“The more information we have, the better off we are,” Daly said.

The dispatcher needs other information unrelated to the call.

“Don’t get frustrated with all the other questions,” he said. “Don’t be intimidated.”

Chief Bohn talked about how borough streets have become a destination. He said that since 2000 serious crime has dropped by 60 percent.

He said the vast majority of illegal activity is often alcohol fueled nuisance crimes.

“The borough is a very attractive place to be,” Bohn said. “We can’t eliminate crime.

“We can’t put a police officer on every corner but we can strategically put people in place” to protect everyone’s safety.

When the weather cools, officers will be back riding bicycles.

The department is placing more surveillance cameras and police can often follow a suspect’s progress by camera to camera.

“The more cameras we have out there the easier it

is for us,” Daly said. “Cameras are extremely helpful as a deterrent.

“The more information we get the better.”

Daly said police try to anticipate problems and are proactive.

A lot of times just being there will help control problems,” Daly said. “We play it by ear.

“Ninety five percent of crime is stopped by them seeing us.”

Uber pickups sometimes partially block streets late at night and early in the morning.

Daly said the car service is a “mixed blessing” and helps get the restaurant and bar patrons home quicker.

Through social media, police learn about activities that might attract more patrons than usual.

“We have a very, very good relationship with the bars and restaurants in town,” Daly said. “Any advance notice about events is helpful.

“The more you guys can tell us ahead of time the better we’ll be.”

Herrin has been serving as mayor and overseeing the police department for about eight months.

She said borough police are “highly professional, thoughtful, driven, smart and transparent.”

West Chester Mayor Dianne Herrin discusses police protection as Chief Scott Bohn looks on.