PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Portsmouth Police discovered a body on Monday in a burning dumpster behind a church on Pepperwood Court. So, at Thursday's community R.E.S.E.T. walk, officers conducted wellness checks, offered counseling, and addressed community concerns.
Spokesperson for the Portsmouth Police Department, Elexcia Washington, said R.E.S.E.T. walks are healthy responses to the community experiencing tragedy and traumatic events.
"The purpose of the R.E.S.E.T. walk is to reach out to community members and to bring them resources, and to let them know what's going on in the city. Anytime that we can make contact with a citizen or a resident of Portsmouth and provide them a resource, that's a success," said Washington.
The dumpster the body had been found in was located in the parking lot of the Bethel Worship Center on Pepperwood Court. Bethel Worship Center's pastor, Herman Dixon, took part in the R.E.S.E.T. walk as well.
"I felt like it was important, because I do feel like spiritual leadership and physical leadership, they need to actually combine to make sure that people have what they need," said Pastor Dixon. "That's one of the things our congregation is about: giving back to the community and making sure that the community heals."
R.E.S.E.T walks are events Portsmouth police officers hold after neighborhood violence or other crimes to reassure communities. On Thursday, officers and community members walked the neighborhood, knocking on doors and conducting wellness checks.
"It just shows that the police department and police officers, that we care," said Washington. "The community and the police department works together to create a safer community. If you see something, if you know something, don't hesitate to contact the police department. We need to work together in order to make Portsmouth the best that it can be."
Elexcia Washington confirmed to 13News Now that the identification of the body found, along with the cause of death, are still unconfirmed.