City Leaders Celebrate Opening of Seventh COP House in Downtown Racine

RACINE, Wis. – (WRJN) – City officials and community leaders gathered Wednesday to celebrate the opening of Racine’s seventh Community-Oriented Policing (COP) House, a new downtown hub aimed at reducing crime and strengthening neighborhood ties.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony at 434 S. Main St. marked the transformation of a vacant storefront into a center for public safety. Mayor Cory Mason credited public-private partnerships, including support from SC Johnson and the Racine Community Foundation, for making the project possible.

“This new COP House is more than a new Main Street tenant – it’s another step toward a safer, more connected downtown,” said Mark Lewis, president of Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce.

Police Chief Alex Ramirez highlighted the city’s declining crime rates over the past three years, attributing the trend in part to the COP model. The approach, adopted in 1996, places officers within neighborhoods to build relationships, address quality-of-life issues and empower residents.

Austin Schultz, executive director of Downtown Racine Corporation, said increased police presence and communication are vital for downtown safety.

The COP House program, now a model for cities like Chicago and Minneapolis, offers more than a police outpost. It provides a space for youth programs, homework help and community events, aiming to build trust and engagement.

A statement says officers assigned to COP Houses are selected for their problem-solving and communication skills.