Springfield Police brings back community policing by establishing walking patrols in Indian Orchard

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The City of Springfield is bringing back community policing with the department establishing walking patrols throughout the Indian Orchard corridor.

For years neighbors have been asking to go back to community policing and that day finally came. Patrol Officers Tequila Taylor Evans and Luis Aguilar are new to the department, having only graduated from the academy this past April. These young officers are leading the charge.

“One of the things me and Aguilar wish to do when we started the job was to reach the community and help the community so it just feels good to actually get out of the cruiser,” said Officer Taylor Evans.

Officers are once again engaging with those they serve directly in their neighborhoods and at their businesses.

“When I said I’m going to do something I’m going to do it,” said Superintendent Lawrence Akers of the Springfield Police Department. “It was one of my objectives to get the police and the community back together and to put some people out here so that we can be seen and we’re not just riding around being slaves to the radio. This is what I’m doing. I’m keeping my promise.”

This initiative is all part of Superintendent Akers community engagement. Officers are stepping out of their cruisers making contact with the community and building trust.

The department believes that building confidence and trust with these patrols will reduce crime.

At this time there’s no C-3 unit in Indian Orchard so this is the department’s way of showing some love to those who live and work in this community.

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