Community Policing Program

County Sheriff’s Office initiated it’s Community Oriented Policing program in 1996 using the Community Oriented Policing philosophy with the focus of integrating itself once again into the fabric of the community so that the people come to the police for counsel and help before a serious problem arises, not after the fact.

The county is divided into five districts with a Deputy assigned as a Community Officer to the districts on a long-term basis. In cooperation with Amherst, Eaton, New Russia, LaGrange, Penfield and Wellington Townships. Each district has a sub-station centrally located and serve as an office for Community Officers as well as patrol Deputies allowing a place to complete reports on the networked computer system rather than returning to station. These sub-stations also serve as a place to meet with residents regarding complaints, investigations and community programs, allowing officers to work with the citizens and township officials in identifying problems of crime and disorder and search for solutions to these problems. The sub-stations have proven to be a valuable asset.

Partnership Effective community policing has a positive impact on reducing neighborhood crime, helping to reduce fear of crime and enhancing the quality of life in the community. It accomplishes these things by combining the efforts and resources of the police, local government and community members.

Community policing is a collaborative effort between the police and the community that identifies problems of crime and disorder and involves all elements of the community in the search for solutions to these problems. It is founded on close, mutually beneficial ties between police and community members. Community policing offers a way for law enforcement to help re-energize our communities. Developing strong, self-sufficient communities is an essential step in creating an atmosphere in which serious crime will not flourish.

At the center of community policing are three essential and complementary core components: community partnership, problem solving and change management.

Community partnership recognizes the value of bringing the people back into the policing process. All elements of society must pull together as never before if we are to deal effectively with the unacceptable level of crime claiming our neighborhoods.

Problem solving identifies the specific concerns that community members feel are most threatening to their safety and well-being. These areas of concern then become priorities for joint police-community interventions.

Law enforcement has long recognized the need for cooperation with the community it serves. Officers speak to neighborhood groups, participate in business and civic events, consult with social agencies and take part in education programs for school children.

Law enforcement is looking to enhance its tough stance on crime with renewed focus on strategies that help prevent crime, reduce fear of crime and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods. This requires an intimate knowledge of the community.

Policing concepts currently in vogue have tended to isolate officers from the communities they serve which can hamper crime-control efforts. Community policing allows law enforcement to get back to the principles upon which it was founded, to integrate itself once again into the fabric of the community so that the people come to the police for counsel and help before a serious problem arises, not after the fact.

Expanded Policing Goals Crime prevention takes on renewed importance in community policing as the police and the community become partners in addressing problems of disorder and neglect that can breed serious crime. As links between the police and the community are strengthened over time, the partnership is better able to pinpoint and mitigate the underlying causes of crime.

Community Policing Relies on Active Community Involvement Community policing recognizes that community involvement gives new dimension to crime-control activities. While police continue to handle crime fighting and law enforcement responsibilities, the police and community work together to modify conditions that can encourage criminal behavior. The resources available within communities allow for an expanded focus on crime-prevention activities.

Patrol deputies are the primary providers of police services in community policing efforts. They handle the daily policing needs of the community. The entire police organization backs the efforts of the neighborhood officers.

Effective community policing depends on optimizing contact between patrol officers and community members so that the officer develops an intimate knowledge of the day-to-day workings of the community and becomes a familiar figure to community members

All sales are at Caveat Emptor (“let the buyer beware”), and no warranties are expressed or implied. The Sheriff’s Office does not guarantee a clear title to any property. Check the court file located in the office of the Clerk of Courts, First Floor or the Lorain County Justice Center for the title report.

FEDERAL TAX LIENS – These are not erased with the sale of the property. You can check to see if there are any federal tax liens on the property by checking with the County Recorder’s office on the 1st floor of the county administration building. They are located at the corner of Third Street and Middle Avenue.

Community policing does not offer a quick fix. It requires a long-term commitment by police to work with community members to reach mutually agreed-upon goals. Forming lasting partnerships to eradicate the underlying causes of crime will take effort, time and patience on the part of all involved.

Law enforcement is finding that in addition to bringing police closer to the people, community policing offers a myriad of other benefits. Making effective use of the talents and resources available within communities will help extend severely strained police resources. As police interaction with the community becomes more positive, productive partnerships will be formed, leading to greater satisfaction with police services and increased job satisfaction among officers. Reduced levels of crime will allow more police resources to be allocated to services that have the greatest impact on the quality of community life.

The Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Community Officers are recognized by the State of Ohio for their Community Policing excellence.

If you have a NON-EMERGENCY problem or concern that you would like to discuss with your Community Officers, a voice message can be left for Lt. Robert Vansant 440-329-3880. Remember, the voice mail system is for NON-EMERGENCY situations only.