As tensions remain between police and protesters nationwide, Oswego Police officers are trying to build bridges and stop crime in the community. It starts with the Neighborhood Engagement Team (NET).

“We usually have a task at hand when we get in here,” said Brian Graves, one of the officers on the NET. “If we don’t, what we’ll do is we’ll get the cars ready and hit the neighborhoods.”

From 2:45 p.m. to 10:45 p.m., Graves and Michaela Frost, the other NET officer, patrol the streets of Oswego in their car or on foot.

“We do have some trouble spots, some problem houses that we try to focus on,” said Frost. “Everything going from stopping cars coming from issue houses or getting out in the neighborhood and in the park.”

Mayor Billy Barlow announced the new NET team is permanent on Monday.

This comes after Barlow created the quality-of-life patrols program in the fall.

But Graves and Frost will be responding to more than just noise complaints, code violations and crimes.

“A big part of their job will be that public outreach, building relationships, just creating positive interactions as they encounter them on their walks through neighborhoods and parks,” said Barlow.

“It’s a great way for the community to address us and see us as human beings, regular everyday people,” said Graves. “But, it also allows them to know we’re out there addressing crime issues.”

“We don’t want people to be scared to come to us or hesitate to ask us for help,” said Frost. “We want people to know we are here for you. We do care about you. We don’t want what’s happening elsewhere to happen here.”

Barlow says there will also be 80 hours of foot and bike patrols each month to improve police-community relations.