An Ohio law enforcement organization has named Hilliard Division of Police its February Agency of the Month for its community policing projects that aim to bring together law enforcement and the special needs community.
The recognition by the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) is part of the “Sharing Ohio’s Best” program.
Hilliard police is active with the Special Olympics Polar Plunge and Law Enforcement Torch Run, which raise money and awareness for Special Olympics of Ohio. The agency also hosts an Autism Awareness Open House each April and in 2019 hosted its first “Law Enforcement LowDOWN” event with the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio.
In addition to these larger events, officers are often attending various public appearances with members of the special needs community, including leading station tours with the “Life Skills classes” from the local high schools, serving as coaches with the Hilliard Bobcats Special Olympics teams, and attending various talks about safe practices and interactions with law enforcement.
HPD was among the first agencies to be selected for the recognition.
“This is a statewide broadcast that speaks very highly of our organization,” said Chief of Police Robert Fisher. “I’m proud of each of our officers, and the tremendous effort they put forth in serving our community with integrity, commitment, cooperation, and professionalism.”
Launched in 2020, the purpose of the Sharing Ohio’s Best program is to share the community programs that have been effective in a particular community, said Bellefontaine Police Chief Brandon Stanley, who serves as chair of OACP’s Community Relations and Engagement Committee.
“This opportunity was awarded to Hilliard Division of Police for the month of February because of the incredible efforts in this growing community that they have achieved,” Standley said. “We congratulate Chief Fisher and the hardworking members of his agency that have gone above and beyond to provide quality community policing ideas to their citizens.”
