CONWAY, SC (WBTW) – People in Conway got quite the surprise on Tuesday evening when Police Chief, Dale Long, knocked on their doors.
Long was sworn in last week and told News13 he would “wear out a pair of shoes” in his first month by going door-to-door and talking to people in the community.
“If people have needs they’re going to be able to come to me and they’ll feel like they have a relationship with me even if they don’t personally meet me because they’ve seen me out in their neighborhoods,” said Long.
He also brought along some Conway Police officers and detectives to ask people if they have concerns about their neighborhood or about the police department.
“I’m glad the chief is out talking with us,” said Alan Rogers, who has lived in Conway for 42 years. “There are some things we need to express to him and hopefully we see some action.” Rogers and his wife, Connie, want to see more participation in the neighborhood watch group and have some concerns about noise in the neighborhood.
“I am aware and am trying to use the resources I have do what I can,” said Long after other neighbors expressed similar concerns.
Long also asked neighbors if their interaction with Conway police officers has been positive.
“I can’t try to fix things if I don’t know they exist,” explained Long. “If you have interactions with us that weren’t good, I need to know to see what’s going on and what I can do to get it right.”
Long plans to cover all parts of the city throughout the next few weeks. After his first evening walking around the city he said, “I had very good, active participation from the people I came in contact with. I met some new people, made some good introductions, not just for me but fellow members of my staff as well. Again, trying to draw them into relationships.”
