No matter who we are or where we live in the Commonwealth compliance with the Executive Orders issued by the Commonwealth governing authorities have affected the way all of us now live our lives –in both the private and public sector.

One of the overlooked aspects of this sudden change in lifestyle is the negative perception of the police by the public as being a potential adversary focused only on enforcement provisions. This overly broad and sweeping perception is not only unfair – it is simply wrong. Few doubt the importance of what the public thinks about the police. From a high-level perspective, the public deserve a police force they believe they can trust to fulfil its various functions in an effective, fair and just way. The public deserve a police force that is moral, just and appropriate – that has the legitimate right to exercise power and enforce the law.

The NLCRPD philosophy is one of seeking public engagement and compliance. Our agency is here to serve and provide protection and a sense of security to our community during this uncertain time. We remember the core values of our agency and the underlying police mission and strive to meet these goals for our profession and community. The NLCRPD understands and embraces as a practical perspective, the police rely on active public support and cooperation. Most crimes come to the attention of the police when members of the public report them. If the public do not trust the police, they are unlikely to cooperate with the police by reporting crimes or aiding police investigations. Likewise, if people do not believe that the police have the right to exercise power, they are unlikely to accept decisions and comply with officer orders.

To attain an appropriate balance during this period, please consider some of the agency accomplishments such as use of portable electronic signboards to urge citizen compliance, use of social media and public education and outreach, a patrol presence in neighborhoods and commercial areas, increased use of technology such as geofencing to assure patrol resources are directed where they be of the most benefit, adoption and implementation of deferred response plans, and most of all an understanding and compassionate perspective of community feelings and needs in this period of uncertainty.

An equally important consideration includes those things which the NLCRPD has not done. We have not been arbitrary in imposing any freedom of movement, wholesale arrests, or restriction of business operations. Choosing instead to assist in direction of education, outreach, and obtaining voluntary understandings and compliance. The NLCRPD efforts have resulted in a zero-arrest outcome, and proper community direction and engagement.

Challenges are said to make us stronger. All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.

Winston Churchill