East Norriton Chief Matthew Brennan outlines community-policing focus

Chief Matthew Brennan, recently sworn in as East Norriton’s police chief, told ENTV that his approach to policing centers on problem-solving and community engagement.

"Police officers need to be good problem solvers," Brennan said, describing an emphasis on resolving issues through education and other nonpunitive options when appropriate. Brennan, who has served with the department since May 2001, said promoting from within provides continuity and local knowledge.

Brennan said the department plans a more visible presence at parks-and-recreation events — concerts, trunk-or-treat and community day — in which officers will do more than provide security and traffic direction. He said those interactions, along with programs in schools, help build legitimacy and trust between officers and residents.

The department continues school work under an updated program Brennan described as LEAD (formerly DARE), and he highlighted a four-legged therapy officer nicknamed "Officer Peaches." "It's our only four-legged officer, and she does go to the schools," Brennan said, adding that the dog also visits Mission Kids and other youth programs in a therapeutic role.

The interview framed these outreach efforts as part of a broader strategy to encourage residents to engage with the department outside of crisis calls and to foster relationships that can prevent or defuse problems before they require enforcement.

Brennan spoke with Joe Gavanas, an East Norriton township supervisor and ENTV host, who welcomed the chief to the program and noted local approval for promoting from within. The segment closed with Brennan thanking viewers and describing routes to contact the department for non-emergencies.