Newton Police Hope To Forge Connection Through 'Taking Action' Events

NEWTON, MA — Newton police are looking to build a greater connection with residents of the city through a "Serving in the 21st Century — Taking Action" community workshop campaign in March.

Police said they have partnered with Dedication to Community on the 18 workshops designed to "promote trust, transparency and understanding between our police officers and the community we serve."

The free workshops will include "active listening learning and understanding."

Late Capt. William Spalding is credited with forging the workshops. He served Newton for 25 years and last year met with D2C founder M. Quentin Williams about bringing the project to the city.

Spalding secured funding for the project through the Community Policing Development Microgrant and the Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing Services but died shortly after receiving notice of the grant award and that the project was moving forward.

"Our officers are proud to participate in Captain Spalding's honor," Newton police said. "All able NPD officers have been allowed to attend."

Each workshop session is four hours long with refreshments served. Locations will be throughout the city.

Go here to register for a workshop.