Norman — Partnerships and problem solving are keys to community orienting policing, according to a presentation that Norman police made Monday night on the philosophy.
Close to 50 people turned out at Alcott Middle School’s cafeteria Monday evening for the Norman Police Department’s public second forum on COP.
“We want to go into proactive policing,” Norman Police Lt. David Teuscher said.
Teuscher is one of several officers assigned to the COP unit.
Teuscher told the crowd that taking a proactive approach means figuring out the problem and finding a permanent solution. Officers also must develop trusting relationships with citizens.
“We have to develop trust,” Teuscher said. “If you don’t trust the police, you will not call the police.”
He said the department is encouraging its officers to visit Norman schools and interact with children.
“We’re looking currently at becoming more involved with kids,” he said.
Teuscher said officers can become positive influences by reading books with children, visiting classrooms and speaking to students during recess time.
The department’s goal with COP is to reduce crime and disorder, he said.
Teuscher said NPD’s 215 employees underwent COP training earlier this year. The department was to have all its officers and civilian employees trained by June.
“We got it done in late February,” he said.
Teuscher said beginning in the next fiscal year that begins July 1, NPD will offer a citizens police academy. Officers also plan to visit all Norman businesses.
“Our goal is to have beat officers meet the owners and employees and get updated information on those businesses,” he said.
Norman citizen Jack Dawson said he was unable to attend the first forum held in the fall. He came out Monday to learn about COP.
“I wanted to find out what community oriented policing is all about,” Dawson said.
Dawson said he is adamant about safety.
“I have been all my life,” he said.
Another citizen came to hear more ideas of how he can help Norman’s community as a member of the city’s public safety oversight committee.
“We know what we’re interested in, but we represent the entire community,” Oversight Committee member George Henderson said.
Henderson, a retired University of Oklahoma professor, said he was impressed with the forum.
“People ask good questions,” he said.
Henderson said he has lived in Norman for a little more than 40 years. He supports COP.
“In fact, several years ago, I wrote a text book on community policing,” Henderson said.
Henderson said the forum allowed him to learn what the community wants.
Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com
