PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A new program to Treasure Island has police officers taking to the streets to help bring officers closer to the people they protect and serve.

Officer Zakariah Dorman, with the department ten years and Officer Daren Chiaputti, a 22-year veteran, take to the streets to check in with business owners and residents.

It's all part of the new Park, Walk and Talk program Chief John Barkley recently initiated.

"It’s just going to open up lines of communication, help with the transparency of our department so they know the officers on a one-on-one basis,” said Chief John Barkley.

The officers are asked to conduct these patrols at least twice a week, giving people a chance to voice concerns, share information and just get to know each other.

"We feel better with these guys walking around," said Joseph Roth, General Manager at Ricky T's. "When they come around and make sure the vagrants aren’t acting up and if something does happen, they’re right there."

The officers are sure to check in with residents.

"Hi, how are you?" asked Officer Dorman to a woman sitting outside. "We’re just walking around and making sure everyone’s alright and you feel comfortable.”

With every conversation the officers hope to create a connection.

"Mainly now it’s establishing those relationships and solidifying them," said Officer Dorman.

No matter the topic, it's all about building trust.

"It’s nice that they’re reaching out thought to the residents and just walking around, yeah I find it comforting," said resident, Kim Driscoll.

The hope is that people will talk about what can help keep the community safe, information not necessarily warranting a 911 call but still a concern.

Officer Chiaputti describes the biggest issue the day we joined for the walk.

"We have a small population of people that don’t have a permanent address so fro time to time they drift onto the property and sometimes that becomes an issue for the businesses here," said Officer Chiaputti. "We try to circumvent that by offering resources and community services because we both are crisis intervention officers.”

Officers also hope the community will feel comfortable sharing tips that could help crack a case.
"Anytime that we have a case that’s ongoing or a possible suspect, then we can go in and we know that we can trust these people and they can trust us, so it’s establishing a baseline of trust,” said Officer Dorman.

Feeling a bit closer to the people of Treasure Island, the officers wrap up another walk.

"I want them to feel safe,” said Officer Dorman.

While Chief Barkley requests two walking patrols per week, he says many officers are exceeding that number.