Chief J. Scott Thomson's spoke about making community policing work in Camden
Visiting Gloucester County's Police Museum that Camden County Police Chief J. Scott Thomson said holds "the sacrifices that have been made for decades" by law enforcement, Chief Thomson spoke on April 14 about making community policing work in the City of Camden.
It's about rebuilding bridges between police and citizens, said Thomson, the city's chief since 2008, through a transition from a municipal to a county department. His leadership in changing law enforcement strategy a city torn by violence has drawn national attention.
"Safer communities is a shared responsibility, We're not going to arrest our way to safer communities," Thomson said. "The greatest force multiplier in policing is not technology, not equipment. It's the community itself."
Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean F. Dalton, who proposed the year-old county Police Museum, spoke of the linkage between Gloucester and Camden counties.
"The important thing about law enforcement in the 21st century is the fact that we understand boundaries are pretty much meaningless, especially for the criminals. They're looking for targets of opportunity wherever they present themselves."
"When we do well in the region, it helps not only that particular area. It has a ripple effect throughout the entire south Jersey area. That's why we're so proud to have such a strong partner in Camden County in Chief Thomson."
Gloucester County Freeholder Dan Christy, liason to the county Prosecutor's Office, told the audience that the museum of the county Law Enforcement Educational Resource Center "is a preservation of a long history of service and dedication to the communities of Gloucester County."
Of Thomson, Christy said the chief and his officers "have done a great job in engaging the community, cultivating relationships with the community and community leaders. They've developed a model that is not only looked at and being implemented in southern New Jersey but also throughout the country."
The museum is located in the library of Rowan College of Gloucester County in Deptford Township. College President Fred Keating said the community college "is extremely proud" to host the room of displays, videos, historic photographs and a "Wall of Honor" recognizing officers who lost their lives in police work.
"It's an educational opportunity and it also puts students in mind of the idea of community service and the service provided for our protection," said Keating.
The free museum can be visited from fall to spring Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the summer, hours are Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Guided tours of groups of five or more can be arranged in advance by calling 856- 384-5534.
This item submitted by the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.