New community policing coordinator in Harrisburg hopes to build trust

(Harrisburg) — The city of Harrisburg has a new team in charge of handling the relationship between police officers and the community they serve. 

Blake Lynch has been named the community policing coordinator for Harrisburg’s Bureau of Police. 

Lynch comes to the job after a stint with the Boys and Girls Club of Harrisburg. He previously served with the city under former Mayor Linda Thompson. 

Lynch says his existing connections will help him build trust between the community and the police department. 

His partner is Corporal Josh Hammer, who spent time in the street crimes unit. 

Lynch says they share a vision for moving forward. 

“Build trust and restore relations to really work on almost rebranding to engage the community a lot more than what we’ve done in the past several years,” Lynch said.

Lynch and Hammer say they believe this is the first time two people are working together in the role. 

They say they hope to create a stronger presence with community groups like neighborhood watches.

Also planned are block parties and meet-and-greet opportunities with officers. For young people, ideas include visiting schools and organizing basketball workshops.

“I think a sense of community starts when you put a face to the name and really getting out there and showing that, we are a part of the community, we’re not just in the cars, we are able to walk the beat and do what we can when we’re able,” Lynch said.

Harrisburg’s former community policing coordinator, David Botero, was removed from the position last year after he was charged with possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

The new community relations team has set up a Facebook page and Twitter handle to communicate. 

Lynch can be reached a 717-255-3018 or balynch@harrisburgpa.gov. Hammer is at 717-255-7326 and jhammer@harrisburgpa.gov.