Orange police chief takes part in law enforcement mission to Israel

ORANGE, Ohio – Police Chief Michael Roberts says he learned a great deal from a recent law enforcement mission to Israel sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.“This mission provided an invaluable immersion into international security practices and regional culture,” Roberts told Village Council Wednesday (Nov. 4). “The insights gained regarding infrastructure protection, cross-jurisdictional collaboration and community-centered policing will directly benefit our department as we continue ensuring the safety and security of Orange Village and all who come.”Mayor Judson Kline noted Roberts is a partner with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and serves as a consultant to the organization.This mission took place Oct. 21-29. Roberts said his delegation included 29 regional law enforcement leaders and FBI personnel representing Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus and Detroit.“Anchored in Tel Aviv, we traveled extensively across the country to examine counterterrorism operations, crisis response and the complex geopolitical landscape firsthand.”Roberts said a highlight of the trip was participating in a strategic roundtable with U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Sean M. Saline, the U.S. security coordinator in Jerusalem, alongside senior military and diplomatic officials from Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. “We discussed multinational stability efforts, de-escalation frameworks and the critical balance between security enforcement and the rule of law,” he said. “Our team also engaged in advanced tactical simulations that tested command decision making within a fully immersive virtual environment.”Roberts said operational realities on the ground were underscored by visits to the Syrian and Gaza borders, as well as to the site of the Nova Music Festival massacre in southern Israel, where “hundreds of innocent lives were lost and dozens taken hostage during the Oct. 7 (2023) attacks (by Hamas militants).”“Standing at these locations reinforced the vital importance of rapid incident management, community resilience and interagency preparedness during catastrophic events,” he said. The Jewish Federation of Cleveland, based in Beachwood, periodically coordinates and participates in specialized delegation trips and security training operations designed to connect Northeast Ohio law enforcement officials with security experts in Israel.Orange set to join First CALL programAlso on Wednesday, Kline said Orange will be part of a new branch of the Shaker Heights-based First CALL (Crisis Assistance and Local Linkage) program that is scheduled to become active in February.FIRST Call is an alternative crisis response team currently serving Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights, South Euclid, Richmond Heights and University Heights.The team is composed of behavioral health clinicians and peer support staff who engage with individuals experiencing mental health distress, substance use disorders and other related issues.The First CALL team that Orange will be a part of also includes Beachwood, Pepper Pike and Solon, Kline said.The program originated as a pilot in Shaker Heights in 2022.Kline said funding for the program will be available through a grant from Cuyahoga County. Representatives of First CALL applied for the grant, he said. Councilwoman Kim Ullner brought the program to the attention of village officials last year.People can request support from a First CALL team by dialing 911.Shop with a Cop programIn addition, Kline reminded residents that tickets for the annual Shop with a Cop holiday program are available and can be purchased from the Orange Police Department at Village Hall, 4600 Lander Road.The Orange Police Department is again partnering with other local police departments on the program.Officers will take local children in need on a shopping spree, followed by a pizza party.Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. Monetary donations will also be accepted.“It’s a great cause, and the kids really enjoy it,” Kline said.For more information, call 440-498-4401.