If You See Something...

In 1829 Sir Robert Peel, arguably known as the father of modern day policing and Commissioner of London’s Metropolitan Police Force, enunciated nine principles of policing. Of those nine, principle #7 stands out and still today is the crux of policing success in America. Principle #7 states “Police, at all times, should maintain a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full-time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence.”

Let’s fast forward to 2017. The world has changed dramatically and certainly with the advent of social media, has become a very small place. Every day, police officers deal with life and death situations. But, those events, as dangerous as they are, do not dominate the daily routine of your police. Policing in America today has expanded from “preventing crime and disorder” as Peel stated in principle #1, to include being social service providers, advocates, watchdogs, comforters, cyber experts, tactical officers, resources for the aged and the weak, the disadvantaged and society’s less fortunate.

To complete these tasks we need the community. We need the community to call us, notify us, email or text us. Open the dialogue. 

Recently, we have noticed a delay in reporting or calling us. We have heard of events through third parties. We cannot help, advocate, support and protect if we don’t get a call. We want you to call. We want to hear from you.

It is most important that our citizenry develop these relationships. Please get to know your officers. When we respond please make yourself known. Share your name with the officer and ask the officer’s name. We are here to help, guide and counsel. We are here to protect and build relationships.

Every day in Wakefield and across this great country, hundreds of thousands of calls are made to the municipal police departments to report crime, suspicious activity, request help and guidance. We strongly encourage our residents and visitors to reach out to us.  We are here to help and counsel.

In case of emergency please call 911. For non-emergency calls or requests for information please call us at (781) 245-1212. Public safety starts with you, the community we serve.

Remember….

If You See Something, Say Something