Police Town Hall Discussed at Meet Mack Monday Meeting

Below is an edited transcript by John Mack, Newtown Township Supervisor, of the July 6, 2020, “Meet Mack Monday” Zoom meeting. The focus of the meeting was police accountability and Town Hall meeting. View the video archive here.

NOTE: The Newtown Township Police Town Hall will take place LIVE on July 23, 2020, at 7 PM at the Municipal Building, 100 Municipal Drive.

Statement by Chief Hearn

"I along with my Board supervisors felt it was important that I meet face to face and reiterate that Newtown Township Police Department is here to "serve and protect" and to reassure our community of our commitment to fairness, respect, and dignity of everyone and to continue to build trust and legitimacy. Although this is not an ideal time to encourage our residents to gather together, we felt the need to reassure our residents. As stated in the press release the number of attendees will be limited to 20 residents on a first come first basis due to COVID-19 restrictions. No reservations, however, additional meetings may occur later if the interest is there. Mask coverings will be required in order for everyone's safety, and in our attempts to get people to freely open up on topics that may be discussed, it will not be televised or recorded."

UPDATE

On Thursday, July 23, 2020, Newtown Township Police Chief John Hearn hosted his first live town hall meeting with residents in the township’s public meeting room. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions and a competing Council Rock School District meeting, only 12-15 residents and 3 Supervisors (Dennis Fisher, David Oxley, and John Mack) attended. Also in attendance was Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub.

Although the attendance was not what was expected, the meeting was very informative and a good first step to further meetings in the community. Prior to the meeting Chief Hearn requested that the meeting NOT be officially recorded or televised so that people will "freely open up on topics that may be discussed." Consequently, this summary is based in large part on the copious notes I made during the meeting.

Read more about the meeting in the August 2020 issue of Newtown News Update.

Transcript

Posted on 13 Jul 2020, 01:15 - Category: Police