Rep. Sykes Announces Nearly $1.3 Million to Support Court and Crime Reduction Programs
AKRON, OH – U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded nearly $1.3 million for two programs in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. The Summit County Valor Court will receive $998,998.00 to expand court services and the Village of Lakemore will receive $300,000 for its Rural and Small Department Violent Crime Reduction Program.
“I secured this funding to help decrease crime in our communities and improve our court systems. Every American deserves to feel safe in their community, and this funding will be used to ensure our law enforcement and courts are meeting the individualized needs of community members,” said Rep. Sykes.
Summit County Valor Court, certified by the Ohio Supreme Court, is a specialized docket of the Summit County Court of Common Pleas. It is a veteran’s treatment court serving veterans involved in the adult criminal justice system in Summit County, 94% of whom struggle with substance abuse. This project will expand and enhance court services by enabling the court to increase weekend urine drug screening, military-specific training for staff, and expanded educational outreach.
“We are so grateful to have received this award. Our Team is committed to doing everything we can to assist our justice involved Veterans to successfully complete their goals and resume productive roles in our community. This funding ensures the sustained delivery of critical programs, such as expert case management and peer recovery support, that drive positive outcomes for our Veterans,” said Summit County Valor Court Presiding Judge Susan Baker Ross.
The funding awarded under the Department of Justice’s Rural and Small Department Violent Crime Reduction Program is for a collaborative project between the Village of Lakemore, Village of Mogadore, City of Tallmadge, City Cuyahoga Falls, and City of Stow, with the Village of Lakemore being the lead municipality.
These funds will be used for Flock Cameras and Star Chase GPS systems to enhance real-time crime monitoring and response capabilities. These technologies will support a broader crime reduction strategy that includes significant training components for law enforcement on cultural
competency, bias awareness, de-escalation techniques, and robust community outreach efforts to strengthen trust and collaboration between police and community members. This is a three-year project.
“The primary goal of this united front is to reduce the spillover of violent crime from Akron into the surrounding suburban areas. Integrating advanced technology, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and improving community-police relations will reduce or eliminate violent crime,” said Village of Lakemore Grants Administer Christina Barry.
“The Village of Lakemore Police Department looks forward to working with the other departments and agencies to improve community relations and safety in each community. A strong suburban community will ultimately improve the lives of everyone in Summit County,” said Village of Lakemore Police Chief Roy Smith.