Letter the the Editor: Suggestions for Norristown's New Police Chief

Dear Council and Search Committee: 

First off, I would like to say congratulations to Mr. Richet for his stellar accomplishment in making the headline as [Norristown's] first African-American Police Chief. I wish you nothing but success in your presence in this position. 

However, with all due respect, as a member of this community, I am feeling short changed in the process in getting to this point. I feel that the council has failed their responsibility to the public by not searching for a replacement a year ago when Chief Bono stated he would be retiring. I feel that you have failed in securing Norristown safety, with no checks and balances within the Police Department since Chief Bono was both Chief and Public Safety Director for over 13 years – that is outlined in the Home Rule Charter. 

I feel the need to remind you all that one of the problem with the 770 Sandy Street by the Keystone Report, was due to not having the right people in the right position because you had the Chief, Public Safety Direct wearing the hat of Municipality Administrator all at the same time until a new Administrator could be hired. Keep in mind that was an unexpected replacement due to an ineffective Administrator, but let not make the same mistake that happen then when making your search.  

Please consider the following when choosing a new police chief:

• The person must not be connected to Montgomery County politics.
• The person must be willing to get to know this community, learning its history and current state.
• The person must be willing to face the brutal facts about poverty, urban living, and issues with youth.
• The person must be willing to get police more visible. If that means driving around getting out of cars so be it.
• The person must be willing to face the facts of the issues with community police relations in Norristown.
• The person must be willing to present truth about the crime in Norristown and not politic the truth for fanfare.
• The person must be willing to work for the people of Norristown no matter what and not for the police department alone. 

The police department receives more money than any other department in municipality. They must be forced to produce accurate data related to crime to the public daily. I thank you in advance for [considering] my suggestions.

Sincerely,

Mary Ellen DiGregorio