Canton City Council approves hiring of four public safety ambassadors for parks

The Canton City Council convened on February 6, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives, with a primary focus on the approval of the Canton Ambassadors for Public Safety (CAHPS) initiative. Chief Farrell presented the proposal to hire four ambassadors, emphasizing the program's potential benefits for community safety and police efficiency.

Chief Farrell explained that the ambassadors would be non-sworn civilians tasked with patrolling city parks, taking theft reports, and managing minor traffic incidents. This initiative aims to free up sworn officers for more critical duties while providing a visible presence in the community. The ambassadors will be equipped with vehicles marked with the Canton Public Safety Ambassador logos, emergency equipment, and body cameras, but will not carry firearms.

Council members raised questions regarding the ambassadors' training, which is expected to last about eight weeks. This training will cover policies, radio operation, and report writing, allowing the ambassadors to transition smoothly into potential law enforcement roles in the future. The starting salary for these positions was set at approximately $51,000 annually, which aligns with the city's code enforcement salary structure.

The council expressed strong support for the initiative, recognizing its dual role as a public safety measure and a recruitment tool for future law enforcement candidates. After a motion was made and seconded, the council unanimously approved the CAHPS initiative, marking a significant step towards enhancing public safety in Canton.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to innovative public safety solutions, with the CAHPS initiative poised to improve community engagement and operational efficiency within the police department. Further budget considerations for the program will be addressed in the upcoming fiscal year.