The July edition of the U.S. Department of Justice Community Policing Dispatch e-newsletter features the Paris Police Department. The article is the result of a photo contest submission by the Community Outreach Unit of the police department.
Paris Police Public Information Officer Alice Webb captured the image of Captain Doug Murphy and two children exploring the department’s SWAT team’s Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle. The MRAP was displayed at last July’s inaugural Unity with the Community event, which is a time for police and other first responders to visit and get to know community members in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
“A primary goal of the Community Outreach Unit is to change hearts and minds through relationship building,” Paris Chief of Police Richard Salter said. “These events allow us to open communication channels, build community relationships and enhance trust when citizens call us for help. We’re honored to be selected by the DOJ and featured in their publication.”
The police department has an easy link to the DOJ publication via www.ParisTexas.gov/PoliceStory.
The second annual Unity with the Community event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, at the Paris Police Department, 2910 Clarksville Street. Everyone is welcome to visit with police, fire, EMS, and other first responders, explore emergency vehicles, snack on free hot dogs and drinks, play games, enjoy bounce houses, and more.
“My goal is to offer at least one chance each month for citizens to meet and visit with our Police officers,” Community Outreach Coordinator Kimmie Snowton said. “Unity with the Community and National Night Out are the two biggest events, but we have other gatherings like Coffee with Cops, Tea and Fun with the 911, and Pizza and Popsicles with a Cop throughout the year.”
The Community Policing Dispatch is the award-winning e-newsletter of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Produced monthly since 2007, the Dispatch has been advancing the COPS Office’s mission by educating its readers about issues pertaining to the implementation and practice of community policing. The Dispatch publishes a wide range of articles, but its primary aims are to showcase best practices in implementing community policing and to give readers the opportunity to learn from their peers