Public Safety: Building Trust, Not Just Enforcement
Public safety is not only about enforcement — it’s about trust, respect, and relationships.
We need to reset the relationship between the police and the community to build that trust.
As a police officer, I know I’m not perfect — I’m human. But I strive to get it right and maintain open dialogue with the people I serve. Public safety starts with accountability and consistent engagement.
Neighborhood Safety Councils in Every Ward
I will create Neighborhood Safety Councils comprising residents, youth leaders, clergy, and community relations officers.
These councils won’t just meet during a crisis — they’ll meet monthly to:
Review local concerns
Help shape safety priorities
Keep lines of communication open between residents and law enforcement
Reviving Community Policing
I will bring back the community policing model, creating healthy and positive opportunities for police to engage with the community.
This also means ensuring public safety teams have the tools they need to do their jobs — and to return home safely.
On December 10th, 2019, during the active shooter incident in Greenville, I was only six months into the job and saw firsthand how officers didn’t have the proper gear.
That must change.
Better Training for Better Outcomes
Officers will receive ongoing training in:
Conflict resolution
Cultural competency
Mental health response
Because sometimes, what’s needed isn’t force — it’s compassion and understanding.
Investing in Opportunity
You can’t arrest your way to a safer city — and with current laws, many offenders are back out the next day.
Instead, we must invest in:
Youth programs and summer jobs for teens
Real mental health crisis teams
Safe spaces for kids outside of school
When people have good options and support, violence goes down.
Transparency & Oversight
Safety isn’t just the absence of crime — it’s the presence of trust.
We must create resources for police to report internal issues without fear of retaliation and have outside agencies, not internal departments, investigate serious complaints.