The Tallahassee Police Department announced that it has launched a community survey to bridge the gap between law enforcement and residents of Tallahassee.
The goal of the survey was to gather feedback on the agency’s overall efficiency and effectiveness.
Tallahassee Police Officer, James Traylor, was unsure of whether this will be an annual survey, but he is sure that this new survey is just the beginning of new changes for the city.
“The goal is to see what we need to improve, but also to let us know what areas we are doing good so we can keep on doing it,” Traylor said.
Ashley Williams, a Frenchtown resident, wanted to see the aftermath of the surveys. She felt the only reason the department wants to be involved is to clear their name after the tasing of Viola Young.
“Of course it looks good to say that they are listening to the community, but are they really going to do anything after they collect our feedback,” Williams said. “I can see where they are trying though because our local officer came by and physically spoke with us about the survey.”
Tallahassee native, Akacia Mcbride, felt the police department needs to be more personal.
“Anyone can submit a survey, but there needs to be a face behind the survey,” Mcbride said. “Why not have a personal community meeting, where everyone can sit down as adults and then have the surveys administered.”
According to the Tallahassee Police Department, “the survey will specifically focus on the department’s use of the Community Oriented Policing Program. The COPP philosophy, which necessitates active partnerships with citizens and business partners, was adopted by TPD in the mid-1990s.”
“There has been a lot of change. We have a new chief, new policies and a new survey, we are just trying to implement what the community wants and build and strengthen the community confidence.” Traylor said.
Tallahassee residents are able to take the survey online or print the survey and mail it into the Police Department. The last day that the surveys will be available is March 4, 2015.
For more information on the Tallahassee Police Department, or to access the survey please visit www.talgov.com/TPDSURVEY