Louisville Police Department has released an app called Bridge the Gap in an effort to enhance its community policing efforts. According to LPD Community Liaison Officer Patricia Whitcomb, the department has begun displaying fliers in businesses which feature a QR code, that when scanned will open the app.
The app will lead the users through a survey in which they will answer a series of questions about their communities, the Louisville Police Department, and the officers.
Questions include, but are not limited to:
• Do you feel safe in your neighborhood?
• Do you fear becoming a victim?
• Do you have a security system?
• How good is the lighting in your neighborhood?
• Do you know how to request a meeting with a police officer?
• Do you know the police officers who are on patrol?
• Do you have confidence that a police officer knows how to help you?
Whitcomb said they will begin conducting door-to-door efforts with the fliers, asking residents to download the app. She added that she is hoping to utilize community leaders in the door-to-door outreach, as well. And it should be noted, the survey is anonymous.
Whitcomb will receive the collected data in the form of a chart, which will be delivered to LPD Chief Sean Holdiness and Assistant Chief Ed Hunt, who will then meet with Mayor Will Hill. They will analyze the data to determine if there are any areas of concern and develop a plan on how to best address those problems.
"The City of Louisville is committed to public safety. The goal of community policing is to bridge the gap with communication and resources to enhance public safety and our overall quality of life for our city. By empowering all citizens to speak up and speak out, we can better identify issues and focus on areas that may need improvement,” said Hill.
He continued, "The community needs and expects law enforcement at all times; however, law enforcement desires the support from the community. By working together, we can achieve greatness. It is my desire to see this effort become effectual and generational change in our city. Please join me in supporting this effort to bridge the gap and build a better tomorrow."
