PPD Chief's Message

MESSAGE FROM CHIEF MARK FLANDERS

The community of the Borough of Pottstown is as diverse as any community in America. The community has the right to expect and should receive the absolute best police services available to any American community. The Pottstown community enjoys some benefits that are in excess of many other American communities while, at the same time, deals with problematic issues which are not shared by all. A common thread throughout all of America, however, is the need for stability and continuity, particularly in the areas of safety and security.

Throughout the last decade there has been a strong debate between those who favor the traditional Response to Incidents (R2I) policing strategy and those favoring crime prevention through problem solving - Problem Oriented Policing (POP). R2I emphasizes quick reaction to community needs and occurrences of crime and disorder. POP emphasizes a proactive problem solving approach which has the long-term benefit of crime prevention

Attempting to police the community of Pottstown by dividing these two strategies is not a realistic approach. The true reality is that the community needs its Police Department to employ both strategies - swift police response to crime / disorder AND crime prevention / problem-solving. Utilization of both approaches, in a balanced and complimentary manner, will result in a comprehensive policing approach - Community Oriented Policing.

The response to some incidents is time critical while the response to others can be deferred. Some responses must be made in person while others can more effectively be handled via telecommunication. Some crimes can be classified as isolated incidents while others are part of a pattern originating from a deficiency in our community. Some problems can be addressed solely by the police while others require the coordinated efforts of the police and other entities along with the community.

All Police Department decisions and actions should be taken in the context of what I believe to be the key values of Community Oriented Policing. With that said, I also believe that we must expand our range of possible responses to the needs of our community and that we must allocate our resources to maximize our effectiveness within the community.

KEY VALUES REGARDING COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING (COP)

The decisions and actions of all Department members must be taken in support of and in furtherance of the DEPARTMENT'S MISSION and in strict observance of the DEPARTMENT'S ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES STATEMENT.
COP embraces both the traditional Response to Incidents (R2I) style of policing and the Problem Oriented Policing (POP) style.
COP is rooted in credibility / trust between the Police Department and the community.
COP balances the usage of R2I & POP through the continual analysis of activity patterns that permit differentiated police response to community needs.
COP requires the professional commitment and creative involvement of every Department member, associated public and private agencies, and members of the community.
COP recognizes that, regardless of a person’s socioeconomic status, race, sex, national origin, language, age or religious beliefs, each person has a right to quality police services.
COP recognizes that crime and disorder are only a portion on the many issues that the Police Department must deal with.
COP requires continual analysis and feedback regarding effectiveness and flexibility to respond to same.

I believe that Community Oriented Policing is NOT a program - it is a style or method of providing police services and organizational management. This method is value based and requires long term institutional change. In order to attain this goal - every Police Department member, whether sworn or civilian, all other Borough employees and Officials, service suppliers, social organizations, and other stakeholders must focus their full on-duty attention toward meeting and satisfying the safety and security needs of our community. Each and every person involved in this comprehensive approach must understand the DEPARTMENT'S MISSION and must act in ways that support its achievement.

GOALS

As the Pottstown Police Department moves forward and develops within the context of this style of policing I envision, and am committed to producing or helping to produce, the following outcomes for the Pottstown Community.

A safe and peaceful community with neighborhood pride
effective crime prevention and law enforcement
Swift apprehension of offenders
Safe passage on our roadways
No visible signs of disorder
Effective relationships with the community and other entities
Community trust in the Police Department, and visa-versa
A vital economic climate for business
A nurturing community climate for residents

I am committed to these beliefs and to the successful attainment of these goals. I urge everyone in our community to step forward and become an active participant in our community.

E-MAIL

POTTSTOWN'S WANTED PERSONS

PRESS RELEASES

PRIVACY STATEMENT