Community policing initiatives are being developed nationwide by local governments in an effort to help improve the quality of life in their community.  Community policing is a philosophy of  policing in which the community and local law enforcement collectively decide what local/neighborhood problems are and what resources can be used to address them.  The police interact with the community in helping it recognize and eliminate sources of crime.

Patrolman Richard Couch currently serves as the department’s Community Service Officer (CSO).   Officer Couch primarily works with neighborhood residents/groups and the public schools serving as a link between the residents, police department, service agencies and local government.  He also makes arrests, responds to emergencies, and assists the Patrol and Detective Divisions with calls as necessary.  Foot patrol, a bicycle and a patrol car are used frequently to accomplish these tasks.  

The Community Service Officer is responsible for making numerous public appearances for civic, school and service groups.  Presentation topics include crime prevention, youth/gang violence, and educating the citizens in the concepts of establishing partnerships to improve the quality of life and building of a safe community.

By employing this philosophy of policing, the Community Service Officer has been in the forefront of recognizing and dealing with community social programs before they become criminal.  Staying in touch with the residents on a regular and frequent basis has established a communication base that will continue to contribute to solving future problems and concerns in our community.  Since its inception in May 1994, the Community Service Officer has provided a personalization of police services and has implemented problem-solving techniques in an effort to improve the quality of life for Cape Girardeau.

The Community Service Officer participates in a variety of programs, projects and activities.  The list includes, but is not limited to:

·        Participate/attend meetings and activities for the SALT/Triad Council. Also participate in the planning of inaugural "Senior Tour of Lights."  This event is attended by approximately 120 seniors.

·        Regularly eats lunch at Schultz Middle School, Central Junior High and Central Senior High School.

·         Assists the Patrol Division in any way needed.

·        Conducts follow-up on cases for the Patrol and Detective divisions as assigned.

·        Conducts and coordinates bicycle and vehicle patrol in the southeast area of the City, directing efforts toward specific violations and problems (summer months).

·        Works with Health officers in identifying and eliminating eyesores/nuisance violations in the southeast portion of the City.

·        Assists Narcotic officers with search warrants and works to obtain search warrants on problem residences. 

·        Provides manpower for the Southeast Missouri District Fair, City of Roses Music Festival, parade details and other special events (foot/bicycle patrol) as well as the Jackson Homecomers celebration.

·        Coordinates Neighborhood Watch meetings.

·        Maintains a close relationship with the public school system and the department’s School Resource Officers; occasionally filling in for those officers when they are on vacation or attending training.

·        Responsible for providing presentations to civic groups and organizations such as the Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, the Missouri Agency on Aging as well as private organizations.

·        Works closely with Liquor Control on problematic bars and clubs within the City of Cape Girardeau.