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Focusing on communication technology could help the Altoona Police Department bridge the gap between today's youth and understanding the role of law enforcement in the community, a police spokesman said.
On Dec. 15, Altoona police Sgt. Matt Plummer replaced Sgt. Tom Venios as the department's lead on public relations and special events, and Plummer said he would like to use the position to explore social media options for future APD communications.
"We're public servants, and the public has a right to know how we conduct our business," Plummer said. "We've used Facebook for a while now, but I would like to explore other platforms as a way to reach kids and show them we are more than what they see on TV."
In recent years, law enforcement personnel across the country have seen a decline in public support, especially among the younger generations, he said.
"In many instances, the first time a child interacts with us is when we are making an arrest," Plummer said. "So, it skews their view of policing, and tends to put us in a negative light."
While Blair County's predominantly conservative demographics are somewhat insulated from the negative perception surrounding police nationwide, Plummer plans to bolster community relations by keeping the public informed about his department's efforts to engage in community policing, he said.
In addition to public relations, Plummer said he would be in charge of the department's training programs as well as organizing and facilitating security for special events, such as parades and concerts or open markets downtown.
A U.S. Army veteran with about 14 years of experience in law enforcement, Plummer started with the APD about 12 years ago as a patrolman.
"On patrols, you're out on the street responding to 911 calls," Plummer said. "Sometimes you have the opportunity to be proactive, but when staffing is low, you focus on responding to the emergencies."
In 2016, Plummer was assigned to the APD's narcotics division, and was promoted to corporal before returning to patrol about a year later.
Another promotion to sergeant swiftly followed in 2018, and he was assigned as an APD tour commander in 2019, which put him in charge of the patrol officers on his shift.
"I volunteered to do public relations as a tour commander, because I believe communication is important now more than ever," Plummer said. "In this role, I can prioritize communications and ensure we're doing everything we can to earn the public's trust."
Mirror Staff Writer Ike Fredregill is at 814-946-7458.