LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The city of Lima is re-launching a community policing program that was first introduced in the early 1990s.
Mayor Sharetta Smith, Police Chief Curtis Hile and representatives from St. Charles announced the return of Community Oriented Policing, also known as COP, to the west side of the city.
Officers who currently patrol and serve that area of Lima will work as a team to increase efforts to build relationships with residents and support positive momentum in the neighborhood. City leaders and law enforcement officials say the pilot program will help prepare them to expand Community Oriented Policing citywide.
Mayor Sharetta Smith said the program is about more than having officers stationed in one location.
“Community Oriented Policing for the Lima Police Department is more than just a substation at a particular location. It is a philosophy and a way that we do police work, and having these substations in the neighborhood is a visual of that we work in partnership with our residents, business owners, and all of our stakeholders in our community to keep us all safe.”
Sgt. Stephen Torres, who oversees the District 3 area of Community Oriented Policing, encouraged residents to reach out when concerns arise.
“One thing that I've learned in this line of work is the severity of things differs from anybody. So whatever you think is a problem, you don't don't hesitate to call up and see what we can do about it to help you.”
Father Kent Kaufman, pastor at St. Charles, said the partnership strengthens ties between police and the community.
“We're more than a building. We're a community of people living in a larger community of people, and so the presence of the police really just is there to serve and protect. And so with this community oriented police substation, we're just drawing closer friendships and closer relationships with with the local police department.”
As part of the initiative, the city will be divided into three precincts. Sgt. Torres said the program will begin with residents calling in concerns and, if necessary, scheduling appointments to meet in person.
Residents can call 419-227-4444 and ask for Sgt. Torres and the COP program. He said he will return calls and work with residents to address their concerns.
