At least two O’Hara police officers will take on new roles as minority liaisons in an effort to boost trust and communication.
Council on July 14 approved the creation of a Police Community Liaison Officer program with the specific goal of engaging ethnic and culturally specific residents to better relations.
“We really want to engage the community and foster extra trust,” manager Julie Jakubec said. “The more people you talk to, the more ideas you get.”
Two officers will be trained initially, according to police Officer Ben Wolfson.
“Depending on how busy we get, we could have more,” he said. “The goal is trying to get the community to talk with us.”
The Community Liaison Program has been implemented in cities across the country, such as Columbus, Ohio, where 20 officers spend time interacting with people at events like National Night Out, festivals and neighborhood watch meetings.
In Austin, Texas, officers spearhead special outreaches for Black, Asian and Hispanic communities, as well as for senior citizens and faith-based groups.
Jakubec said the mission is to foster understanding and free-flowing conversation.
“It’s a way for our police to have a safe environment to gain knowledge of opinions and concerns,” she said.
Jakubec said the officers, once trained, will reach out to the Black Student Union at Fox Chapel Area High School, among other community groups and businesses. She hopes people will reach out to the department as well.
