CRESTVIEW — Tonight, Crestview Police Chief Tony Taylor made several promises that coincide with what he called the department's "cultural and physical transformation."
"No longer will the Crestview Police Department serve our community in word only," he said.
"No longer will a physical barrier exist between the police department and the community…
"No longer will we close our doors at 5 o'clock every evening and on weekends."
"No longer will you feel isolated from your police department."
Those vows follow the Whitehurst Municipal Building's renovation. The Stillwell Boulevard facility now has a secure records storage room and dispatch functions, which make round-the-clock access possible.
A physical barrier literally separated the community from police, with residents talking through a PA system or phone line to dispatch at their former PJ Adams Parkway location, Lt. Don Fountain said.
Now, residents can open a never-locked door to access communications officers protected with bullet-proof glass.
"We're at a stepping stone in the Crestview Police Department," Assistant Chief Rick Brown said. "We have become an elite department in the county."
Round-the-clock access, along with improved police training and coverage, contribute to that superior status, he said.
In addition, Taylor unveiled the CPD's new mission statement.
"The mission of the Crestview Police Department is to provide the community with the highest quality of life possible through enhanced professional law enforcement services," he said.
The department will "proactively and responsibly strive to protect our citizens from crime through effective and efficient delivery of services and through partnership with the members of the community working toward our common goals and objectives," Taylor said.
The CPD is "firmly committed, without prejudice, to protecting the lives and liberty" of residents, Taylor said.
All this change was necessary after corruption and scandal rocked the CPD.
"Over the past few years, we came through some very difficult times," Mayor David Cadle said, referring to scandal under former Chief Brian Mitchell.
Taylor dismissed seven officers since he took over, and six more resigned while under investigation. In addition, he implemented thorough background checks that purportedly exceed Florida Department of Law Enforcement standards.
Cadle said he knows some people sympathize with fired police officers, and even support some of their actions.
But he also made a promise.
"Those individuals who brought disgrace on this department will never again influence any decision regarding the Crestview Police Department," he said.
News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CPD's 24-7 access part of 'cultural, physical transformation'