Granville Police Department

COMMUNITY POLICING: 

The growing trend within communities across the country in the fight against crime and disorder is "Community Policing". The Granville Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jose Rivera, has entered into a cooperative effort with the residents of Granville in a strategy of community policing - partnership and problem solving.

The police department has invested much time in developing programs to educate residents in CRIME WATCH PROGRAMS. The Granville Police Department has met with resident groups and business owners in an attempt to form increased contact and the easy dissemination of crime control information. This web site serves as an example of utilizing modern technology to enhance citizen-police contact with our residents.

A community partnership means adopting a policing perspective that exceeds the standard law enforcement emphasis. This broadened outlook recognizes the value of interactions that contribute to the orderliness and well-being of a neighborhood by providing solutions. These activities would include the way we help accident or crime victims, providing emergency medical services, solving domestic and neighborhood conflicts (e.g., Family violence, landlord-tenant disputes, or racial harassment), working with residents and local businesses to improve neighborhood conditions, controlling automobile and pedestrian traffic, providing emergency social services and referrals to those at risk.

By fine tuning this concept of community/police interaction, we develop trust between the department and the community. This trust enables the Granville Police to gain greater access to valuable information that could lead to the solution and prevention of crime. This alliance will ensure in determining the underlying causes of crime and to a great extent, build on an in-depth knowledge of the community.

 Therefore, community participation in identifying and setting priorities will contribute to effective problem-solving efforts by the community and police. In short, we need your help in solving crime in Granville. It is a responsibility we must all share.

The ratio of police officers on patrol to residents in Granville is approximately one officer to every 1,700 residents. During rush hour traffic this ratio is much greater as commuters use the town for access to their work places.  We need to gain the advantage of having our residents be "Our Eyes and Ears", and call us with any suspicious activity they observe. We need a partnership in this effort.

With limited resources the department has formed the Bike Unit. This form of contact allows police officers to travel around town and speak with residents in their neighborhoods. The Bike Unit concept is in line with the Community Policing model and the department's philosophy. While on a bike patrol Ganville Officers are able to engage both young and old in the community and encourage positve contacts between residents and officers alike. In the last few years the department has also sponsored bike rodeos, and met with residents and businesses to promote a Citizen Police Academy.  These programs further enhance the police department's goal of positive police/resident interactions and are great examples of community policing in action.