Guardians of Safety: The Importance of Strong Police for a Strong Community

In every community, safety is a fundamental need that families rely on for peace of mind and quality of life. A strong police force plays a crucial role in upholding this safety, serving as the frontline defense against crime and ensuring that neighborhoods remain secure environments for all residents, especially children.

As a mother and wife of a Soldier, safety and security have always been paramount concerns for me. Seeing firsthand the sacrifices and risks that our armed forces undertake to protect our country has deeply influenced my perspective on the importance of safety and security. It motivated me to get involved in politics, as I believe that ensuring safety and security is key to a thriving community.

A strong police presence can have a direct impact on the well-being of children. Growing up in an environment where law enforcement is visible and proactive in addressing crime can instill a sense of confidence and security in our youth. It also sets a positive example of respect for authority and the rule of law, shaping children into responsible and law-abiding citizens. The Shelby Township Police Department implemented a Community Services Unit. This Unit is at major township events and works to create one on one relationships with our community and engage with social media "humanizing" policing.

An example of my commitment to proactive policing, I voted to support the installation of cameras in strategic locations around the township to aid police in identifying suspects and solving crimes quickly. An example of the use of this system was instrumental in aiding officers in identifying a suspected bank robber in Shelby Township and ultimately locating his whereabouts. While communities across the country slashed police budgets and handcuffed the resources of officers; Shelby Township did not. In fact, our police department has grown in size to 80 officers compared to 60 in 2015. Our statistics clearly show that by implementing and supporting common sense policing we are stronger and thriving.

Trustee Lucia DiCicco Meets Officer Stanley at Riverbends Park

I am proud to serve as a Shelby Township Trustee and look forward to supporting our local police department in their mission to serve and protect. For more information, please visit the Shelby Township Police Department website and learn more about their achievements and goals.