First Edinburg Clergy-Police Partnership Class Graduates

Photo above: The first Edinburg Clergy-Police Partnership Class graduates are pictured above. Photo — by City of Edinburg.

Edinburg TX – January 23, 2023

The Edinburg Police Department held a graduation ceremony for seven faith-based community leaders from the first-ever Edinburg Clergy And Police Partnership Program (E.C.A.P.P.). 

The Edinburg Clergy And Police Partnership Program is a 6-week volunteer program between faith-based leaders of the community and the Edinburg Police Department to respond to and assist police officers during times of crisis or incidents. Throughout the program, volunteers were exposed to the functionality of various divisions within the police department and taught techniques that would allow them to communicate with officers and citizens in crises effectively.

“The community plays a huge part in our everyday police activities. Creating a partnership with our local clergy will help us connect with our citizens,” says E.C.A.P.P. Instructor Sgt. James Ramirez. “This is the first-ever program for the area, and we are committed to this new endeavor.” 

The clergy volunteers will work directly with the community and, in turn, can voice their concerns to the police department to work together to solve them.

“We are committed to forging diverse relationships in all areas of Edinburg. Building a partnership with our Clergy will only enhance our ability to connect with citizens and continue to foster safe, livable neighborhoods,” says Edinburg Chief of Police Jaime Ayala. 

By involving trusted religious leaders in police proceedings and increasing transparency, the Edinburg Police Department hopes to build its relationship with Edinburg residents when responding to crises in the community.