Council President Andrew Ginther and Police Announce New Community Outreach Initiative
For Immediate Release
February 26, 2015
For More Information:
John Ivanic, City Council, 645-6798
Columbus
City Council President Andrew J. Ginther and Columbus Police Chief Kimberly
Jacobs, joined by Columbus City Councilmember Zach Klein and Fraternal Order of
Police Local 9 President Jason
Pappas, announced a new community outreach initiative intended to strengthen
relations between the Columbus Division of Police and the African-American, New
American and LGBT communities.
The three Diversity and Inclusion Liaison Officers will, in
addition to their regularly assigned duties, proactively establish and maintain positive
relationships between the Division of Police and specific constituencies by utilizing
existing police and community resources to foster a greater sense of trust and
communication between the division and residents.
“I am proud of the Division of Police
and their continuing effort to improve relationships with constituencies that
have unique public safety concerns,” said Council President Ginther. “Chief
Jacobs and her leadership team are already in our neighborhoods holding a
series of community meetings, listening to residents, trying to find ways to
improve policing in our community. These Diversity and Inclusion Liaison
officers underscore Columbus’ commitment to being the most open and inclusive
city possible.”
The full-time officers will report
directly to the Chief of Police, and will serve as a direct point of contact
for identified constituencies. The officers will coordinate outreach efforts
with existing Community Liaison Officers working in Columbus neighborhoods, work
cooperatively with the Community Relations Commission, and as directed,
participate in hate crime prevention, crisis intervention, and similar
constituency-based public safety efforts.
“Trust and an open line of
communication between officers and residents is critical to effective
policing,” said Chief Jacobs. “These newly assigned officers will be a direct
point of contact with Columbus Police and Columbus neighborhoods.”
At the news
conference discussing the new liaison officers, Council President Ginther also
announced a commitment to invest an additional $250,000 for new and replacement
Tasers, Taser cartridges, holsters and accessories for Columbus officers. The
investment will ensure that more officers have a less-lethal option at their
disposal when reacting to escalating safety situations where use of force is
required.
“Our officers appreciate in the
investment in the tools that help them be more effective law enforcement
personnel,” said Jason Pappas, President of the Fraternal Order of Police Local
9. “Tasers are important pieces of
equipment that protect those in uniform and the public.”
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