City of Walters Policing Plan – Town Hall Meeting Notes
12/19/2024
Building a Friendly and Approachable Police Force
The Walters Police Department is committed to fostering trust and transparency within our community. To achieve this, officers are encouraged to adopt a more approachable and friendly demeanor in all interactions with residents. This includes:
• Developing personal connections with community members to build mutual trust.
• Demonstrating non-threatening and courteous behavior in all situations.
• Displaying common courtesy and professionalism to ensure positive engagements.
By promoting these values, the Walters Police Department aims to strengthen relationships with residents and enhance community trust.
Enhanced Police Training Initiatives
To ensure our officers are well-equipped to serve the community effectively, the Walters Police Department will prioritize advanced training programs, including:
• Crisis Intervention Training (CIT): To better handle situations involving individuals with mental health challenges.
• Police and Community Teamwork (PACT) Training: To foster stronger collaboration between officers and residents.
• Mental Health Awareness Training: To improve officers’ understanding and response to mental health-related incidents.
• Stress Management and De-escalation Techniques: To help officers remain calm and composed in high-pressure scenarios.
Investing in these training programs ensures our officers are prepared to handle diverse situations with expertise and empathy.
Retention of Police Officers Through Competitive Pay
To maintain continuity and familiarity within the community, the Walters Police Department is committed to offering competitive pay rates for its officers. Retaining experienced officers ensures:
• Stronger relationships between officers and community members.
• A consistent police presence with familiar faces that residents trust.
• Reduced turnover, minimizing disruptions in community policing efforts.
By prioritizing officer retention, we aim to create a stable and reliable police force for Walters.
General Education for Effective Public Engagement
The Walters Police Department will focus on providing officers with education on:
• Best practices for engaging with the public in a respectful and professional manner.
• Techniques for managing high-stress situations calmly and effectively.
• Strategies for maintaining composure and professionalism in challenging circumstances.
These educational initiatives will enhance the overall effectiveness of our police force and contribute to a safer, more harmonious community.
Reporting Officer Misconduct
The Walters Police Department is committed to accountability and transparency. Community members are encouraged to report any instances of officer misconduct or policy violations. Reporting channels include:
• Speaking directly with the officer on duty.
• Contacting the Chief of Police.
• Reaching out to the City Manager.
All reports will be handled with discretion to ensure residents feel safe and protected from any potential retribution. By empowering the community to “police the police,” we aim to uphold the highest standards of integrity within the Walters Police Department.
Matt LaFee
City Manager – City of Walters
