The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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March 21, 2008

Plan is approved to add officers to police department

Enid Police Department’s plan to add three more patrol officers is a good thing for the city.

Frankly, a community never can have too many officers.

The addition of the new officers was suggested by Fraternal Order of Police and agreed to by City Manager Eric Benson and Police Chief Rick West. Enid City Commission gave its approval Tuesday.

The increase will boost EPD to 69 patrol officers.

According to Capt. Brian O’Rourke, Enid is roughly 70 square miles, with more than 700 miles of streets. That’s a lot of ground to cover. And, it’s not like the department can take a call or two off here or there.

As O’Rourke said: “We’re a full-service organization. If someone calls and wants to talk with an officer, we’re going to send an officer.”

The number of calls for service also has been rising the past two years. Additional officers certainly will help.

We’d also like to see the department start more community policing initiatives, and we’d like to see more community outreach from the department.

Getting out in the community seems like a good way to combat crime. If people see an officer and get to know him, they may be more willing to report things that may be suspicious.

It’s especially good to let kids know police officers are their friends, and not someone to be afraid of.

We know EPD officials will make good use of the new patrol officers.

We hope they do more in the community to make their positive presence known.

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