Todd Woodward, Summit Hill’s new chief of police, told a gathering of residents Wednesday night, “My goal is to bring the trust back to the police department.”

About 20 people attended a meet and greet with Woodward in the Hilltop Community Center.

“My priority is to serve the public,” he said.

Woodward spoke to the gathering about the importance of cooperation by the residents and the police. He also said a Citizens Watch Group will be formed and initially he will lead it.

A sign-up sheet for people interested in serving was available.

Woodward said he plans to have an open department, stating he will be placing news releases of important occurrences in the Times News. He also urged residents to call the police department at any time and leave messages if nobody is available to answer the telephone.

Woodward has been a police officer in the borough for 19 years. He was hired as the chief of police in August. He succeeds Joseph Fittos Jr., who retired in September 2020.

He said that during his time as a police officer for nearly two decades, “I’ve seen the good and bad of this town. One thing I do know. We have - by a great majority - good people in this town.”

He said he wants to build a relationship between the police department and the borough of Summit Hill. “The eyes of the community are so important to a police department.”

The chief told the audience members that they shouldn’t put their complaints on Facebook or rely on venting to neighbors. He urged that they call the department, saying, “I want a little different relationship in this town than we’ve had in the past.”

He praised the borough council and other officials for their involvement in the community.

Resident David Hiles said he was pleased the council hired someone who knows the community to fill the chief’s position.

He fielded questions from residents and spoke with many individually after the meeting. Refreshments were served.

There were questions raised about enforcement of the borough’s various ordinances. Council member David Wargo said the ordinances are being updated with passage of the new version anticipated at the Oct. 25 meeting of the council. After that, the entire ordinance book will be placed on the borough’s website where residents can see it for free.

Woodward urged that residents who see problems involving ordinance issues should report them to the police.

There also was a comment raised about speeding by motorists on White Bear Drive.

“I have addressed that with the officers,” Woodward said, adding that other traffic matters have also been reviewed within the police department.

One resident said there had been posts on social media that home invasions have happened recently in the borough. Woodward disputed these claims. He also said if such issues do occur, he will inform the public through releases in the news media.

He said he plans to eventually initiate a Facebook page for the police department.

Although no home invasions have occurred, Woodward urged that residents keep their doors locked when not at home. He also said residents should lock car doors to prevent thefts.