The Community Services section is responsible for a large part of the direct interaction and education development related to community-based programs. This section coordinates and manages more than a dozen programs, and participates in hundreds of community events. Programs are ever-changing to represent the diversity of our community. Because of our dedication to build relationships within the community, we offer a variety of age-specific programs for children, students, young adults, and adults. 

The Community Services Section consists of a Lieutenant, Sergeant, School Resource Officers (SRO’s), D.A.R.E. Officer & Therapy K9 Chloe, Crime Prevention Officer, and Crime Prevention Specialist.

School Resource Officers (SRO’s)

The School Resource Officers interact directly with students, teachers, and administrators on a daily basis. The SRO is responsible for the safety of both students and faculty while also serving as mentors, educators, and counselors when needed. In partnership with Westerville City Schools, our SRO are located at Westerville North and Westerville South High Schools, Blendon Middle School, Walnut Springs Middle School, and Heritage Middle School. 

Additionally, the program has expanded to include Neighborhood SRO's. The Neighborhood SRO position is new to the City and unique within the Community Services section. Unlike more traditional SRO assignments, each of the three Neighborhood SROs will be responsible for supporting the public safety needs of a designated number of elementary schools. They will be responsive to the needs of their schools’ neighborhoods as well, helping to enforce traffic laws, engaging in problem-solving on local issues, and filling middle and high school vacancies as needed.

D.A.R.E. Officer and Therapy K9 Chloe

Our Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) officer is trained to teach life skill-based lessons that concentrate on self-esteem, consequence recognition, and decision making skills. These courses are taught annually at 11 elementary schools.

WPD expanded the K9 program with the adoption of a yellow Labrador named Chloe, WPD’s first K9 therapy officer. Chloe currently works alongside our D.A.R.E officer to help supplement the education of the D.A.R.E. curriculum. Chloe has been trained in a variety of therapy duties to assist the Community Services Section with its events and programs and help give comfort to those in crisis. 

Crime Prevention

The Crime Prevention team is made up of our Crime Prevention Officer and Crime Prevention Specialist. This team is responsible for developing and managing all division-sponsored crime prevention programs including, Self Defense for Women, Citizen’s Police Academy, Cops & Kid’s Day, crime analysis/crime trends, and much more. The Crime Prevention Team also works closely with division volunteers and a number of organizations throughout the City and Central Ohio.

Our Community Services Section strives to uphold WPD’s commitment to community policing in working with the residents, visitors, and businesses to improve public safety. Through our partnerships, education, and outreach, we proactively address safety and crime prevention in our community.

For more information, call (614) 901-6860