READ: NEHEMIAH 2
But I replied, “The God of Heaven will help us succeed. We, his servants, will start rebuilding this wall. (Verse 20)
Community Policing is based upon bringing officers in closer contact with their communities. Doing this improves the flow of information; builds an enhanced sense of trust and cooperation; and gives officers and citizens ownership over their public safety issues. Placing officers in geographically assigned Beat teams, under the direction of a Sergeant, was the initial step in our community policing implementation process. The teams were provided problem solving training and given access to the resources they needed to function properly in the community policing environment. Additionally, it was recognized that some neighborhoods would benefit by having an increased police presence in the form of a sub-station.
In one of the police districts where I served as Captain, we had an area that sorely needed a sub-station. The neighborhood was plagued with a steep crime rate and had a major problem with illicit drugs. It was home to many poor people from a diverse range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds whose trust of the police was on the lowest end of the spectrum. While the need for a sub-station was evident, the police department did not have the monies available to finance and sustain the project. The future was not promising as the community did not have the political clout necessary to secure grant or economic development monies. Despite the bleak prospects, members of my staff went to work to turn the vision of a sub-station into a reality.
“Mission Impossible soon became “Mission Possible” when the parent company of a locally franchised convenience store stepped into the funding void. They the property, funding and the trailer needed to establish our police outpost. To be sure it was nice to have the police right next to their store, but they also realized the importance of making a stabilizing economic investment in a growing community, one that would provide customers for many years. It was a “grand day” when we raised the American Flag in front of the building indicating we were actively present and ready to serve. It was made possible by God and the dedicated work of many individuals on my staff and in the community.
Nehemiah, one of my favorite Biblical leaders, combined his abilities as a planner, organizer and motivator with rock solid faith in God to accomplish the impossible. Despite all sorts of political opposition and dangers, he led the effort that produced new walls around the city of Jersualem in just 52 days. Additionally, once the walls were done, he led the people in revival; established an effective system of governmental administration; and obeyed God’s command to care for the poor. The city flourished; people once again acknowledged and obeyed God; and the poor were treated with compassion and respect—nothing short of a miracle at this time in history. Nehemiah trusted and totally relied upon God to accomplish his mission—I think a case study worthy of our attention today!
PAUSE FOR REFECTION AND PRAYER
What mission are you being called to today by God—him by your side nothing is impossible.
Dear Father God, stir me to action like Nehemiah to serve and glorify your name.