Let's Be Friends: Walking a Beat in Old Town

On this lively episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down with Brady Cloven, executive director of Friends of Old Town, and Corporal Rob Sloan, the City of Winchester’s dedicated Old Town walking mall officer. Their conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how visibility, relationships, and everyday interaction help keep downtown safe — and welcoming — for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

From Fairfax to Foot Patrol

After more than three decades in law enforcement, Corporal Sloan brings a wealth of experience to Winchester. He spent 28 years with Fairfax County Police before relocating north to finish his career closer to home.

Although the shift from big-city policing to a small-town walking mall might seem dramatic, Sloan says the transition has been refreshing. Unlike the fast-paced environment of Fairfax, Old Town Winchester allows him to interact with people in positive moments — conversations filled with greetings, gratitude, and genuine connection.

Those daily interactions, he explains, make the job uniquely rewarding.

Why Foot Patrol Makes a Difference

Unlike officers confined to cruisers, Sloan spends his shifts walking — a lot. Averaging 15,000 to 20,000 steps per day, he patrols not only the pedestrian mall but surrounding streets and alleys as well.

That visibility matters.

By walking instead of driving, Sloan builds familiarity. He learns who belongs, who needs help, and how the rhythm of downtown changes throughout the day. More importantly, people learn him — by name, by face, and by trust.

As Brady notes, merchants quickly felt more comfortable once Sloan arrived. Business owners gained a consistent point of contact, and open communication replaced uncertainty.

Community Policing in Action

At the heart of Sloan’s role is community-oriented policing — a philosophy centered on communication rather than enforcement.

Whether speaking with visitors, checking in with business owners, or engaging with the unhoused population, Sloan approaches each interaction with respect and conversation first. His goal isn’t intimidation; it’s understanding.

He believes relationships prevent problems before they start — and when issues do arise, familiarity helps resolve them calmly and efficiently.

Changing Perceptions, One Conversation at a Time

Sloan speaks candidly about misconceptions surrounding law enforcement. Too often, he says, people meet police officers only on their worst days.

The walking mall offers a different opportunity — one where children can wave hello, visitors can ask for directions, and families can see officers as helpers rather than threats.

Janet reflects on how damaging it can be when parents use police as a form of punishment. Sloan agrees wholeheartedly, emphasizing that children should feel safe approaching officers — especially if they ever need help.

On the mall, those everyday positive moments help reshape perceptions across generations.

A Walking Welcome Center

In many ways, Sloan doubles as a roaming ambassador for Winchester.

Tourists frequently stop him to ask where to eat, what museums to visit, or how far away certain landmarks are. Those questions have even inspired him to brush up on Winchester history so he can better serve curious visitors.

While he diplomatically avoids choosing favorite restaurants, he excels at pointing people in the right direction — often beginning with the most important qualifier of all: How much time do you have?

Safety Through Presence, Not Pressure

Much of Sloan’s work operates quietly in the background. His uniformed presence alone acts as a deterrent — a concept rooted in the “broken windows” theory of policing.

Simply being seen reduces problematic behavior before it escalates. From addressing bicycle and scooter concerns on the mall to educating visitors about city ordinances, Sloan emphasizes that enforcement is rarely the first step.

Education comes first. Warnings follow. Enforcement becomes a last resort.

The goal, he explains, is never to ruin someone’s day — it’s to keep everyone safe.

Balancing a Complex Downtown Environment

Old Town Winchester presents unique challenges. The mall functions as a pedestrian space, a residential area, a tourism hub, and — during certain hours — an active roadway.

Add e-bikes, scooters, crowded events, and weekend foot traffic, and safety becomes a delicate balancing act.

Sloan works closely with Friends of Old Town and city partners to address concerns as they arise. Community meetings allow business owners to voice issues, brainstorm solutions, and ensure their concerns move up the chain.

That collaboration builds confidence — and strengthens trust.

Events, Energy, and the Pulse of Downtown

As the conversation continues, Brady outlines an active lineup of upcoming Old Town events, from winter food competitions to February’s packed calendar:

• A sausage gravy cookoff benefiting local organizations
• Chocolate Escape, encouraging shoppers to explore downtown stores
• Spin to Winchester, a fitness-based fundraiser
• Black History Month events, including jazz nights, storytelling, and cultural programming
• Restaurant Week, showcasing the city’s dining scene

For Sloan, attending monthly meetings helps him stay informed — ensuring he’s ready for crowds, questions, and changing traffic patterns.

A Familiar Face Makes All the Difference

As the conversation wraps, one message stands out clearly: people feel safer when they recognize who’s protecting them.

Seeing Corporal Sloan walking the mall — stopping into shops, greeting regulars, and chatting with visitors — brings comfort. It reassures business owners, enhances the visitor experience, and reinforces Old Town’s identity as a welcoming place.

In a space that serves as the heart of Winchester tourism and community life, that calm, consistent presence matters more than most people realize.

An Open Invitation

Sloan closes with a simple request: say hello.

Whether someone recognizes him from the radio, the newspaper, or a casual stroll downtown, he welcomes the interaction. Every handshake, wave, or brief conversation strengthens the community he walks through each day.

Because at the end of the shift — after thousands of steps and countless conversations — his job is about more than safety.

It’s about belonging.