Rofo Police Teach Public Safety in Community

On April 23 at 5 p.m., Officer Tom Godin, along with the housing authority of met residents of the apartment complex to discuss public safety.

The speech and question and answer session took about one hour and about 25 residents were in attendance, learning about the different situations that they should be aware of to notify police.

Godin, a former narcotics and trafficking specialist, is a full-time officer in the borough of Royersford, and has been with the department since 2001. He's a 1999 graduate of Drexel University with a degree in public safety management. He opened by explaining the confines of the borough.

"Royersford is 10 blocks by eight blocks," he said. "We get anywhere from 3,200 to 5,000 calls per year. The borough is one square mile. It's a tight community and we expect our residents to come to us."

Godin reminded the residents of Golden Age Manor that the facility's housing authority is unable to be around at all hours of the night, which is why it's better to be safe, by calling the department, than sorry (by waiting until morning to talk to the housing authority).

The topics discussed were suspicious persons, suspicious activity, when to call police for an emergency, and when to call police in a non-emergency, soliciting, drug-trafficking activities and bank/credit card/identity fraud.

"We're there for you," he stressed. "Don't try to apprehend, speak with or engage in any sort of contact with suspicious people. They could have weapons. Call us. Let's be safe, rather than sorry."

Many of the residents voiced concerns with odd phone calls, unusual noises and the various frauds and scams that are happening over the phone. Godin was confident after the meeting that the residents got something out of his presentation.

"I think the residents here feel comfortable," he said. "We took a big step. A lot of times, they call the housing authority, but they can't be there at all hours. So, now they know when to call. I think the program was really helpful and look forward to coming through again if they need another group."

Godin is hopeful that he can continue his presentations around the borough.

"I want to try to get over to the Freedom House over there and start with those facilities, and I'd like to reach out now that I have an outlet to organizations within the borough of Royersford that want us to come out and talk to them," he said.

Overall, he encourages more organizations to reach out to the department to set something up.

"I think we had a positive response today at this first meeting," he said. "I think we did really well and I think this community really took something from it. So, I'd like to offer it to organizations within the borough to reach out to us to 610-948-3305 number. I'll gladly set it up."