LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Lima officials say a combination of community partnerships, proactive policing and new technology is helping drive down crime across the city.
Lima Police Chief Curtis Hile and Mayor Sharetta Smith addressed a large crowd during the city's first Coffee with a Cop event of the summer, highlighting recent reductions in crime and encouraging residents to continue working together to keep neighborhoods safe.
According to city officials, violent crime has decreased 29% and property crime has fallen 26% over the past year.
"These numbers are great. It doesn't happen by accident. It happens by design," Hile said.
Residents attending the event expressed optimism about the city's progress and emphasized the importance of continuing collaboration between the community and law enforcement.
"We need to stand united. I created the stand united with law enforcement, and this is far, far, far better. This is the best," said Mary Gause.
Hile also introduced the department's new Drone First Responders program, made possible through a grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation. Lima Police is one of only nine law enforcement agencies nationwide selected to receive the grant.
"They have the ability to interface with our dispatch equipment. So if we have a particular kind of call that we have programmed into that system, that drone can fly to that scene and provide us live video of what's occurring at that situation before our officers even respond. So as that video comes in or officers are responding, we may need to modify our response so we have a proportional response to the situation that's occurring there," Hile said.
Mayor Smith said while new technology will strengthen public safety efforts, strong relationships among neighbors remain one of the most effective tools in preventing crime.
"The main thing that helps keep our community safe is building relationships with neighbors. And so today we were out here talking with neighbors as our first Coffee with a Cop this summer," Smith said.
City leaders encouraged residents to stay engaged with future community events and continue partnering with law enforcement to help keep Lima safe.
