MOORESTOWN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — The chief of Burlington City's police department believes communication with the community is the new policing.
Chief John Fine's department holds meetings with various members of local government, including Mayor Barry Conaway to get feedback from residents.
"We're not looking to impose changes, we're looking to ask for some ideas, looking to ask for input and just advice from our residents on what will make our town better," Fine explained.
Burlington City is a diverse community, and in light of the pandemic and social unrest in the country, Fine said people should feel comfortable "speaking openly."
He said communicating with residents is "what's needed in today's environment."
"With so many stresses going on with the pandemic to the national headlines between community and police overall, obviously the only way to navigate and break down barriers is to make sure that everyone is communicating with one another and also having honest dialogue," he added.
Each meeting is held outdoors, people are socially distanced and masks are mandatory.
The next outdoor meeting is tentatively set for next Saturday afternoon at the Keegan Center in Burlington.
