SOLON, Ohio — For Courtenay Perkins, policing has always been about people — serving with purpose, protecting with compassion, and earning trust through action. Now, as Solon’s new police chief, he’s setting his sights on building stronger connections between officers and the community they serve.
Earlier this month, Perkins was sworn in by Mayor Ed Kraus during a ceremony at Solon City Hall. Surrounded by city officials, council members, and community leaders, he pledged to lead with integrity and uphold the city’s commitment to safety and service.
Perkins said his motivation for entering law enforcement came from a deep respect for the role police officers play in their communities. He recalled how the profession’s sense of duty and service inspired him early on.
“What drew me to a career in law enforcement is the desire to help people,” Perkins said. “I always thought of police officers as real-life superheroes. They come running whenever called upon. I enjoy the service-minded aspects of the job and being the one who people call when they need help and don’t know where else to turn.”
He added that his guiding principle has always been service before self. “If I am doing that, I am on the right path,” he said.
As he steps into his new role, Perkins said his first focus will be strengthening staffing across divisions while preserving high standards.
“Hiring the most talented and high character personnel for both our patrol division and corrections division are the utmost priority,” he said. “We are down a few personnel in each division, and we want to get to full strength as quickly as possible without compromising our standards.”
Perkins said he also plans to build on Solon’s reputation for community engagement by expanding programs that connect officers with residents. He especially hopes to focus on outreach to youth through partnerships with Solon City Schools.
“We will continue to partner with our wonderful Solon City Schools and our community at large,” he said. “Growing our relationship in times of peace and tranquility allows us to build trust and mutual respect during times of stress or misfortune if or when they arise.”
Beyond community partnerships, Perkins acknowledged that attracting new talent remains one of the toughest challenges facing modern policing. He wants to shift the narrative around law enforcement by highlighting the positive impact officers make every day.
“We need to market what is good about joining this profession,” he said. “We have been traveling to colleges, job fairs and using traditional and social media to spread the word.”
Perkins said retention and morale will be equally important priorities. He believes investing in training, resources and emotional wellness helps officers perform at their best and serve the public with professionalism.
“The better trained, educated, equipped and prepared an officer is, the better they perform the job with excellence and professionalism,” he said. “Training is how we get there.”
Looking ahead, Perkins hopes to launch new community-building events that give residents a chance to meet officers in relaxed, family-friendly settings. Among the ideas are “Hoops with Heroes,” “Cornhole with Cops,” and a children’s fishing derby, programs he believes can strengthen relationships and build trust.
“All of these programs build relationships and show the police are a part of the community they serve,” he said.
To improve communication and accessibility, Perkins is also exploring technology upgrades, including a Solon Police mobile app. The tool would allow residents to stay informed about events, file reports more easily, and connect directly with officers.
“This is more convenient for the reportee and could be a better reallocation of police patrols,” Perkins said. “The App will allow officers to get the information they need to file the report and follow up with the resident but still prioritize proactive patrols.”
Perkins said another area of focus will be expanding mental health and addiction response efforts. He believes police departments play a crucial role in connecting residents with help and resources.
“Solon PD wants to do all we can to help reduce crime and the negative effects that mental health episodes and addiction have on our community through proactive interventions,” he said.
As he looks to the future, Perkins said his leadership philosophy centers on teamwork, integrity and a servant’s heart. His goal is to empower officers to be their best while ensuring the community feels safe, supported and connected.
“I want my impact or legacy to be that I took care of my team and together as a team, we took care of our community,” he said. “I want our community to be a safe place where people feel connected to their peace officers, where trust and support are high, because trust and support were earned.”