New Take on Community Policing in Plymouth Township

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, MI – A new officer-assisted initiative is aimed at helping residents of Plymouth Township neighborhoods and subdivisions deal with minor, non-criminal complaints that disrupt quality of life.

About two dozen police officers have been assigned to the officer-assisted program, The Plymouth Observer reports. They won’t walk a beat, but each will be a liaison for one or more homeowners association in the 60 or so subdivisions in the township.

“There are a lot of things that these officers will resolve,” Police Chief Tom Tiderington said recently. “The officer is expected to take ownership.”

Complaints could include everything from disputes between neighbors to skaters in the roads to habitual speeders.

Because of staffing levels, the police department doesn’t have the luxury of assigning beat officers, but Tiderington said he’s hopeful that officers will spend time in the neighborhoods and make connections with residents that can be helpful in solving and preventing crime.

However, if the police officer isn’t able to resolve the problem or dispute, a police officer will conduct a formal investigation.

“If it’s an ongoing problem that’s not being resolved, then I know who’s responsible and I know who I’m going to be talking to,” Tiderington said.