Holly Springs police officers have always made community outreach efforts a priority. Getting to know the people they serve on a personal level is important, so when a crisis happens or they are needed to diffuse a situation, it’s not the first interaction people have with the police.
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ven during the height of the COVID pandemic, when many events were canceled or put on hold, the Holly Springs Police remained active in the community, finding ways to make a difference and build real connections. Despite the challenges of 2020, they never stopped community outreach activities –hosting a document shredding event at the Farmers Market, making stops through town on National Night Out, shopping for Christmas presents with children from families with limited resources, and more.
“COVID curbed community efforts at a time when trust of the police was diminishing,” said Holly Springs Police Captain Mike Patterson. “Now that restrictions are loosening and the number of people allowed at gatherings is increasing, we’re looking forward to bringing back some traditional events in a COVID-safe manner while also holding some unique events we’ve never done before.”
One new event is spearheading National Bike to School/Walk to School activities in town. School resource officers are working with local elementary school administrators and staff to celebrate the event on May 11 as part of the nationwide movement to promote safety and active commuting while building a sense of community and school spirit. Additionally, the police secured a grant from the N.C. Department of Transportation to provide 50 bicycle helmets to children whose families may not have the means to buy them.
Another upcoming event is the Special Olympics North Carolina Torch Run on May 26, which raises awareness about Special Olympics North Carolina athletes. The police are encouraging runners in the community to join them as they carry the torch through town. “It’s been a tough year for Special Olympics athletes because of COVID, which really wreaked havoc on regional and state events,” Patterson said.
Helping community members with yardwork is a new initiative that came about when Patterson dropped off a Christmas card while making a visit as part of the Citizen Well-Check Program for seniors. He noticed overhanging limbs blocking a driveway and realized this was another way to serve the community. In early 2021, when F3 South Wake asked if the group could partner with the police to help in any way, Patterson made the connection and enlisted F3’s help to make the spring yardwork initiative possible. “I just love being out there with the people, interacting and building relationships,” Patterson said.
Community outreach activities are important to Patterson for a number of different reasons. Helping community members by providing safety information and needed resources builds relationships and helps people get to know him and other officers as well as understand their own commitment to following the laws they enforce. “I want to be seen as legitimate, so people know we also follow the rules we expect citizens to follow, that we are procedurally just, which is being fair,” he said.
Other recent police community outreach activities include partnering with the Holly Springs Rotary Club for a blood drive to raise funds for autism support, joining the Holly Springs Food Cupboard and Rotary Club to help deliver meals and resources to families, and partnering with the Holly Springs Fire Department to raise money through softball games for a local non-profit that provides financial assistance for breast cancer treatment. Traditional outreach activities, including Coffee with a Cop, and Operation Medicine Drop, continue to be held.
Between long-standing initiatives, the gradual return of traditional gatherings, and the addition of new activities, you won’t have to look hard to find the police at work doing good for the community. “It’s tough to contain my excitement,” Patterson said.
“Interacting with the community is my favorite part of the job.”
