Canton Police Department has selected Sergeant Debra Newsome as the new Community Relations Coordinator for the department. Newsome was hired onto the department in 1991 as a patrol officer. Since then, she has been involved with several special units including bicycle patrol, evidence technician, DARE, department instructor and detective bureau. Newsome was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2001.

The Community Relations Coordinator position serves two purposes for the department. The sergeant studies crime data for patterns and trends, providing information to help direct patrol activities to specifically target problem areas. The position is also responsible for public crime prevention education and awareness. This is accomplished through working with community groups such as the senior citizens, homeowners associations and local businesses. The sergeant will utilize a variety of methods of communication to reach the public such as cable television, police website, public speaking and seminars.

"As community relations coordinator I look forward to working with the senior citizens in Canton. I have always had a passion to stop crimes against children and the elderly as they are usually the most vulnerable," Newsome states. "I am also planning to draw on my investigative experience gained in the detective bureau to continue with the crime analysis program currently underway in the department," Newsome adds.

Newsome is replacing Sergeant Scott Hilden who has held the position for the past few years. Hilden will return to road patrol as a shift supervisor.

For more information on crime prevention education you can contact Sgt. Deb Newsome at 734/394-5424 or by email to dnewsome@canton-mi.org.