Detective Brandon Long of the Hilliard Police Department is a familiar face in the community; and what many would call a hometown hero thanks to his passion projects.
After graduating from Hilliard Davidson High School in 1998, he served in security and policing in the military for six years before attending Ohio University where he got a bachelor’s in criminology and a master’s in sociology.
During his undergrad experience, Long participated in the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program. Classes are held in a prison which gives students the chance to see crime and social justice issues from a different perspective. This piqued his interest in the incarceration aspect of criminology and sociology and landed him an internship in a Mexican prison for three months.
From there, he worked for the Athens County Prosecutor in their Victim Advocacy and Diversion Program where he served as the primary counselor to 20+ incarcerated individuals at the SEPTA Correctional Facility. He joined the Hilliard Police Department as a police officer in 2011 and has since served in various roles with the division, including as a member of the crash investigation team, traffic safety officer, and criminal investigator. He has also helped with Safety Town, a program that teaches area kindergarteners important safety lessons.
What he’s most known for, however, is his advocacy and coaching role with the Hilliard Bobcats Special Olympics. He currently serves as the State Director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ohio which raises awareness and support for the Special Olympics.
Long said his understanding of the special needs community has helped not only fellow Hilliard police officers but law enforcement personnel across Ohio have better outcomes when interacting with those who have special needs. “It keeps our officers and our entire community safer,” he said.
Thank you, Detective Long, for your dedication and commitment to serving our community. Your efforts make a meaningful impact, ensuring safer and more positive interactions for everyone. We appreciate your service!
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