NORRISTOWN, PA — The Norristown Police Department recently announced that it is one of a small group of agencies selected to participate in the first cohort of the Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network (LECEN).
The LECEN is a first-of-its-kind resource to support public safety professionals in the highly specialized community engagement sector. It provides them with access to best practices, peer support, industry expertise, and current research.
The network is convened by MovementForward, Inc., a modern, inclusive social change organization working to protect, promote, and advance the civil and human rights of all people.
“This collaboration will enable the police department to add to its toolbox of partnering agencies to better the community through outreach and support, to both members of the community and the law enforcement officers that are sworn to protect them,” said Acting Norristown Police Chief Michael Bishop. “To be able to better understand the problems of the community and to have a fresh set of partners will enable Norristown police to bridge the gaps that still remain between police and the community. I look forward to the partnership with LECEN in the future and see only good because of this partnership”.
The 2023 trial cohort will set the stage for the full launch of the whole network in the second half of 2023. Its members will offer feedback, organize events in their local communities, and receive support through webinars, networking, and training. Cohort members were invite-only and provide a cross-section of agency size and types, geographies, demographics, census sizes, experiences, and more.
“For the past several years, we’ve seen significant strains on the relationship between law enforcement and communities,” said Rev. Markel Hutchins, president & CEO of MovementForward, Inc. “The members of this cohort are exemplary in engaging their residents and will provide key insight into the building and professionalizing of the field of community engagement.”
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and Microsoft Start.