Exciting news! This month, Starfish is featured in The United States Department of Justice's Community Policing Dispatch newsletter! This article highlights our ongoing efforts to enhance community well-being through partnerships that bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community.
Starfish Board Member and Columbus Division of Police Deputy Chief Tim Myers spoke to the heart of our mission: “Community-oriented policing—done well—isn’t a program, it’s an ethos. Agencies can support community policing through training and policy, but the true work of community policing occurs in the daily interactions of officers with their neighbors. The partnership between [Columbus Police and Starfish] has always recognized this.”
The article explores some of our key initiatives, such as Books & Badges, where officers engage with children, reading to them and gifting books. Our AEP Ohio winter coat drive has provided over 2,375 coats to children in need. Our door security bar program has enabled officers to give more than 1,000 door security bars directly to crime victims at the scene, helping them swiftly secure their premises after an incident. These initiatives not only meet immediate community needs but also build trust and create meaningful connections.
We are immensely grateful for your support and the dedication of the many law enforcement officers who help make our programs successful. Thank you for helping us make a difference, one starfish at a time.