Inside Mesa

Mesa Police Chief Gascon is bridging the gap between the community and the Police Department.A new program, patterned after an LAPD program of 13 years where he was assistant chief, will be launched as a two-tiered system in Mesa putting officers in touch with the community and residents. The Chief says, "My goal is to have a citywide perspective of these different groups." The forums would address "global issues" of interest that is citywide, providing an opportunity for residents to interact with police - sharing successes and failures. Additionally, the Mesa PD would provide information on major incidents such as those we’ve recently experienced.Each public form would have 15 to 20 regular members. A proactive approach, it will provide the Police Department with knowledge of where they are hitting the mark or missing the mark in providing public service. Community forums will be representing business, teenagers, clergy, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, seniors, and high school students. Gascon also wants community police advisory boards that would work with Commanders on neighborhood crime issues in each precinct.Chief Gascon recognizes the senior panel is important in Mesa because of the significant population; adding that sometimes ethnic groups don’t have the connection with the Police Department that they need - necessary to for a successful citywide focus. He believes that "Having you come to the station will be critical for us," and that "I have very little patience for people who complain and are not willing to roll up their sleeves and work."Chief Gascon plans to meet four times a year with each community forum, providing a presence and approachable means to voice concerns that may have gone unheard in times past. He is very aware of Mesa’s history of officer-involved shooting - often with minorities - that need to be addressed in a timely manner. Serving on a public community forum will be an important step for Mesa; residents being an important component as a participant. Please join me in serving. I feel it’s important to help bridge the gap; be a willing ear to hear concerns residents have in order to provide pertinent information to the Police Department. It provides an opportunity to address questions on procedure that would help toward public relations - it is relevant and the program of utmost importance toward crime prevention.The Chief also spoke of an expansion of the department’s volunteer program; saying we should have more than its current 130 volunteers for a city our size. It would not only save the city money but would free up officers and civilian employees to do more in their assigned duties.For more information please go to the city web site under Police or contact the Mesa Police Department Crime Prevention Unit - Denise Traves, Crime Prevention Director can be reached at denise.traves@cityofmesa.org.