The Skaneateles Police Department has been selected to join the Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network, a new initiative created to support public safety professionals in the specialized community engagement sector. The network is convened by MovementForward, Inc., a social change organization committed to promoting and advancing the civil and human rights of all people.
According to a news release on the village of Skaneateles’ website, the police department is one of a select few agencies chosen to participate in the first cohort of the Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network. Members of the cohort will have access to best practices, peer support, current research, and industry expertise to aid their efforts in community engagement.
Scott Heggelke, the Skaneateles Chief of Police, expressed his pride at being selected to join the cohort, stating that “It is a great honor for our agency to be recognized by a national organization for our efforts in community relations.”
The 2023 trial cohort aims to set the groundwork for the launch of the full network in the second half of the year. Members will offer feedback, organize events in their local communities, and receive support through networking, webinars, and training. The agencies chosen to participate in the cohort were invite-only and represent a diverse range of agency sizes and types, demographics, geographies, experiences, census sizes, and more.
“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,” stated The Rev. Markel Hutchins, President and CEO of MovementForward. “For the past several years, we’ve seen significant strains on the relationship between law enforcement and communities,” he added.
The selection of the Skaneateles Police Department as an inaugural member of the Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network is an acknowledgement of the department’s efforts to build strong relationships with the local community. By joining the network, the department will be able to share ideas and learn from other agencies in the sector, enhancing their engagement efforts further.
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