Whether it's called "community policing" or not, good officers consider public relations when they are doing their jobs. It helps diffuse awkward or tense situations and every little bit helps when the police must necessarily rely on the community as its "eyes and ears." Distrust of the police usually translates into "no snitching."

I offer no comment about the incident in Mass. because I don't know all the facts. It would be nice if the President was as wise as I am.