GRAHAM, N.C. — The Graham Police Department now has a Community-Oriented Policing Team.
The program was awarded $750,000 through the U.S. Department of Justice.
The GPD is using the money to hire six officers for its new department.
“They are not doing other things that will take them away from certain duties, so it is a direct problem-solving community unit,” Sgt. Brandon Land said.
Land said the Community-Oriented Policing Team will focus on addressing reoccurring crimes and strengthening relationships in the community.
“Another thing we are trying to do is establish more community watches,” Land said.
Charlotte, Greensboro and Durham also have similar programs.
This year Winston-Salem also created a new Community Engagement Division for its police department.