Cultural Diversity Initiative

[admin]

Freehold Borough Police Department Announces

Innovative Cultural Diversity Initiative



FREEHOLD BOROUGH, NJ – In a proactive measure to implement progressive interactions between culturally diverse populations residing in Freehold Borough and the Freehold Borough Police Department, Police Chief Mitchell Roth has announced a Cultural Diversity Presentation will be held on Tuesday, April 21st from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the First Aid building on 18 Spring Street.


This initiative represents the mission of the Freehold Borough Police Department to present itself as a reliable force that not only protects its citizens but encourages benevolence and appropriate behavioral conduct between individuals and members of the police department.


“Freehold Borough is a shining example of a successful multi-cultural community,” says Chief Roth. “Our cultural diversity initiative is a next step in ensuring a more seamless and respectable interaction between all our residents and our dedicated force of officers. We believe that when people can trust and look up to their police officers, most disputes can be more easily resolved, and any situation that requires officer assistance may be handled more expediently.”


The educational seminar is intended to engender an improved understanding of how police can improve their interactions with the culturally diverse community and how the community can improve their communications and interactions with the police department and its personnel. The seminar will feature a Q&A period.


The Freehold Borough Police Department engages in numerous community events throughout the year. For more information about the department, its officers, and how you can contribute, please log onto www.fbpd.net.

[novillero]

Apr 14, 2009 13:40:19 GMT -5 admin said:

Freehold Borough Police Department Announces

Innovative Cultural Diversity Initiative



FREEHOLD BOROUGH, NJ – In a proactive measure to implement progressive interactions between culturally diverse populations residing in Freehold Borough and the Freehold Borough Police Department, Police Chief Mitchell Roth has announced a Cultural Diversity Presentation will be held on Tuesday, April 21st from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the First Aid building on 18 Spring Street.


This initiative represents the mission of the Freehold Borough Police Department to present itself as a reliable force that not only protects its citizens but encourages benevolence and appropriate behavioral conduct between individuals and members of the police department.


“Freehold Borough is a shining example of a successful multi-cultural community,” says Chief Roth. “Our cultural diversity initiative is a next step in ensuring a more seamless and respectable interaction between all our residents and our dedicated force of officers. We believe that when people can trust and look up to their police officers, most disputes can be more easily resolved, and any situation that requires officer assistance may be handled more expediently.”


The educational seminar is intended to engender an improved understanding of how police can improve their interactions with the culturally diverse community and how the community can improve their communications and interactions with the police department and its personnel. The seminar will feature a Q&A period.


The Freehold Borough Police Department engages in numerous community events throughout the year. For more information about the department, its officers, and how you can contribute, please log onto www.fbpd.net.

Gimme a break.

What does this really have to do with cultural diversity? Yes, they used words like "diversity," but it has nothing to do with cultural diversity.

It's a seminar about trusting police among a certain community, not cultural diversity.

I wonder how many people of the target audience (those that don't trust the police) will show up?

It's just a showcase so that in the future, they can say, "Look, we had this seminar..."

[ka19]

Apr 14, 2009 14:03:16 GMT -5 novillero said:

Apr 14, 2009 13:40:19 GMT -5 admin said:

Freehold Borough Police Department Announces

Innovative Cultural Diversity Initiative



FREEHOLD BOROUGH, NJ – In a proactive measure to implement progressive interactions between culturally diverse populations residing in Freehold Borough and the Freehold Borough Police Department, Police Chief Mitchell Roth has announced a Cultural Diversity Presentation will be held on Tuesday, April 21st from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the First Aid building on 18 Spring Street.


This initiative represents the mission of the Freehold Borough Police Department to present itself as a reliable force that not only protects its citizens but encourages benevolence and appropriate behavioral conduct between individuals and members of the police department.


“Freehold Borough is a shining example of a successful multi-cultural community,” says Chief Roth. “Our cultural diversity initiative is a next step in ensuring a more seamless and respectable interaction between all our residents and our dedicated force of officers. We believe that when people can trust and look up to their police officers, most disputes can be more easily resolved, and any situation that requires officer assistance may be handled more expediently.”


The educational seminar is intended to engender an improved understanding of how police can improve their interactions with the culturally diverse community and how the community can improve their communications and interactions with the police department and its personnel. The seminar will feature a Q&A period.


The Freehold Borough Police Department engages in numerous community events throughout the year. For more information about the department, its officers, and how you can contribute, please log onto www.fbpd.net.

Gimme a break.

What does this really have to do with cultural diversity? Yes, they used words like "diversity," but it has nothing to do with cultural diversity.

It's a seminar about trusting police among a certain community, not cultural diversity.

I wonder how many people of the target audience (those that don't trust the police) will show up?

It's just a showcase so that in the future, they can say, "Look, we had this seminar..."

That would be the fault of the so-called target audience. In the future, the police will be absolutely correct to refer to this as an example of their attempt to reach out to all parts of the community. I applaud the PD for this.

In this world, you are only as good as your credibility and the police are bolstering theirs.

[adefonzo]

This is absolutely a positive step for the Police Department to take. Though I think it's unfortunate that Captain Roth has to hold such a seminar. All to often nowadays, police are not trusted as a first reaction, rather than how it was years ago when the reverse was true. That being said...it is good to see our Police taking "pro-active" steps rather than just sitting back and doing nothing (as the Police in other communities do)

Now...let me also say...I believe that Novillero is right. I think this is targeted towards a certain population in our town. But I also think he's wrong...members of the Latino Leadership Alliance and other such "Advocacy groups" will be there to be sure their concerns are met. As such...it's important for other groups and segments of the population to be there and make sure that their voices are also heard...this way, the Police Department can continue to do a great job serving the entire community's needs...and not just one segment of it.

[admin]

In a town that ranked number three in crime within Monmouth County, the police department has to do everything it can to gain the trust of the people. I agree with this seminar. I would like to make it, but not sure I will.

I do believe that this seminar would be even more valuable if it was coupled with another community program such as a neighborhood crime watch. Recently I reached out to the community officer on the force to inquire if there is one in place. There is not and I believe our town should have one. An event like this diversity seminar would be a great place to launch such a program. It is crucial that our department reaches out to all members of our town in any way it can. The seminar is one good tool for that purpose.

[admin]

I will add one more thing. I do think the title of the seminar is misleading. We are NOT a diverse town. I have dealt with real diversity and this town ain't it.

But, I think the intent of the seminar is on the money.

[novillero]

A free-for-all to bash the police??? I make one comment (someone replies the opposit) and it is a free-for-all. If this is bashing the police, you should hear what they say in the area between the police station and the community garden.

Sorry Lisa, but I feel that this press release is intentionally misleading by labeling it as something about "cultural diversity" when really it has nothing to do with the cultural diversity of the population. The release simply throws around those words. Unless you are talking about the culture of people who don't like the police and comparing it to the police themselves...

The real meaning of the seminar is contained in other parts of the release. This is what is in the release after you get past cultural diversity: respecting the police, trusting police, relying on the police, and "looking up to the police."

It's about police and populace - not about hispanic and Jew and Black and Irish. And that is why I said, gimme a break.

[seabass]

I think the idea is ok, but I've lived here many years and the problem is not the police department or it's members. The problem is that a large part of this community believes they are entitled and not ccountable for their actions.The town needs to give back to a department that truelly works hard, in a pretty bad town for crime.

[richardkelsey]

Apr 17, 2009 9:51:46 GMT -5 @seabass said:

I think the idea is ok, but I've lived here many years and the problem is not the police department or it's members. The problem is that a large part of this community believes they are entitled and not accountable for their actions.The town needs to give back to a department that truly works hard, in a pretty bad town for crime.

I think you hit a great point. The Freehold police department does one hell of a job -- and is filled with some excellent, dedicated, police officers. It is on the front line of an alien invasion, and is handling those issues as best it can given that its hands are tied, and the police must work to protect the public safety by any means necessary. In doing so, they don't get to set policy -- but they need to find creative ways to work with the community they have to ensure public safety.

The Borough Police earn their stripes every day in a town that has some places that are frankly unsafe, and some elements that are dangerous. This is not a suburban stake-out and ticket department. This is more like an urban city department, and they perform quite well under the laws, rules, and guidelines by which they operate.

These out-reach programs are necessary. Should they be -- no. If local, county, state, and particularly federal authorities would do their collective jobs, Freehold police would not be forced to essentially play patty-cake with a segment of the population that they know to be here illegally, and to be a driver of much of the related police activity.

So -- kudos to the Freehold police men and women who perform a job that is much harder than it should be -- thanks to gutless politicians at virtually every level of government.

[admin]

Apr 17, 2009 9:51:46 GMT -5 @seabass said:

I think the idea is ok, but I've lived here many years and the problem is not the police department or it's members. The problem is that a large part of this community believes they are entitled and not accountable for their actions.The town needs to give back to a department that truly works hard, in a pretty bad town for crime.

Good post. Seabass. You make some very valid points. The problems are not the police. They do an outstanding job.

You mention that some have a feeling of entitlement and are not accountable. That is the exact mentality that has to be guarded against. Part of the key to making progress with certain elements in this town is to drive home the point that entitlement does not exist. It is better to earn. It is unfortunate that some would feed that entitlement mentality and give too much away.

[admin]

Just a reminder, all are welcome...

www.app.com/article/20090421/NEWS/90421065

Freehold seminar tonight on how police, diverse communities interact
By Kim Predham • FREEHOLD BUREAU • April 21, 2009

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FREEHOLD — A cultural diversity seminar concerning interactions between police and the
community will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight.



The seminar will be held at the Freehold First Aid building, 18 Spring St.

The Freehold Police Department is hosting the seminar, which is meant to foster a greater understanding of how police and the diverse community they serve can improve interactions with one another. There will be a question-and-answer period.

[seabass]

I meant that there is an overall sense by numerous officers that they are the whipping boys for policy set by the town council, told to enforce things and then cut loose when it hits the fan.

[seabass]

I uderstand it was a good session, however not attended by those outspoken critics of the PD..so much for working together on a solution.

[admin]

Apr 22, 2009 13:45:03 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Very interesting, Seabass! I spent time with many officers last evening during the seminar-workshop, which was really fun. Perhaps I will ask someone at the PD if this is the case.

To back up what Seabass wrote, I have inside info that the PD does indeed have some low morale and a feeling of being handcuffed. ( remember, Admin has eyes and ears everywhere)

[admin]

Apr 22, 2009 19:42:57 GMT -5 @seabass said:

I uderstand it was a good session, however not attended by those outspoken critics of the PD..so much for working together on a solution.

Agreed, The PD deserves kudos for taking the intiative to do this forum. They are doing it for all the right reasosn. While I was unable to attend, I understand that one advocate for the immigrant community showed up and nobody from the immigrant community itself. That is an abysmal reflection of the immigrant supporters. They should have had some bilingula members of the communtiy there. The lack of interest in them working with this town is scary.

AS far as them working together with the rest of the town and the PD, I stopped holding my breath a long time ago. There are certain elements who only want to hurt and divide us all. Their long record is proof positive. And then there are the rest of us who believe in "Unity in our Community. "

[ka19]

Apr 23, 2009 4:59:30 GMT -5 admin said:

Apr 22, 2009 13:45:03 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Very interesting, Seabass! I spent time with many officers last evening during the seminar-workshop, which was really fun. Perhaps I will ask someone at the PD if this is the case.

To back up what Seabass wrote, I have inside info that the PD does indeed have some low morale and a feeling of being handcuffed. ( remember, Admin has eyes and ears everywhere)

That's a shame to hear. I would be happy to participate in some sort of public show of appreciation and support for our PD.

[seabass]

Brian, you are absolutley correct. The morale in the department is incredibly low and the men n women are tired of the unfounded accusations and the fact that the tow never stands up for them, even when they are right and doing the legally right thing.Think about it, when do you recall any statements about them like the article Chief Brown of Manalapan PD made to support his officers despite being told not to by his council?They feel abandoned by their administration and town council...

[admin]

Apr 23, 2009 13:49:51 GMT -5 @seabass said:

Brian, you are absolutely correct. The morale in the department is incredibly low and the men n women are tired of the unfounded accusations and the fact that the tow never stands up for them, even when they are right and doing the legally right thing.Think about it, when do you recall any statements about them like the article Chief Brown of Manalapan PD made to support his officers despite being told not to by his council?They feel abandoned by their administration and town council...

I think you and I are mostly in agreement with the issues here. One thing I will add. I stop short of saying that the town does not support the cops. I believe they do, but maybe the cops would tell me otherwise. I think the bigger issue is how the special interests are handled. I have been critical of the town on that issue before and believe there needs to be a different approach. Lets face it, if a code officer or a police officer so much as sneezes in an offensive way, we get beat up good by the special interests. That is not fair to the cops or our town. Maybe telling these special interests to hit the road and NOT giving them a place at the table would be a better approach. To empower and validate the special interests on the backs of our cops is not good at all. And we have seen the town do that.

Just my meaningless and humble opinion.

BTW, Seabass, check you private messages.

[admin]

Apr 23, 2009 9:01:52 GMT -5 ka19 said:

Apr 23, 2009 4:59:30 GMT -5 admin said:

To back up what Seabass wrote, I have inside info that the PD does indeed have some low morale and a feeling of being handcuffed. ( remember, Admin has eyes and ears everywhere)

That's a shame to hear. I would be happy to participate in some sort of public show of appreciation and support for our PD.

Ka19, There may be a couple of things in the works that you might be interested in. I will be in touch.

[admin]

May 6, 2009 17:43:38 GMT -5 @johnwinger said:

Bri guy. When you refer to the town supporting the cops, do you mean the residents or boro hall.

Residents- that depends on who. I think most people do, but there is certainly a hostile element.

I would not say that the governing body does not. That is a rough accusation to make without specific details. I think they do, but again, how they handle special interests is a key factor. There is also the differing ways of how to handle the crime and issues. That is where many will disagree. If any governing body appears to be too soft, it will inevitably come across as not backing up the cops.

AS mentioned in another thread, I have ears and eyes telling me that morale is low. Besides that, the APP reported us as number three in county crime. There is a need for a change in strategies.

[admin]

May 7, 2009 15:39:47 GMT -5 @johnwinger said:

I believe Brian was referring to the violent rime stats. When you look at crime stats be careful. Places the Freehold Raceway Mall will throw a wrench in the stats. As far as stable and healthy morale, you missed the mark.

John is right, I was talking about violent crime stats in reference to s specific article that was in the APP last year. In that article we are number three. If I recall, the article did not state it, a reader had to look and see for his/herself, but it was there.

Our town has the added challenge of the illegal alien population. The fact that they do not trust police gives reason to believe that there are probably a lot of things under reported. Getting back to the topic of this thread, that is why the police are right to try and earn trust with these sort of programs and forums. What is a shame is that more illegals did not show up and earn some respect for them selves.

As far as the morale and crime going down, that is reflective of trends nation wide and locally more than morale itself.

[seabass]

Lisa, morale in that PD is horrendous. When speaking of improving year after year in the stats, police still have a legal responsibility and mandatory arrest situations that occur. The officers there, at least the large majority have no faith in this town council. This problem stems from th very top....change needs to happen.