
About two dozen Boston police officers took to the streets on Monday evening in search of conversation.
District 4 hosted a “Walk in the Park Night” as officers and residents met to walk, talk and get to know one another.
Confused restaurant patrons looked on as a swarm of attendees and officers walked through the neighborhood.
The group made stops to hold conversations in Blackstone Square Park and Franklin Square Park.
The
purpose of the event was to allow the community to ask questions and
raise concerns about ongoing issues to their local police force.
“We’re in collaboration
with the community to reduce fare, fight crime and improve quality of
life in our neighborhoods,” said police Deputy Superintendent John
Brown. “That’s what it comes down to at the end of the day.”
Brown said the district puts in effort to maintain a positive relationship with South End residents.
“This
is great. I love coming out and being around everyone,” said Brown, who
has worked for the department in the neighborhood for 30 years.
Brown said addressing the needs that any residents may have is a priority.
“We’re just doing our best to spend time with them and make sure they know we care,” said Brown.
Blackstone
and Franklin Square Neighborhood Association President Jonathan Alves
said events like the walk in the park are critical in strengthening and
maintaining the relationship between the community and the police.
“It
helps because the South End can be somewhat transient with new people
coming and going,” said Alves. “Just because one set of established
neighbors understands and works with the police, new neighbors might not
know the context of the relationship.”
The
context of the relationship between the neighborhood association and
the district has been a strong one for the better part of a decade,
according to Alves.
“I hope they do more of these,” said Alves.
“Whether things are going good or not, this is really good stuff.”