“Police, at all times, should maintain a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full-time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence.”
This is one of nine principles of policing attributed to Sir Robert Peel, considered by many to be the father of modern policing techniques and philosophies. I believe this principle to be as relevant today as when it was written in the 1800’s. It means that the police should not act like an occupying force but a partnering one, should not be feared by anyone other than the criminals, and should be a partner with every citizen in maintaining a safe community. Today, these partnerships extend beyond our citizens and include the business community, educational institutions, multiple government entities, special interest groups and in our case the military and student populations.
I am a police officer and a public servant. I came to Riley County to serve you. I regularly engage in self-critique to determine if I could have provided better service or treated others more fairly while trying to balance the legitimate needs of many. During my career I have faced challenges and choices at every rank in which the expedient path might be the wrong one; while the right path could be more arduous, but the right one, nonetheless. While these challenges can be tough, they often present opportunities for improvement. No matter the issue, I strive to provide the best possible customer service (even to those who don’t want it), mentor others, and promote professional law enforcement. I endeavor to be accountable to the community I serve and to the employees who join me in that service.
I believe to my core that citizens support and trust the Riley County Police Department and law enforcement overall. I ask that you be patient with me as I familiarize myself with all segments of this community and county. Also, I urge you to continue supporting the volunteer citizen members and appointed representatives serving on the law board who are striving to ensure that you receive the best possible police services.
As proclaimed by Sir Robert Peel, if our citizens do their part in contributing to a safe Riley County, and we do our part, then the future of our community continues to be bright. I truly feel privileged to be a police officer and work hard every day to earn my keep. Please know that it is my honor to be here serving you.
