By Kolby LaMarche

The Burlington Police Department, in partnership with Building Burlington’s Future, has released another officer-narrated ad, this time for the holidays that celebrates the connection between visible policing and a thriving Church Street Marketplace.

In the 60-second spot, posted to BPD’s official Facebook page this morning, Interim Police Chief Shawn Burke spoke about downtown safety, “At the Burlington Police Department, we understand how vital our presence is downtown. We know that our presence inherently makes people feel more safe,” he said.

The video carries a joint logo with Building Burlington’s Future, a local nonprofit, who has previously coordinated cop recruitment ads and done its own paid advertising for the city, as previously covered by BDN. 

“So really what it means to a police officer when we can see a community safe is the Church Street Marketplace. It gives meaning to our work. We are committed to that work. This holiday season, we hope that you’ll be joining us in downtown Burlington,” Chief Burke said. 

The timing is deliberate. Holiday events—including the December 3 tree delivery and lighting that BPD officers helped coordinate—are in partnership with the Church Street Marketplace Commission—drew and will continue to draw thousands to the pedestrian mall. 

Interim Chief Burke has repeatedly stressed that a strong, friendly police presence is essential to keeping those crowds safe and encouraging local shopping.

Readers can watch the video here.