Norristown Officials Discuss Law Enforcement, Race, Community Relations

Norristown, PA -- Officials gathered at Municipal Hall in Norristown Wednesday night for a discussion on law enforcement, race relations, and community trust.

Police Chief Mark Talbot spoke eloquently on an issue which he has addressed in the past: police must focus on building relationships with the community.

"I think a lot of police departments have gotten away from the notion that we're primarily about serving and protecting, as opposed to enforcing the law," Talbot said during the meeting.

During Talbot's tenure, he has championed the popular 'Coffee with a Cop' series and organized community block party events for neighborhoods to get to know their patrol officers, among other initiatives.

"The vast majority of what we do has to be about protecting people," Talbot added.

Talbot made an illuminating analogy to hammer his point home. He said he often reminds his officers: "imagine if you only showed up at home when your kids weren't doing the right thing."

Similarly, Talbot believes, the only community role of police should not be enforcing the law and punishing wrongdoers. Rather, they should strive to establish trust and position themselves as protectors and fellow members of the community.

Image courtesy Chief Mark Talbot's Facebook page.