New community police effort begins in Rockland County
The Haverstraw Police Department's new community relations unit is on the ground, serving the community.
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There’s a new community police effort in one town in Rockland.
The Haverstraw Police Department's new community relations unit is on the ground, serving the community.
“We hope that we can get together, get the community and the police department and work together. That's our goal,” said Detective Joe Alvarez, alongside Officer Jose Luna in an interview with News 12 earlier this week. They will be primarily assigned to the village of Haverstraw’s downtown area either on bike or foot patrol.
"It's a good idea and we're looking forward to it," says Detective Alvarez.
The dynamic duo got lots of love from the public when News 12 caught them in action this week. They spoke to many in Spanish, a village with a large Hispanic population.
New Police Chief John Gould was eager to implement this plan.
"We find sometimes that a lot of people don't feel comfortable calling the police. so if we have people that are out here on foot on a regular basis. It's an easier way for them to tell us what's going on and ways we can help,” said Chief Gould.
Town officials supported the idea pointing to the benefit of residents.
"It builds up trust. It builds lasting bonds between the community and our police, so they understand the police are here to help. The police are here to make their lives much easier," says Haverstraw Town Supervisor Howard Phillips.
News 12 has been told the new unit will be in the village five days a week at various hours.
