Cortland Police Name Second Community Police Officer

The City of Cortland Police Department has announced their second-ever Community Police Officer. On Tuesday, the department named Patrol Officer Joseph Peters as the next Community Police Officer. His official first day in the role was on February 3. Officer Peters brings over 20 years of experience to the position.

The position is federally funded through the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant program. Cortland Police says this is now the second COPS grant-funded position for their department. The first was previously held by Officer Jesse Abbott, who served in the role from 2017 until his retirement in 2021.

The COPS grant was awarded to the City of Cortland back in 2024 and includes a minimum four-year commitment with 50% of an officer’s salary matched for the first three years. The position was able to be filled this year after staffing challenges with the Cortland Police Department prevented them from filling the position in 2024 and 2025; the department was able to receive grant waivers as a result.

Officer Peters is a well-known member of the Cortland Police Department and his dedication towards community service in the community he has been part of his whole life. Cortland Police says he is an active board member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, New York, an active member of the Cortland Masons and Shriners, and a board member of Shriner’s Children’s New England Chapter.

Police Chief David Guerrera said Officer Peters’ drive, enthusiasm, and his experience will make the most of the COPS position. He added Officer Peters’ long-standing community involvement will further support the department’s mission to build and maintain public trust. He emphasized that community policing is a daily expectation for every member of the police department.