CHESTERTOWN — Police Chief Ron Dixon has extended an open invitation to Chestertown residents to discuss their concerns about crime in the area and share ideas on how to make the community safer.
What Dixon is calling a “community conversation” is set for Thursday, June 5 in town hall, 118 N. Cross St., beginning at 6 p.m.
Lt. Steve Linz of the Chestertown Police Department also will be there, as well as Kent County Sheriff Dennis Hickman.
Kent County State’s Attorney Bryan DiGregory also has been invited to attend.
“The last few months have been ‘a lot,’ and not something that is usual for Chestertown,” Dixon told The Evening Enterprise in a telephone interview Monday.
He was referencing the recent rash of crimes that include a violent assault in the 300-block of Cannon Street in mid-April, numerous vehicle break-ins over Memorial Day weekend and an alleged handgun incident involving a juvenile last month.
The community conversation is not meant to be a “rehash” of the recent crime spree, Dixon said.
“We want to acknowledge that we’re aware of what’s going on and working really hard in our investigations,” he said.
“We want people to feel safe … because perception is reality,” Dixon told The Evening Enterprise. “We want to be able to give the public a greater sense of security.”
The event will be structured as a discussion, and will last no longer than two hours, according to the police chief.
The only hard and fast rule, Dixon said, is that it not be turned into a “bash session.”
“I welcome constructive criticism,” he said.
Dixon reminds the public there are “common sense” steps they can take to lessen their chances of being victimized. These include making sure that all doors and windows are locked, and that valuables are not left in “obvious view.” Also, walk in well-lit areas and stay near the curb, away from alleys, entryways and bushes where someone could be hiding.