Chester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Burgos greets visitors at one of the “Cupcakes with a Cop” events co-hosted by Dia Doce Cupcakes and the West Chester Police Department.
Focusing on youth engagement, public trust, and recruitment, the Chester County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has stepped-up its community policing efforts, including presence at more community events, and the creation of public interaction events like “Cupcakes with a Cop” and “Barbershop Conversations”.
Speaking about the enhanced community outreach program, Chester County Sheriff Kevin Dykes said, “We are dedicated to showing the human side of law enforcement, and so strengthening our presence in the community and engaging in conversations is a key part of that effort.
“Through this program, we are building trust and transparency.”
In addition to the “Cupcakes with a Cop” program, held in partnership with Dia Doce Cupcakes and the West Chester Police Department, and “Barbershop Conversations” held with Another Level Barbershop, CCSO deputies and staff have created youth-focused initiatives. “Benching with Badges” invites student athletes throughout the county to join deputies in fitness activities to encourage physical wellness and camaraderie. A CCSO student art competition engaged young students, with winners’ artwork set to be displayed on CCSO walls. The Office recently took part in the Chester County Student and Law Enforcement Symposium which prioritizes informal, candid conversations with high school students, aimed at mitigating negative stereotypes centered around the relationship between youth and law enforcement.
The CCSO has also expanded its digital reach, launching Instagram and X pages in addition to its Facebook presence.
Public education is another priority of the CCSO. This includes co-hosting events like the Gun Safety Seminar with the District Attorney’s Office, and a Gun Violence Prevention Webinar alongside State Representative Chris Pielli and CeaseFirePA. Two pilot programs are also in the planning stages: “Shear Hope” is a domestic violence prevention program aimed at providing domestic violence education and resources to survivors; and a “Digital Footprints” seminar that will help students and parents protect their online presence.
“All of these efforts not only promote trust and transparency, and provide valuable public education, they also help us with recruitment, highlighting the benefits of a career with the Chester County Sheriff’s Office,” added Sheriff Dykes.
