New Hope Police Chief Makes Communication, Diversifying the Force Top Priorities
Public outreach and engagement is going to be a theme in the New Hope Police Department under new Chief Tim Hoyt.
“Nine times out of 10 we just want to come in and mediate and help you get through the problem that you’re going through,” said Hoyt.
Hoyt has a 25 year career in law enforcement and has been with New Hope Police for the last 14 years. He plans to make community engagement a cornerstone of the department.
“Change is good. We need to listen to the public. We need to get out there and speak with the public. And we need to speak with all ages of the citizens and ask them what can we do better,” said Hoyt.
Hoyt acknowledges that society has changed and being in law enforcement now is different from when he first started. He knows that the key to breaking down barriers is communication.
“I think our culture is going to shift a little bit. Everybody has told me there has to be these mass changes in law enforcement. Yes there are some things that I think that need to be changed. But I think there has to be a lot positive community contacts between our officers and the residents,” said Hoyt.
Another of the new chief’s goals is to further diversify the force.
“I’m looking for men and women that will mirror our community,” said Hoyt.
New Hope Police Chief Tim Hoyt
Right now staffing is his biggest concern. Hoyt has a vision that sees a much greater collaboration between city departments and residents to solve problems for a better New Hope.
“I’m an optimist. I like to think that we’re going up,” said Hoyt.
