A recent NPR story about police reform reminded me of two Port Angeles actions that deserve recognition.
The story, featuring an interview with former Camden NJ police chief Scott Thomson, recounted that city’s police reform efforts.
In 2013, as Camden experienced significant crime, the mayor and city council dissolved the entire police force.
Every officer, including Thomson, was fired.
Camden rehired a good majority of the officers and built a new police culture from scratch, training officers to serve as guardians more than warriors.
Changes improved the crime rate and worked financially, leading Thomson to affirm that “there are greater public safety returns on investment with programs other than putting money towards enforcement.”
Recognizing the value of programs that enhance stability in at-risk communities, he added “I would have traded 10 cops for another Boys & Girls Club.”
Port Angeles has taken its own steps to strengthen home environments and provide support for our young people.
The Port Angeles School District has hired a navigator, a social worker who helps families at risk connect with and use necessary support services.
Our local community provided the support necessary to construct a new and much needed Boys & Girls Club building.
As civic leaders face budget challenges in this time of health and economic uncertainty, it is imperative that public resources are used wisely.
Lessons learned in Camden suggest we have begun doing just that.
Let’s recognize the progress already made and encourage leadership to support similar efforts in the future.
David Christian
Port Angeles