Robert Helton, the newly-named Chief of Police for Gastonia, is looking for funds to purchase body cameras in order to optimize the relationship between his department and the community.
Helton, currently an assistant chief, will assume his position as Police Chief on October 1. While being interviewed by the local NBC affiliate, Helton said his first initiative would be to improve the relationship between the police and the residents of Gastonia. To this end, if the resources can be found, he would like to see his officers equipped with body cameras.
He emphasized that he did not view the department’s relationship with the community as bad; however, he feels it can always be improved upon. With officers wearing a camera that records everything, Helton feels that the public will view his officers as more approachable and the department as more transparent in its dealings with them.
Helton, who replaces retiring Police Chief Stacy Conley, grew up in Gastonia and lived on the same block as three police officers when he was growing up. He has spent his entire law enforcement career here.
Success is always more likely when a proposal has public backing. Obtaining community support for any project is always made easier when the services of brochure printers are engaged and information can be disseminated in a tangible form.
Location
495 E. Long Avenue
Gastonia, NC 28054
Get Directions →
Phone
Hours
Mon: 8:30 - 5:00
Tue: 8:30 - 5:00
Wed: 8:30 - 5:00
Thu: 8:30 - 5:00
Fri: 8:30 - 4:00
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed