MANSFIELD, Ohio — The Mansfield Police Department (MPD) officially kicked off their revitalized Community Policing Unit (CPU) on Thursday, after a period of just two officers.
MPD officers, Chief Ken Coontz and Mayor Tim Theaker met under the North Lake Park pavilion to make the announcement.
“These officers’ jobs are to help improve community relations and basically improve the quality of life throughout this entire city,” said Coontz.
“I’m very proud that these two, and three and four individuals came up with ideas that are very excellent in trying to get a community and the police department involved, so that there is that understanding and knowledge and camaraderie between everybody,” said Theaker. “When young people see things happening they can stop a police officer and ask for help.”
Thanks to the Northern Ohio Violent Crimes Consortium grant the MPD received earlier this year, CPU Officer Paul Lumadue said the department was able to increase CPU officers to four, with one additional officer, Ron Barnes, pending.
“[Because of budget cuts,] years ago we had around 16 officers, then we cut down to 11, then we were down to 4, and the last eight years we’ve had two [CPU officers],” said Lumadue.
Additionally, 12 officers within the department have volunteered to patrol on bicycles. Lumadue is hopeful that the department will acquire eight new bikes through a grant from a local agency.
MPD School Resource Officer Mark Perry attended the kick-off on Thursday. He believes the Community Policing Unit will help mend the negative perception of police officers.
“We’re here to protect you. We don’t want to hurt anybody. But [youth] don’t hear that maybe at home or on the streets. I think with all the national media, I think there’s a very negative image of policeman that we’re violent. That’s not the case,” said Perry.
In partnership with the Mansfield Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, the MPD along with the CPU will be in attendance at the Bike-A-Palooza and Family Fest on July 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will take place at North Lake Park. The public is encouraged to bring their bicycles for bike rides with CPU officers.
“We’re here to protect you. We don’t want to hurt anybody…I think there’s a very negative image of policeman that we’re violent. That’s not the case,” said MPD School Resource Officer Mark Perry.
