Community Policing Programs

Community Policing is a philosophy of policing intended to reduce crime and the fear of crime. It improves the quality of life by encouraging a partnership between the police and the citizens of a community to develop a cohesive effort to solve problems creatively. Community policing strives to involve citizens for their input, information and assistance, leading to greater understanding and cooperation.

The Webster Police Department has embraced the concept of Community Policing and we are proud of the many diverse and successful programs that have grown and expanded throughout Webster.

Among our Community Policing Programs are our Hoops for Hope summer basketball program. This program runs on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 11P.M. to 1A.M through the summer months. The main concept of the program is to break down barriers that exist between youth and the police. It is an opportunity for all involved parties to interact and bond. The program provides teenagers with a safe environment in which to hang out and play basketball together and with police officers. The program is held at the Webster/Dudley Boys & Girls Club at no cost to the teens.

Each summer, the department also holds a Junior Police Academy. The program was developed and instructed by Webster Police Officers. Teenagers, interested in law enforcement, can take part in the program. The week long academy provides the youths with an inside look at law enforcement on a local level. Complete with courses on law, patrol procedures, drill and ceremony as well as physical fitness, the program has been a huge success. The youths are also provided the opportunity to participate in the police ride-along program.

Additionally, several summers, the Webster Police Department coordinated trips for Webster youths to attend Worcester Tornadoes or Pawtucket Red Sox games, again at no cost to the youths.

Two additional programs have been held periodically in the past. Club Web, dances held for teenagers at the AJ Sitkowski school gymnasium, complete with a disc jockey, popcorn, pizza and soda, was quite successful as it entertained teenagers fourteen years of age and older, again at no cost to the teens. Movie Night under the direction of Dan Marcoux from The Party Planner brought many resident out to the town hall where movies were shown on the Town Common.

Each year, the Webster Police Department also sponsors and helps to coordinate the National Night Out program and Winter Wonderland, both held at Memorial Beach. An annual Toys for Tots Christmas toy drive is also coordinated by the Department.

All of these programs are held and funded at no cost to the Town of Webster. Programs are funded by three sources: community policing grants, fundraising events such as "Big Time Wrestling" held at the Webster Town Hall, and most importantly by the generous donations made by the businesses and residents of the Town of Webster.