Montclair police bring community policing - to the community at coffee chat

Wise words from the past

The Community policing idea is never going to die,” said Russo. “It’s an old concept but though it may fade it will then surge and come back. When I was police chief I always operated under the intention that my primary duties must protect the lives and property of all citizens of the community; enforce laws impartially and combat crime, (which) you can’t do it without the involvement of the community. There’s an old term: you have to expand the eyes and ears of the community. Police cannot combat crime and do this all on their own”

Former Montclair Police Chief Thomas J. Russo who served as chief from 1992 - 2000 and then as director of public safety from 2000 – 2002.

Montclair police have been working steadily to bring a kinder, gentler face to their police force, with community policing.
Community policing is nothing new to the township (CLICK HERE to read in-depth article about the history of community policing in Montclair).
Yesterday, members of the Montclair Police Department, Community Service Unit (CSU) set up a table on the sidewalk in front of Trend Coffee shop on Bloomfield Avenue.
Residents walking their dogs, pushing strollers, or just out for a cup of coffee didn't just notice the low-key police officers, dressed in blue polo shirts, but also stopped by to greet them.
This new unit was re-established in 2013 under the direction of Montclair Police Chief David Sabagh. Their mission is simple yet often times complex: to keep communications with the public open, and to to work with residents to help address problems. But this effort always depends upon something often elusive when it comes to police and residents: trust.
With community policing, trust is built by police officers not only by their friendly presence, but also by their willingness to listen, and
work with both individuals and organizations to help solve local problems.
Yesterday, the police were happy and busy speaking with residents, and often times with a hot cup of coffee on hand, this was an example of easygoing conversations, which just may lay a solid foundation for more mutually beneficial and trusting relationships between citizens and the men and women in blue, who are sworn to protect them.