Page 234 - City of Bedford FY21 Budget

City of Bedford
Program Summary
FY 2020-2021

Fund: General
Department: Police Division: Community Relations

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Community Relations Division facilitates and coordinates efforts to enhance communication and relationships between the
community and the Police Department, and to reduce crime through development, promotion, and implementation of effective crime
prevention strategies. The Division promotes community involvement through programs such as the Citizens Police Academy and the
Volunteers in Policing Services (V.I.P.S.).

The Division also encompasses a variety of other distinct functions, to include: Internal Affairs, Training, Recruiting, School Resource
Officers, Bedford 1 Community Program, School Crossing Guards, Social Media Program and community outreach programs.

FY 2019-2020 HIGHLIGHTS

∗ Metroplex Competition for Explorers - Bedford Post 2121 placed in two scenarios.
∗ Two Explorer members were hired as Detention Officers.
∗ Santa Cops - was able to provide Christmas for 17 families (32 children) and held the Department's first Santa Cops wrapping party
complete with a visit from Santa Claus.
∗ Maintained contact with the public during the COVID-19 situation by posting daily social media posts, and by participating in a
variety of community events such as birthday and nursing home 'parades' and clap-outs for the sixth grade classes transitioning to
junior high school.

FY 2020-2021 DIVISIONAL GOALS
(AS RELATED TO COUNCIL STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS)

Revitalization
∗ Provide assistance to managers of apartment communities to deter criminal activity and maintain property appearance through
the Bedford 1 Community Program.

Transformation
∗ Continue to work closely with the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District to provide a daily police presence at the
Gene A. Buinger Career & Technical Education Academy and on both Junior High campuses located within the City.
∗ Continue to foster and develop community ties through programs aimed at reducing crime and encouraging community
involvement with police investigations.

Organizational Excellence
∗ Provide thorough, accurate, and impartial investigations of formal, informal, and internal complaints.
∗ Comply with all State mandated requirements and deadlines regarding the certification and training of all Department personnel.

Communicate & Engage with Citizens
∗ Continue to be a presence and resource of information to all citizens, residents and businesses.
∗ Continue to enhance and promote citizen involvement through the Department's Volunteers in Policing Services (V.I.P.S.) and
Explorers Program.
∗ Create new opportunities for law enforcement personnel to engage citizens in a casual setting.

204