Paducah Police Chief Bridal Laird said the department emphasizes community policing through neighborhood walks, recreational outreach and targeted programs to connect residents with services rather than defaulting to arrest.

At Robert Coleman Park, Laird described officers shooting hoops with kids, walking neighborhoods when calls permit, and a full‑time community engagement officer who helps coordinate events and services. He said the department's partnership with the local housing authority grew from a single 'fun day' idea into a multi‑vendor event providing services to housing residents.

Laird detailed a relatively new 'deflection' team comprising a deflection specialist and a retired police officer who follow up with people experiencing substance‑use, homelessness or mental‑health crises to link them to services. "Sometimes they respond after the officers have been there," Laird said, describing follow‑ups the next day; he told Commissioner Dujuan Thomas the team has seen "great success." He characterized the deflection team as second responders who perform outreach and follow up rather than immediate crisis response in many cases.

Laird said community engagement and visible non‑enforcement contact can build trust and reduce repeat calls for service; he encouraged residents to participate in the Citizens Police Academy and to sign up for ride‑alongs to learn more about policing.

He closed by thanking community members and pointing viewers to paducahky.gov for the department's annual report and recruitment information.