During the months of March and April, the Burlington Police Department will host seven community-based strategic planning sessions to facilitate candid conversations between officers, community leaders, and citizens regarding police services in Burlington. These sessions are crafted to provide valuable information and perspective to the Department’s Strategic Plan Initiative.
After a very successful Community Forum on police-community relations held on January 8th, the Department would like to continue to engage the community in helping to plan for the future of police services in Burlington. The Department hopes to learn more about the kinds and quality of police services that the community desires. Each session should consist of 20-25 residents and 7-8 officers. The sessions will include a detailed exchange of information, beginning with a briefing and question/answer session hosted by Chief Jeffrey Smythe. Following the Chief’s introduction, there will be 2-3 hours of facilitated small-group discussions, brain-storming, and planning.
“We look forward to improving our community partnerships and to working together to provide professional and quality services to the City of Burlington,” said Chief Jeffrey Smythe about the upcoming input sessions. “I am confident that having a citizen-driven Strategic Plan will help us grow wisely and provide the best possible services to this community.”
Residents can choose to attend a session at one of many friendly, local venues. A Spanish language session is also available. The Department seeks to foster an environment that encourages discussion and allows for community feedback, which is the foundation of any community policing initiative.
Residents should RSVP to the session of their choice as soon as possible by emailing Iris Caballero at icaballero@ci.burlington.nc.us or by contacting her at (336) 229-3546.