Get to know Northfield Police with Community Roll Call series — 2 events remain

The Northfield Police Department is stepping it up this summer to connect with the community.

The department’s new initiative, Community Roll Call, works to form a friendly relationship between community members and police officers. Through a five-event series of interactive presentations, both children and adults can learn more about the police department.

Police Chief Michael Hutensky said community members may recognize officers from driving around town but may not know them personally. This opportunity has allowed him and other officers to better know individuals in the community.

“The officers have enjoyed it, I’ve enjoyed it,” Hutensky said. “A lot of times when we’re having contact with people, even if it’s at a larger village event, the officers are busy kind of monitoring things and kind of multitasking. This is a great way for us to just kind of slow down and focus on engaging with people.”

Each event showcases a different topic: police gear, bike safety, drones, crime prevention and forensics. Following a presentation, community members can participate in a related activity, such as trying on police vests and performing a fingerprint lab.

Two events remain: Crime Prevention Workshop at 6 p.m. July 12, at Happ Road Park; and Junior CSI: Fingerprint Lab at 6 p.m. Aug. 9 at Meadow Park.

During the the most recent Community Roll Call on June 14 at Sunset Ridge School, Northfield police officers showed off drone technology.

Northfield resident Dan Brasch and his two children were walking around Sunset Ridge, when they stumbled upon the event.

Brasch said the event had opportunities for children to get involved. The officers had his son and the other kids run into the field to show off how their drones follow along with movement.

Aside from the activity, Brasch observed a community among the officers.

“We saw that there was a camaraderie among the police department, which is reassuring,” Brasch said. “It’s nice to know that (we have) a collective group of officers who truly care for each other and want to be a part of keeping our city safe.”

Participants are encouraged to chat with officers and ask questions afterward. Hutensky said he gets the most amount of questions about traffic issues and roadwork around town.

He said he plans to continue the series next summer.

“It’s something that’s really important to us to have kids be comfortable around us, and to know that we’re approachable, they can come talk to us and that we’re here for them to keep them safe,” Hutensky said. “We’ve always had a great, great relationship with kids in town.”

The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

Become a member of The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.

Already a member? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.