U.S. Attorney, Norwood Police Chief conduct foot patrol

NORWOOD, Mass. — The U.S. Attorney was on foot patrol in Norwood Thursday, seeing what the police department is doing to build better relationships with residents.

After a rash of police relation issues in other parts of the country, the U.S. Department of Justice wanted to declare a week for community policing efforts.

Norwood Chief William Brooks wanted to share what he's been doing for years so he jumped on the phone with the U.S. Attorney for the district of Massachusetts.

"I said, ‘if you want to see some community policing why don't you have the US attorney come walk the beat with me?’ To my surprise they called back and said she would love to,” Brooks told FOX25.

"It hits at the heart of what an officer's job is which is to engage with the community, get to know who they are protecting,” said U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz.

Foot patrols have always been a big part of what the chief does in Norwood. In fact, he said he makes sure he's out here himself at least once a week.

Brooks and Ortiz walked the beat for close to two hours, talking to local shop owners and working through problems.

“The drug problem is unbelievable,” Ortiz said.

“It really is. It's crazy,” said Brooks.

“It's killing more Americans than terrorism,” Ortiz said.

They agreed that the relationships being built are the key to making any street safer.

"I find people will tell you things when they bump into you that they would never call the police about,” said Brooks.

“Protect them, meet their needs and really make them feel safe,” said Ortiz.

Cox Media Group