ELYRIA, Ohio — The Elyria Police Department says a proactive approach to fighting crime is achieving results. A year after the Neighborhood Impact Unit (NIU) hit the streets, the department is touting its success in improving crime statistics.

In October 2024, News 5 reported a grant was helping to resurrect the former community policing initiative in the city. Elyria launches Neighborhood Impact Unit to tackle violent crime

RELATED: Elyria launches Neighborhood Impact Unit to tackle violent crime

Current Chief James Welsh was a patrol commander last year when he announced NIU’s return. He explained he was part of a similar unit when he joined the department in the nineties, and explained it had eventually been scrapped due to budget and staffing challenges.

The specialized team wa

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