Centerville's new police chief pushes community policing

In his first month of running the Centerville Police Department, Chief Ronald Rodgers made getting to his know the community and the officers under his command his top priority.

He rode around with each of his officers. He made multiple drop-in visits at Centerville businesses to introduce himself. And he knocked on doors in neighborhoods to say hello.

He said he's just getting started.

For Rodgers, who took command March 2, community policing is a way of life.

"You are liable to see me anywhere in the city during the day, during the night," Rodgers said. "I've driven through the community during the evening hours, got out and talked to citizens, and I'm here. My door is open."

He expects no less from his officers -- now assigned to four zones in the city and who are responsible for getting to know the people in their zones in a similar fashion.

Every officer is expected to contact at least four people every day -- introducing themselves and finding out what they expect and need from police, Rodgers said.

"That contact is knocking on doors and saying, 'Hey, how you doing? I'm Officer XYZ, and I'm working in your zone and if there's anything I can do for you, just let me know,'" Rodgers said. "And I'm looking forward to see how they respond to that."

Officers are expected to fill out a contact card about the visit, and Rodgers said he plans to write a letter to each person contacted.

"That's what this job is all about because when you look at an application, they ask you, 'Why did you choose to come here? Why did you choose to be a police officer?' And that response is 'I enjoy working with people,'" Rodgers said. "I enjoy helping people, so we have to stay focused on that, because that's what we're here for."

Sgt. Brandon Smith, a patrol supervisor, said knocking on doors to introduce himself is something new for him and fellow officers.

"It's been a big learning experience for all of us," Smith said. "He's came in here with a lot of new ideas, a lot of guidance for us. We're moving in a new direction."

At a staff meeting last week, Rodgers talked with officers about a wide range of initiatives, including zoning and community contacts, job evaluations, training, development of a community survey, strategic planning and police certification.

"My goal is within the next two years to have everyone in this office advanced certified," Rodgers told the officers. "I guarantee you that no agency in the state of Georgia can say they have 18-plus officers that are advanced certified, because when you really look at it, there's not that many advanced certified officers in the state of Georgia."

Officers were invited to share their thoughts and volunteer to help with the initiatives. Rodgers said he wants everybody in the agency to have something in the department that they can "have ownership and take part in."

He also shared other plans that taking shape, including sending two officers to public information school. He also has chosen to send Smith to classes to take over training for the department.

In addition, Rodgers is developing his command staff. Capt. Chuck Hadden, who previously served as a detective in investigations, is now over patrol and daily operations. He's second in command. Third in command is Lt. Mike Monford, who was recently promoted and now heads criminal investigations and evidence.

With the approval of the mayor and council, a third command position over administration will be created primarily for court services, records and community policing initiatives such as the agency's police auxiliary program. Rodgers said.

With all the initiatives, one thing is clear. Rodgers desires to involve his community and his officers in shaping the police agency.

"You know, you can build a ship all day to sail, but unless you have the insight of the individuals who are actually going to be on the ship, you're just out there sailing," Rodgers said.

Councilman Micheal Evans said he thinks Rodgers is doing "a great job."

"He's shared with us some good ideas that he has that he wants to implement in our city," Evans said. "He wants to make sure that our police officers are well qualified and well trained to do their jobs, so I'm excited about that."

Mayor John Harley also has been impressed with the new chief. He noted training that Rodgers has lined up that won't cost the city money, grants being applied for such as ones that would pay for bullet-proof vests and ensuring that all the officers have current, up-to-date equipment.

"He has a great eye for detail. ... He seems to grasp it very quickly, because he's that familiar with police and police programs. He's very community orientated," Harley said. "He believes our police officers should be known and seen throughout the community."

Harley said he think the city made "one of the best choices" when selecting a police chief.

"I'm just so pleased with him, and all the council are always praising him," the mayor said.

To contact writer Becky Purser, call 256-9559, or find her on Twitter@becpurser.

This story was originally published April 18, 2016 at 5:14 PM with the headline "Centerville's new police chief pushes community policing ."