As the transition continues, Cahoon asks that the public be patient. Now that we've filled the moat around the station and people are actually allowed in the building, it's going to take a little time. The Chief's Advisory Board Another component for assessing how the department is doing is the creation of a citizen's advisory panel, made up of 11 residents from across town. One of the purposes of the committee is to keep the chief grounded in the concerns of the community. It's also a way to reduce the isolation that can come with the position.
Isolation is what the department is out to avoid as it heads toward village-based policing.
Officers are encouraged to get out of their cruisers at least once a shift to walk the beat for a while and be seen. Board members decided not to have a formal structure, opting for a more roundtable approach. It is believed that this will not stifle the ideas or discussions that take place. Advisory board member John Reed of Hyannis, known for his work with the town's youth, said that it's about time something like the advisory board happened. He is optimistic about the opportunity to meet directly with the chief and the senior administration, but also about the make up of the committee.