Columbus police help clean up Hilltop

COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) — Columbus Division of Police officers are teaming up with Hilltop residents to help beautify the neighborhood.

They had a trash pickup at Holton Park on Sunday, with organizers saying this is a part of the division’s Officers Immersion Program. Before new officers can take to the streets full-time, they have to choose a project where they can engage with community members and find solutions.

Community activists said they have done a poll and many Hilltop residents said their biggest issues are crime and trash.

Lisa Boggs, a longtime Hilltop resident and advocate, said that is why they are here to support the officers.

“When the park is safe, it shows that people care about their area, and you can see we have lots of volunteers here who are concerned, you know, about the cleanliness and safety of the park,” Boggs said. “So hopefully it makes it more, you know, inviting for the community to bring their children in here.”

Community advocates said they pick up dozens of gallons of trash every week, gathering every Friday to clean up the area.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.