The Florence Police Department is taking community policing to the next level with a new community-driven organization.
The Florence Alabama Police Foundation was created to strengthen relationships between the police department and the citizens of Florence.
Public information officer Joshua Meza told 1819 News it is important for officers to engage with the community to foster trust.
“We are hopeful that the creation of the Florence Alabama Police Foundation will help our efforts in community policing,” said Meza. “Community policing practices have shown when the public trusts the police, crime rates are reduced. The Florence Police Department wants to help create a community where there is a high quality of life and we believe the Florence Alabama Police Foundation is a tool that can help with that.”
The foundation will host events and will allow for the purchase of training and equipment that directly impact the community, such as medical kits, body cameras and de-escalation training.
“The job of a police officer is to serve and protect the community they serve,” Meza added. “To do that effectively, it is crucial to have great relationships between the officers and the public they serve.”
Events already planned include a youth basketball tournament in April and a golf tournament in May.
Meza said anyone who wants to support the foundation can email him at jmeza@florenceal.org.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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