The Ohio Crime Prevention Association will honor Cincinnatian William Bailey as Volunteer of the Year during their annual awards program at 9:30 a.m. Monday May 11 at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 5100 Upper Metro Place, Dublin, Ohio. The award recognizes Mr. Bailey’s many years of service in working toward crime prevention and his ongoing commitment to the community. He has been a member of Cincinnati’s Citizens on Patrol program since 1999. He was a founding member of the Price Hill unit, which patrols in both the East and West Price Hill neighborhoods, and he currently serves as the Civilian Unit Coordinator. Mr. Bailey has also served on the Citizens on Patrol training committee and the coordinators committee.

Cincinnati’s Citizens on Patrol began in 1997 with groups in Madisonville and Bond Hill. Since then, more than 1500 volunteers have been trained and 600 of them remain active in the program. There are now Citizens on Patrol groups in 25 neighborhoods. These volunteers also assist the Police Department with numerous special projects and events.

The Ohio Crime Prevention Association is the nation’s largest state crime prevention association. It was founded in 1977 by a core group of dedicated law enforcement officers concerned about the safety of Ohio residents. Today, OCPA serves as Ohio’s central clearinghouse for state and national crime prevention and community policing training and resources. OCPA maintains a diverse membership representing law enforcement agencies, government offices, businesses, the faith community and resident groups. OCPA activities include basic crime prevention schools, monthly training and timely publications.