Published May 14. 2021 10:03AM
By LOU WHEELAND
Special to The Press
A news conference was held in Alumnae Hall, Cedar Crest College, March 24 to announce the implementation of a new data driven program to improve community relations in Allentown.
“The City of Allentown, the Allentown Police Department and Cedar Crest College have strong histories of community partnerships,” Mayor Ray O’Connell told those gathered,
The program, the Center for Police Innovation and Community Engagement, will evaluate and support police practices in four areas: police strategy and practice; community outreach; and the transferability of nationally recognized police interventions, O’Connell explained.
The goal of these measures are to enhance the quality of life for Allentown residents.
The program, between the city, the police department and Cedar Crest College seeks to achieve a strong community through collaboration, cooperation and support.
Student internships will be available to develop a more detailed crime analysis.
The three year, $40,000 per year funding has been approved by Allentown City Council and is a budget item.
PRESS PHOTO BY LOU WHEELAND Signatories to the agreement between the City of Allentown, the Allentown Police Department and Cedar Crest College are Chief Glenn Granitz, Jr., Allentown Police Department; Allentown Mayor Ray O'Connell; Dr. Elizabeth Meade, president of Cedar Crest College; Dr. Kerrie Baker, Department of Psychology; Dr. Scott Hoke, Crime Science program director, and Dr. Robert Wilson, provost, all with Cedar Crest College.
Allentown Mayor Ray O'Connell thanked all involved in implementing the cooperative program between the City of Allentown, the Allentown Police Department and Cedar Crest College.
Allentown Police Chief Glenn Granitz, Jr expressed his enthusiasm for the program and its potential impact on community relations.
Robert Wilson, PhD, Crime Science program director with Cedar Crest College discussed the importance of the agreement between Allentown Police Department and Cedar Crest College.
Dr. Elizabeth Meade, president, Cedar Crest College, addressed those gathered at the agreement signing, opening a new phase of cooperation between Cedar Crest College and the Allentown Police Department.
