NRPD Grows PACT Unit With New Community Engagement Officers

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The NRPD unveiled an innovative new way to fight crime and stay connected with the community at the same time.

The New Rochelle Police Department announced that it now has two Community Engagement Officers (CEOs) in order to continue building trust and fostering better communication with the neighborhoods they serve. The goal is for these officers to partner with residents, businesses, community leaders, clergy and youth organizations in certain areas within the south and central beat zones.

The new CEOs will spend most of their time getting to know residents and business owners, while working with them to address areas of mutual concern and try to come up with resolutions. They will also be able to connect residents with other New Rochelle agencies for assistance with issues that may not be police-related.

"Although these areas are smaller than a PACT beat officer normally covers, the fact that they are smaller will allow for more frequent community engagement- especially since the CEOs will be patrolling on foot or bike as well as in a police car," Police Commissioner Robert Gazzola said, announcing the initiative. "The aim is for the officers to be a constant, daily presence in their respective neighborhoods, developing more personal, social relationships. These interactions will enable them to police with the community, not to police the community."

In addition to the CEOs, patrol sector officers throughout New Rochelle have been developing, and will continue to enhance, community contact by stopping during their patrols, getting out of their cars and meeting residents where they are.

Police Officer Johnson will serve as the CEO for the Lincoln Ave. area, from Coligni Ave. to North Ave., between Brook St. and Horton Ave. Police Officer Hued will be the CEO in the downtown area, from LeCount Place to Echo Ave., including Huguenot St., Union St., Franklin Ave., and Soundview St.

More information can be found on the NRPD website.