The Berea Police Department's Top 5 Game-Changing Initiatives: Inside Ohio's Safest City Force

The Berea Police Department (BPD) in Ohio is currently setting a national standard for proactive community policing and officer well-being, moving far beyond traditional law enforcement models. As of December 17, 2025, the department has garnered national attention for its pioneering initiatives, including a groundbreaking officer Wellness Program and its ongoing commitment to traffic and public safety, recently recognized with a top-tier national award. This focus on internal health and external partnership is the core reason Berea remains one of the safest cities in the United States.

The BPD's mission is to affirmatively promote, preserve, and provide safety for the community, working diligently to enhance the quality of life for its residents. Located in Cuyahoga County, the department operates out of its main facility at 17 Berea Commons and serves a community that is consistently ranked for its low crime statistics, a testament to the effectiveness of its modern policing strategies.

Berea Police Department: Key Personnel and Operational Profile

The Berea Police Department is led by a dedicated command staff and supported by full-time officers and civilian personnel committed to community engagement and service. The department's structure includes a Patrol Division, Detective Bureau, and specialized units focused on traffic and community resources.

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• Location: Berea, Ohio (Cuyahoga County)
• Physical Address: 17 Berea Commons, Berea, OH 44017
• Current Chief of Police: Chief Dan Clark
• Non-Emergency Phone: 440-234-1234 or 440-826-5870
• Emergency Contact: 911
• Previous Notable Chief: Joseph Grecol (Involved in launching key initiatives)
• Key Divisions: Patrol, Detective Bureau, Community Engagement Unit, Auxillary Unit, Secretaries, Animal Control.

The transition of leadership and the continuity of innovative programs demonstrate the BPD's long-term strategy for maintaining a high standard of public safety and internal health.

Groundbreaking Officer Wellness: The Two-Week Sabbatical Program

In a pioneering move that has drawn national interest, the Berea Police Department has implemented a comprehensive Wellness Program for its officers. This initiative is a direct response to the high-stress environment of modern policing, aiming to mitigate the personal and professional impacts of job-related trauma and stress.

The centerpiece of this program is a mandatory two-week sabbatical for officers.

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How the Wellness Sabbatical Works:

• Purpose: To reduce officer burnout, improve morale, and potentially decrease department turnover.
• Structure: Officers are required to schedule up to two one-hour counseling sessions with a professional during their sabbatical.
• Focus: The time off is designed for complete disengagement from work; officers are actively discouraged from discussing professional matters.

This forward-thinking approach recognizes that a healthy, resilient police force is essential for effective community protection. The program is already showing anecdotal improvements in officer morale and overall well-being.

Berea’s Reputation for Safety and Recent Accolades

Berea, Ohio, consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the United States, a fact directly supported by its remarkably low crime rates. The Berea Police Department’s proactive stance on traffic safety and community engagement has not gone unnoticed by national organizations.

Recent Safety Statistics (2019-2024):

Over the five-year period leading up to 2024, Berea recorded significantly low crime numbers, which is a key indicator of the BPD’s success.

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• Violent Crime Rate: Berea boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, with only 37 incidents per 100,000 people.
• Violent Crime Incidents: A total of 289 violent crimes were recorded over the five-year span.
• Property Crime Incidents: A total of 456 property crimes were recorded in the same period.
• Victim Likelihood: The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Berea is approximately 1 in 1629.

The AAA 2025 Platinum Award

In a major testament to the BPD’s commitment to road safety, the department was recently awarded the AAA 2025 Community Traffic Safety Platinum Award. The Platinum Award is the highest level of recognition given by AAA for excellence in traffic safety programming and education.

This award highlights the department's effectiveness in managing traffic safety for both vehicles and pedestrians, a crucial component of overall community well-being.

Community-Focused Programs and Partnerships

The Berea Police Department understands that effective policing relies on strong community partnerships. They have developed several key programs that actively involve citizens and address critical public health issues.

1. The Safe Passages Initiative

The Safe Passages Initiative is a vital public safety and health partnership aimed at combating the opioid epidemic.

• Partnerships: The BPD collaborated with the Olmsted Township Police Department and the Police Assisted Addiction Recovery Initiative (PAARI).
• Goal: The program facilitates the entry of individuals struggling with substance use disorder into treatment and recovery services, offering a path to help rather than immediate arrest for certain non-violent offenses.
• Key Figures: The initiative was originally developed in coordination with a public advocate, Nicole Walmsley.

2. Citizens Academy

The Citizens Academy is a hands-on educational program designed to foster a positive relationship between the BPD and the public.

This program allows citizens and police officers to meet, interact, and share information in a proactive, positive setting, building mutual understanding and trust within the community.

3. Ride Along Program

For individuals interested in a direct observation of police work, the department offers a Ride Along Program.

This allows approved citizens to accompany a police officer in the field to observe patrol activities, providing transparency and insight into the daily realities of law enforcement in Berea.

The combination of internal support for officers through the Wellness Program, external recognition for safety excellence, and deep community partnerships like the Safe Passages Initiative solidifies the Berea Police Department's position as a model for modern, progressive policing in Ohio and across the nation.