Police Chief to Host Meetings With Community

By MADDY VITALE Ocean City Police Chief Jay Prettyman knows it takes more than just good officers to serve the town. It also takes the support of the community. That is why he recently sent out a letter to a cross section of groups and organizations seeking to form a Community Advisory Committee. He wants to hear from people in various groups what their specific needs and concerns are, so that he and his department may better serve the community, Prettyman said in an interview. In a letter Prettyman emailed to the groups, he said, “As I continue to do my best to address our community’s needs, I have decided to create a Community Advisory Committee.” His goal, he said, is to “meet with this committee weekly or at least bi-weekly to discuss police operations, citywide culture, and our community’s needs.” The letter went out to citywide organizations that represent various interests and missions. Boardwalk merchants could discuss their specific needs at the meetings. Specifically, it was sent to schools, real estate offices, downtown and Boardwalk merchants, religious and philanthropic entities, veterans' agencies, restaurants, animal organizations and the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce. Prettyman explained in the letter why he thinks it is necessary to hold the meetings. “I believe that a continued dialogue with our citywide stakeholders will give our department the best opportunity to succeed,” he said. Prettyman noted that he has received good feedback about his request and hopes to begin the meetings as early as Thursday, May 27. “One time a week (or bi-weekly) the restaurant association, VFW, American Legion, schools and other organizations could meet with us and we can have a dialogue about their needs,” he said in the interview. American Legion Post 524 members will be able to discuss their needs with police. In his letter, Prettyman detailed many changes in society that make it vital to have discussions with entities in the community. “With so many cultural changes within our society, a seemingly polarized political system, dramatic changes within our criminal justice system, and an increased population in our town, delivering police services to the residents and visitors of Ocean City has never been more challenging,” he said. Prettyman continued, “In doing so, I must constantly ask myself, ‘What police services does our community need?’  In years past, the answer to that question was mostly clear. In this ever changing environment, the answer has become less prevalent.” The chief explained in the letter that he hoped people would join in his new endeavor to create an even better relationship between the department and the community. He ended the letter by saying, “I am looking forward to this initiative and really do believe the dialogue will lead to better things in Ocean City.” Religious entities will be a part of the community meetings.