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So this is amazing. I’ve been consistent about calling my neighbors en route to 911 calls. Have always felt it was an obvious zero-cost way to achieve two badly needed outcomes: it provided the responding officers with accurate timely information about dramatic sounding calls...
Think of Tamir Rice not being killed with a BB gun by responding police because they had actually spoken to the complainant/caller. Think of countless times where we can avoid tragedy or just misunderstanding. It seems so obvious. So I called every number every time...
And calling also did something else we need more of. It created a connection, however superficial or temporary, between me the cop and my neighbors. I got to step out of the car & say this truth: I’m officer skinner & we just spoke.’ There are no little connections. It all counts
I even wrote about this in a piece I wrote in the @washingtonpost this summer: https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/06/03/beat-cop-militarized-policing-cia/
As a patrol training officer I encouraged my newer colleagues to call their neighbors. To not be afraid of people having your phone number but if you were then use an app. But to call call call because it avoided drama, made us better officers, & built tiny but real connections
Last month I was lucky enough to be asked to speak before a task force looking into police reform for our city. I spoke about me calling neighbors. And one of their recommendations IS FOR COPS TO CALL THEIR NEIGHBORS WHEN POSSIBLE. HOLY MACARONI!! https://www.wtoc.com/2020/09/29/community-task-force-submits-recommendations-savannah-police-department/
I’m actually clapping.
