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New Springfield Township police chief Chris NE house names staffing, community engagement and technology as top priorities
Summary
In a radio interview, newly appointed Springfield Township Chief of Police Chris NE house outlined his priorities: restore staffing after attrition, expand community engagement programs and make greater use of technology and forensic tools, while continuing outreach to neighborhoods.
Newly appointed Springfield Township Chief of Police Chris NE house said in an interview on the local program "Talking with Springfield Township" that his first priority is restoring department staffing and his second is strengthening community engagement and programs.
"The first goal and the first priority for the organization is achieving our staffing again," Chris NE house said, adding that vacancies have resulted from attrition, retirements and officers changing professions. He said addressing staffing shortfalls is essential to maintaining patrol operations and investigative capacity.
House, who described a 25-year career with Springfield Township that began after he graduated from the police academy in 1999, said the department will also focus on expanding ties to distinct neighborhood communities within the township. "Springfield Township isn't one contiguous body ... people identify themselves from being from Pleasant Run Farms or West College Hill," he said, noting that neighborhood identities create both challenges and opportunities for local policing.
He described a suite of programs the department runs to connect officers with residents. One summer initiative, the STAY (Springfield Township Empowering Youth) program, historically targeted juvenile females for a week of life-skills instruction and mentorship from officers; the department plans to expand the model to juvenile males. "It's that mentorship opportunity which is more important even than the skills," House said.
House also cited greater reliance on technology for investigations, including a license-plate reader system and forensic tools, as a way to remain effective amid recruiting challenges. "We need to find a way in law enforcement to be able to continue to be effective with less," he said.
On community support, House pointed to local responses after a recent death he named as an example of residents rallying around the department. He encouraged residents to reach out if they have questions, saying the department can be contacted by phone, via its website or by email.
The interview concluded with the chief saying the department's short-term work will focus on hiring and filling vacancies while continuing to build community programs and partnerships. "Our doors are always open, our phones are always on," he said.
