Yes, we have them here in Pittsburgh. We also have a few "beat cops" who just walk the neighborhood. They stop and chat. Both kinds become both familiar with and familiar to the neighborhoods they are protecting...

I think it is a return to the old days when a policeman was there to keep peace and protect the innocent. It was a personal thing and policeman were valued and respected rather than feared.

But, like the motorcycle cop, they are the exception. Most of them ride around in patrol cars insulated from the people and neighborhoods they are to protect and they never emerge from those cars except to bust some heads and arrest people.

I welcome the shift back to the neighborhood cop.

I think my neighbor would also. He's a policeman and laments that he is considered by many to be the bad guy.