OCPA Crime Prevention Practitioner of the Year –

Small Departments (Less than 51 Sworn Officers)

Sergeant Jay Phares

Jay Phares had big shoes to fill when he was hired by the Miami Township Police Department. He was hired to take over for Sgt. John DiPeitro, who was (and is) a well-known name in crime prevention in Montgomery County and throughout Ohio.

But Jay has done an excellent job making his mark on his department and in his community. Along with the leadership of Jay Phares and John DiPeitro, Miami Township Police Department is a giant in the area of crime prevention, despite its small size.

Jay’s agency has been recognized nationally by the National Association of Town Watches for its efforts during National Night Out festivities. During National Night Out, Miami Township holds block parties all over the township. Public Safety Services send roving crews around the block parties to mingle with residents. Through the evening’s events, citizens get to know each other and law enforcement professionals, and they learn about crime prevention trends and philosophies. Jay Phares has been responsible for the planning and organization in past Night Out events.

After being promoted to Sergeant, Jay was responsible for training and supervising the new crime prevention officer. As board member of the Miami Valley Crime Prevention Association, Jay has worked to coordinate the MVCPA National Night Out Kick-Off event and the Dayton Mall. The event involves MVCPA members and other interested law enforcement agencies, who take over the mall and set up cruisers and crime prevention displays. It is a destination event that shines the light on crime prevention in the Dayton area.

Sgt. Phares is a Gulf War veteran, a proud father and a loving husband. He is a good friend to his fellow cops, and a trusted resource to the citizens who depend on him and his agency. Sgt. Phares is the OCPA Practitioner of the year for agencies with 51 or fewer officers.