Community policing by design in Palmer

PALMER – It is a mission that continues to take shape. Palmer Chief of Police John Zaidle said the police department in Palmer is ever evolving and “taking shape each and every day.”

Zaidle said the Palmer Police Department’s first order of business every day in fact, is to connect with the public through human contact as much as possible.

“This allows us to find out what matters most to those we are serving. When we know what matters the most and work with the public to address it, we get the consent of the public and that allows us to be more efficient and effective.”

Located about 30 miles South of Dallas off Interstate 45, the small town of Palmer is close enough to Dallas for easy accessibility yet far enough away to provide a more relaxed living atmosphere away from the noise and high crime of a big city.

Zaidle said it makes for a good environment more community policing since overall the City of Palmer provides a sense of security, safety and a pleasant atmosphere to raise a family.

“We keep our ears and our minds open to the public,” the police chief said, “We enjoy interacting with the Palmer ISD and assisting kids to find successful carrier paths too.”

It is a family at the local Palmer PD, both the police department and those resident’s being served. Over the holidays the department surprised needy families with items for Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas gifts, or just with gifts that might brighten a resident’s day.

Zaidle said residents can stop by the Police Department and get to know him and his officers anytime at the W. Jefferson location.

He is always happy to hear suggestions.

“By the end of each day, we hope that at least one person looks at us as the police guardian that was there for them when it mattered most,” Zaidle concluded.

“That is who the Palmer Police Department is and the good things we have going on every day.”