Officer Ride-Along Reveals Community Engagement and Zone Pride in Policing

During the February 11, 2025, meeting of the Citizens Public Safety Review and Appeal Board in Kalamazoo, a significant discussion emerged regarding community policing and officer interactions. A board member shared insights from recent ride-alongs with local police officers, highlighting their commitment to community service and effective communication during traffic stops.

The board member recounted experiences in both Zone 1, the downtown area, and Zone 4, the North Side, noting the officers' professionalism and their ability to maintain composure in challenging situations. "It was definitely the policing that you want to see," the member remarked, praising the officers for their respectful engagement with citizens, even when faced with frustration from those they stopped.

A key takeaway from the ride-alongs was the concept of "zone pride," where officers take ownership of their areas, focusing on building relationships rather than merely issuing tickets or making arrests. This approach was commended as a commendable strategy for fostering community trust.

The discussion also touched on the department's feedback mechanism, known as the "my 90" surveys, which gather citizen input following police interactions. The board member clarified that these surveys are distributed during traffic stops and after 911 calls, emphasizing the importance of collecting feedback to improve police-community relations.

As the meeting concluded, the board member expressed gratitude to Chief Green for facilitating the ride-alongs and indicated plans for further observations in other zones to assess consistency in policing practices. The commitment to community engagement and the proactive approach to feedback were underscored as vital components of effective public safety in Kalamazoo.