ACCPD currently engages with our community in a variety of ways and we are always looking to do more. From the day an officer is hired, the training process incorporates a community-oriented policing mindset into every facet of training. Instead of relying purely on reactive policing and arrest tactics, new officers learn to actively engage the community in non-enforcement activities and incorporate the Scan Analyze Respond and Assess (SARA) model of policing to identify and resolve root causes to crime and quality of life problems.
We operate a specialized Community-Oriented Policing Unit dedicated to collaboration with the citizens of Athens-Clarke County to create a secure and safe community, while enhancing the relationship between the community and law enforcement. This unit is responsible for planning a variety of special events to encourage positive interactions between the police and our citizens and visitors such as: the Eggstravaganza Easter Egg Hunt, ACCPD Youth Summer Camp, the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program, National Night Out, Trunk or Treat, Shop with a Cop, Santa Cop, and more.
In 2019, ACCPD implemented its Community Liaison Program to establish and maintain positive and meaningful communication with our community. As part of the program, individual officers are assigned as liaisons with more than 100 groups and organizations within Athens-Clarke County. These groups and organizations represent a diverse set of backgrounds and interests and include: business associations, faith groups, homeowners associations, civic organizations, non-profits, and more.