By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Fayette Police Department has been actively engaging in community policing initiatives, resulting in a positive impact on the local community.
Police Chief Richard Bingham has expressed a desire to increase community involvement and visibility of officers and has further expressed that the number of calls for service received has shown a notable increase in the past months.
Despite facing challenges with staffing, the department has also diligently sought to address the issue and has succeeded along the way.
To bolster law enforcement efforts, the department has augmented its staffing and implemented strategies to proactively combat criminal activities, leading to an upsurge in drug-related cases and incidents of impaired driving.
Unfortunately for everyone, the increasing retirement of officers across Ohio has presented an ongoing challenge, with recruiting new officers becoming increasingly difficult.
To bridge the gap, the department has been the recipient of generous monetary and equipment donations from local businesses and citizens, which have been proven to be instrumental in meeting essential equipment needs and covering smaller expenses.
In line with their commitment to fostering community relations, the department has initiated a variety of community engagement activities.
Officers, going beyond their patrolling duties, have actively engaged with citizens at various community events, including Coffee and Donuts, DARE, Chili Cook-Off, Fall Fest, Xmas in the Village, an SRO in the schools, Bull Thistle Festivals, and Cones with Cops.
Additionally, being the sole department in Fulton County north of the Ohio Turnpike, the Fayette Police Department stands out by having a School Resource Officer in its schools and by maintaining a full-time Community Resource Officer, further emphasizing the department’s dedication to community-oriented policing.
Efforts to strengthen community relations extend to individualized acts of support and assistance to citizens. Officers have gone above and beyond by providing financial and practical assistance, such as covering the cost of pet spaying or neutering for a citizen and responding effectively to emergency situations, saving lives in the process.
Looking to the future, the department is on track to reach full staffing levels and is poised to make further strides in serving the Fayette community.
With a team of experienced and dedicated officers, the department’s focus remains on participating in community activities and securing grants to obtain necessary equipment for the village.
Moreover, plans are in motion to establish the department’s first Canine Unit, aimed at addressing drug-related issues in the village, with funding efforts centered on drawing support from donations and the local community.
The Fayette Police Department’s commitment to community policing is evident in its proactive engagement, and its efforts have resonated positively within the community. As the department continues to navigate staffing challenges and advance its community-oriented strategies, it remains a vital cornerstone in fostering a safe and supportive environment for the residents of Fayette.
