After local, county and state officials raised concerns, it appears there will be no police layoffs

Let’s Continue The Dialogue

Dear Residents of Coatesville

I am communicating my views in writing so that you can make up their own minds about our direction without interpretation. I am pleased that my article has started people talking about how to solve the drug problem. Although I disagree with those who believe only the police should get involved, I think it is important that different points of view are heard. I believe that all people of good will want the city to succeed.

The police are and always will be at the center of the combating the drug problem. Unlike other community-based organizations we have the power of arrest and I will use it. There will be no free ride for drug dealers. However, we also have other powers at our disposal, such as the power to mobilize the community around public safety issues. When the police are on the front line, the community must stand right behind them with other resources. The drug problem is a complex issue that requires more than one resource and approach. We must develop a consensus on a unitized strategy. What other agency of government is in a better position than the police to mobilize a coalition of concerned citizens, organizations and institutions around public safety issues.

I can assure the citizens of Coatesville, and the county at large, that I will continue to reach out and develop partnerships. We will also continue to apprehend drug dealers and their leaders because that is a law enforcement responsibility that we all take very seriously. Currently, I am nearing the completion of a reorganization plan designed to maximize our efforts to address the sale of drugs while enhancing public trust and involvement. And, after a careful review of all our alternatives (during this budget crisis) I have offered my views and recommendations to our administration concerning the organizational and public safety impact of reducing the number of police officers. All of us realize that public safety is government’s primary responsibility. “No police officers will be laid off.”

I want our residents, friends and critics to understand that no matter how many police officers we hire, only a unified community working with the police can address the drug culture and divert young people from the drug dealer’s life style. I have visited large and small communities all over the country and witnessed first hand the power of collaborative partnerships that address important public safety issue(s) and solve or resolve them. The city of Coatesville and surrounding areas can achieve this kind of success as well. During the short period I have been here I have met residents who are getting involved and many more who want to. And no matter what critics say, that’s a good thing. “People who do make a difference.”

William H Matthews
Chief of Police