Community response officers make a difference in Dartmouth/Cole Harbour

Community Response is a way for the police department and the community it serves to work together to reduce crime and violence.
This was ably demonstrated earlier this year when some Dartmouth neighbourhoods were victimized by a series of residential break and enters.
This type of crime has a serious impact on the feeling of safety in a community and contributes greatly to feelings of unease among residents.
Although Halifax Regional Police moved quickly to respond to each break and enter, the perpetrator appeared to be one step ahead.
Dartmouth patrol officers noticed a pattern in the time the break and enters were occurring and adjusted their patrol schedule.
Patrol officers would regularly meet with Community Response Officers (CROs) and other specialized police units to exchange information and update the investigation. Within a short period of time, the name of a suspect emerged and a plan was put in place to end the break and enters.
The suspect was arrested ending the streak of similar break and enters.
This multi-pronged approach to crime and community issues affecting the "livability" of neighbourhoods is called Community Response.
The idea was born from a series of town hall meeting with residents since 2001. Residents often talked about police visibility and the response to all types of crimes; community safety; traffic safety and public order including noise and youth complaints.
It quickly became clear that to address these issues, greater co-operation and accessibility to police resources in each division would be required. The CRO position was created on this principle and is the catalyst for positive change. It draws on the resources of HRM to increase public safety and enhance the standard of living in their neighbourhoods.
The ability to respond to emerging criminal issues and to respond quickly, is fundamental to maintaining public confidence in the police service.
The Dartmouth divisional office is located at 7 Mellor Ave., Burnside. Call 490-5171.
Halifax Regional Police is committed to working with residents to stamp out crime and improving the quality of life in HRM. This new column will highlight some of the work of the police in your district.