ROCHESTER — For Rochester Police Chief Michael Assad, community engagement has always been a top priority.

“We’re trying to get out there and just be visible in the community, which is the most important thing,” he said.

The department recently received recognition from the New England Association of Chiefs of Police, winning second place in the 2024 Community Policing category for towns with under 15,000 residents.

“Every [New England] town and city has the opportunity to be part of this organization,” said Assad of the New England Association of Chiefs of Police. “When I took over as Chief of Police, I wanted to make sure that we were part of this great organization.”

Assad has focused on increasing outreach efforts to the Rochester community since being instated in August 2024. During the past year, he formed a community engagement team who focuses on connecting the officers with residents.

“It’s all about bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community that we service,” he said. “We view ourselves as part of the community.”

Residents can now chat and get to know officers at newly established events. Coffee with a Cop commenced in February, which allows citizens to talk with officers while enjoying doughnuts and drinks.

Kids can interact with officers during Books with Badges, where Rochester officers read stories, and during High-Five Friday at Rochester schools.

“Every Friday, our officers are there to greet the kids, high five [and] make a positive impact in their lives,” said Assad.

The department also celebrated their first “Night Out,” where the department hosted K-9 demonstrations and allowed residents to climb into law enforcement vehicles.

Assad and the community engagement team also utilize social media platforms like Facebook to engage a broader audience with humorous posts.

“We try to keep it fun. We try to keep it humorous, because that’s what it’s all about — keeping people engaged [and] using humor,” he said.

The department’s social media presence has “doubled” in followers and likes in the past year, enhancing their presence in Rochester’s virtual community.

Assad also adds that social media helps the team reach out to elderly residents.

“We see them as much as possible at the Council on Aging and have breakfast with them,” he said. “...It’s tough sometimes for our elderly community to get out and see stuff, so we try to keep them informed via social media.”

Rochester’s response to the department’s increased community engagement efforts has been “all positive,” according to Assad.

“The men and women of the Rochester Police Department are making this happen,” he said. “Without them, none of this stuff would have been accomplished. It’s really a team effort.”

He emphasizes that community engagement “shows the human side of law enforcement.”

“It’s just been awesome to hear the feedback from our community who are truly supporting the Rochester Police Department,” he stated.

While the Holden Police Department in Maine won first place this year, Assad jokes that “hopefully we can dethrone them next year.”

“I appreciate the support of the Rochester community and all the surrounding communities. Marion and Mattapoisett, all the surrounding towns [are] awesome,” he said. “...We want to make sure [the Tri-town] is a safe place and a safe area.”