Camden County officer sits down with President Obama

CAMDEN (WPVI) -- It's a rare opportunity, a sit down conversation with the President of the United States.

Officer Virginia Matias with the Camden County Police Department had that chance and took full advantage.

"I'm happy to have the privilege of him inviting us there because he wants our say in it," Matias said.

Matias was one of six rank and file everyday officers invited to talk with President Obama and Vice President Biden and discuss how communities and law enforcement can work together to build trust to ensure public safety.

The president called the one hour meeting, staying the course with his task force on 21st century policing.

The president wanted to hear from departments where community policing is working.

Homicides are down 50% in Camden over the last two years, as are shootings. Violent crimes are down 25%.

Officer Matias explained to the president how Camden County Police are achieving that.

"We're walking the community. They're seeing our faces. We're out of the patrol car. We're knocking on doors. We're saying, 'Hey, I'm Officer Matias. What can I do for you today?" Matias said.

Matias is home grown right in Camden.

She always knew she wanted to be a police officer, but when her uncle was killed in a robbery, she knew without a doubt she wanted to be a part of the change and that is what she shared with President Obama today

"I told him it's working in my community; I see the difference. Growing up in Camden, I wasn't allowed to play outside; it was too dangerous, my mother would say. Now, this past summer I had the privilege of seeing children playing outside that I never saw before because they feel safe," Matias said.