Glasgow police announce new community engagement public information officer
GLASGOW Ky. – The Glasgow Police Department announced Tuesday morning the establishment of a new community engagement and public information officer.
Officer Johnny Vance is a Glasgow native, born and raised, and has extensive experience working as an officer and police chief over the years for several other agencies.
He was hand picked by Glasgow Police Chief Guy Howie for this position.
“Our policing is more effective when we have open communication with the public and we have better partnerships with the public and our schools and our stakeholders,” said Howie.
According to the chief, this position is a new position in the department, but it is not a promotion or a new hire, it is simply a lateral shift in one officer’s focus and duties and fit within the budget already established.
“This gives us an opportunity to have a full time community engagement officer and a PIO. Whereas before we were more reactive instead of being proactive with our community engagement,” said Howie.
The chief said he tries to attend events throughout the year as much as he or other officers can, but now, with an officer dedicated to community engagement, more community interaction can occur.
“I’ll never lie to you. And you know, if we make a mistake, we’re going to own it. You know, we’re not going to sweep anything under the rug. I’m going to tell you, and we will move forward,” said Vance.
As the department’s PIO, he will be the liaison between the police department and the community.
“The chief approached me and said, ‘I want you to do this.’ And I turned him down the first time. And, so, we kept talking and here I am. But, you know, I think it’s a great move. I think every police department of our size needs this, and the community engagement is really important to me. I really look forward to working and trying to build this relationship with our community. The citizens of Glasgow deserves that,” said Vance.
Vance will focus on community outreach, media relations, crime prevention and the timely distribution of accurate public safety information.
