Whitehall’s police department has reinstated a throwback beat on the force, designed to encourage conversation and instill a sense of confidence, safety and security in township neighborhoods.

Police Chief Michael Marks, who has initiated several state-of-the-art advancements in his tenure, said an “experimental” foot patrol was incorporated for the summer. The results of that patrol could determine its future in the department.

Marks said the new beat was started in high-density residential neighborhoods and recreational areas. It was not geared toward specific zones based on crime levels, he added.

Patrolman Matthew Christman, Whitehall High School resource officer, hit the sidewalks at Maryland Circle, Lehigh Valley Apartments, Mickley Run Apartments and other high-density neighborhoods.

“I enjoyed it. It gave me the opportunity to meet the people. At first, some just looked at me,” Christman said, referring to residents who might have been puzzled by his presence.

“The children I met were great,” he added.

Christman said, while on patrol, many residents offered a friendly hello or engaged in conversation.

One of them was Matthew J. Post, a Maryland Circle resident of 13 years. Admitting he was apprehensive at first on seeing Christman walking the streets and talking to residents, Post said he has now gotten to know Christman over the summer and enjoys their conversations.

“It’s good,” Post said of the foot patrol.

Affording a sense of security and safety, residents say they support this novel way to patrol their neighborhoods.