Today, law enforcement is popularly portrayed negatively. However, Matthew Tyahur, a Sinclair Police Officer, encourages you to have heart-to-heart conversations with some law enforcement workers before reaching such a conclusion yourself.
Tyahur has been a police officer for 12 years, eight of which was spent with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services in Cincinnati. He joined Mount St. Joseph University’s police department in 2013 and has been a police officer here at Sinclair for a year and a half.
“What I find absolutely wonderful about being a police officer in this community is I get to reach out to a different population from where we are. I get to experience young adults going into the prime of their lives, going out to expand their minds and careers, and it is just having the daily conversations with people with such bright futures that are most rewarding to me,” said Tyahur.
Gaining the community’s trust makes law enforcement’s workload less stressful. Tyahur highlights that building connections is crucial for improving the relationship between officers and residents in low-trust areas.
Tyahur also emphasizes the importance of events like Coffee with the Cop, where people can engage in non-agenda discussions and get to know their local officers. Such conversations help foster trust and understanding, strengthening the community and law enforcement bond.
When it comes to crimes that have to do with people who are struggling with mental illness, have addictions to drugs, and stuff like that, Tyahur highlights how positive the interactions have been since Sinclair police in not trying to see the person as wrongdoers but as someone who is struggling and needs help. And this can improve the situation of the community.
“One of our biggest collaborations is actually with the Boys and Girls Club of Dayton; several of our officers, but one in particular, Donovan James, has been influential in that program, helping to show a more positive light with law enforcement,” said Tyahur about the program that the Sinclair police department is involved with.
Tyahur urges you to call 911 when you are in trouble and to reach out to any Sinclair police officer when you are on campus and do not feel safe going to your car by yourself. He and other police officers are always available to talk to here on campus, and they can send you to counseling if they think you need more help or someone to talk to.
You can also reach them by calling 937-512-2700. They are located in Building 7, room 112, and are available 24/7.
Esperance Amuri, Intern