Many of the 27 programs that Anderson introduced have renewed community members' faith in the police. Anderson has held open houses throughout the community and instructed officers to patrol on foot rather than in the cruisers.

"I still think the police are on our side," says Tanya J. Quayle, an employee at the Tasty Submarine Shop who has lived in Cambridge all her life. "What happened in L.A. was one incident. They're doing a good job here."

Raul E. Osorio, a clerk at Store 24, is optimistic about the increasing visibility of the police. "It makes more sense than sitting in their car," he says. "They will be able to walk off the donuts, and will be able to chase people better."

Even rookie President Neil L. Rudenstine has jumped on the bandwagon of support for the first-year commissioner.

"We are extremely grateful for all you do to make Cambridge a safe place for everyone," Rudenstine wrote in a May 18 letter.

Not all Cambridge residents are pleased with performance, however.

"I feel more safe since the commissioner came here," says Cambridge resident Barbara Burgos. "But [after Rodney King] I don't trust the police as much as I used to."

Detective William H. Phillips Jr., says community policing has boosted morale in the criminal investigations division.

"We are getting more cooperation and information from citizens," he says. "People are giving more details over the telephone."

Anderson says he is far from finished with his changes. He plans to add updated technology to the patrol cars and continue increasing the visibility of the officers.

"We have to form a partnership with the community," he says. "The department is not up to its full potential yet."

As he leans back in his leather chair, Anderson glances out the window overlooking Western Avenue. The street was once one of the most crime-infested areas in Cambridge. Now, with the advent of "park and walk" policing and a respecting community, the street is relatively safe.

And Anderson clearly realizes his contribution to that change.

"This year we've changed the attitude of the community. We've given them a feeling that they are safer now," Anderson says. "Our progress has been phenomenal and we hope the trend will continue."