The Russells Point Police Department has been named the August 2023 “Agency of the Month” for their exceptional community policing efforts.
This recognition comes from the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police and the Law Enforcement Foundation’s Community Relations and Engagement Committee as part of the “Sharing Ohio’s Best” program.
The Community Relations and Engagement Committee, established in 2018, aims to highlight the positive work being done by law enforcement agencies across Ohio. They evaluate submissions from various agencies and select one each month that demonstrates creativity and a significant impact on their community.
Under the leadership of Chief Joe Freyhof, the Russells Point Police Department has successfully implemented a range of community programs, fostering a strong bond between law enforcement officers and the residents of the village of Russells Point.
The Russells Point Police Department’s community policing philosophy centers on breaking down social barriers, misconceptions and biases through direct interactions with residents. Officers regularly leave their vehicles to walk through local businesses, apartment complexes, and the local retirement complex, making themselves approachable and accessible to the community.
Chief Freyhof and his team have also prioritized connecting with the younger generation. Officers frequently interact with students at various bus stops, checking in with them and engaging in small talk. They maintain a visible presence during school-hosted community events, such as family game nights and after-school bike rides and walks.
Furthermore, the department has partnered with five area churches to organize quarterly events that encourage community engagement and foster a sense of support and networking among neighbors. These events provide an opportunity for residents to meet law enforcement officers, see police equipment and vehicles, and strengthen the sense of community spirit.
One of their hallmark community events is the annual Community Easter Egg Hunt, where thousands of eggs are scattered throughout the municipal building campus. Local churches and volunteers come together to fill the eggs, and children of all ages participate in the festive hunt, creating a sense of togetherness during the Easter season.
The Trunk or Treat event at the Russells Point municipal building parking lot offers a safe and fun trick-or-treat experience for younger residents. Local churches decorate their vehicles and distribute treats from their trunks, providing a convenient and secure alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating.
The department also hosts a Progressive Christmas Dinner, where local churches contribute to a traditional Christmas meal and share parts of a well-known Christmas story. Families enjoy a hayride through the village to visit each church and conclude the evening with funnel cakes and a family movie at the Russells Point Police Department.
Beyond these flagship events, the Russells Point Police Department is actively involved in several other community outreach programs. Safety Town initiatives focus on dog bite prevention, fire safety and gun safety, while the Passport to Fishing program, in partnership with Ohio Wildlife Officers, encourages outdoor engagement and education among residents.
Additionally, the department organizes events like Giving Back – Community Clean Up Day and actively participates in the Homecoming Parade, further reinforcing their commitment to community service and engagement.
The Russells Point Police Department’s commitment to community policing has not only gained recognition from the Community Relations and Engagement Committee, but has also helped build trust and rapport between law enforcement and the community they serve.
As the August 2023 “Agency of the Month,” the Russells Point Police Department serves as a leading example of how community policing can have a transformative impact on a local community.
