CAMDEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Police in Camden spent part of their Thursday morning helping local seniors with grass-cutting and light yard work. Even their lawnmowers had little red and blue lights on top.
Cutting grass apparently helps with cutting crime, as officials say community outreach efforts like this over the years have coincided with reduced crime rates in Camden, a trend also seen nationally.
“'Cues to care' (the inverse of the 'broken window' hypothesis) can lead to reduced crime by signaling to criminals the presence of social capital and the active involvement of neighbors in community spaces," a USDA Forest Service study shows after looking at homes in Baltimore, and the state of their lawns and other landscaping.
Camden County Police Chief Gabe Rodriguez said his officers truly enjoy these kinds of activities, ways to connect with the community.
“They came to work, and they did something impactful in someone’s life, and that wasn’t taking them away in cuffs, right?” said Rodriguez.
“That was leaving [residents] with a smile and joy, because they can come out and sit on their property and there’s no trash, the grass is not high and they feel good about their property.”
When asked if the officers ever say to him “Man, this isn’t what I signed up for,” Rodriguez said, “Our officers wouldn’t dare tell me that! But as you can see, they’re smiling. They’re enjoying this.”
And so are the neighbors.
Esther Mercado said people really notice how hard the police work to connect with the community.
“It makes me feel like they see us, and it’s a good thing!” said Mercado. “It brings the community together, and what they’re doing, we need it, so I’m very excited about it.”
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Rodriguez said that when neighbors see the cops cutting lawns, there’s a bit of a ripple effect on the block. Other people want to keep up, and don’t want to be the house with the tall grass and garbage while everyone else’s house looks fresh and clean.
Chief Rodriguez said Thursday’s lawn cutting wasn’t just a one-time thing. Police will regularly help out whenever they can, and cops are “ready to roll their sleeves up.”
Anyone who wishes to be added to the list is encouraged to call Capt. Vivian Coley at 856-757-7570.
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