Diversity is ‘necessary component’ for Campbell police

By Brandon Klein | June 12, 2015 at 12:09a.m.

CAMPBELL

Officer Darrick C. Ball Jr. was surprised when he received the news of becoming a full-time police officer.

“I didn’t see it coming at all,” he said. Ball, who was sworn in last week, is the first full-time black officer hired in Campbell since 1974.

“I just want to have a positive effect on this city, the Valley and the department,” he said.

Now living in Boardman, Ball grew up on the East Side of Youngstown with his mother and five siblings.

“Campbell was right next door,” he said.

Ball played football and ran track at the old Rayen School. He graduated in 2008 from East High School in Youngstown. He attended the police academy in 2012, and, shortly afterward, worked part time with the Mill Creek MetroParks Police Department. He became a part-time officer for Campbell the next year.

Ball, who has a degree in criminal justice from Youngstown State University, said the profession was “something I always wanted to do” for the rest of his life. He also wants to change the perception of negative stereotypes within law

enforcement, such as its interactions with the community.

“I believe the chief [Drew Rauzan] is doing more to get diversity in the department,” he added.

Rauzan said it was a pleasure to add Ball to the full-time staff.

“He was one of our best part-time officers,” he said. “I’m glad that the administration took this opportunity and chose to appoint Darrick Ball as full time.”

Rauzan also highlighted making one of the police dispatchers full time. Lindsey Vargas, who grew up in Campbell, is of Puerto Rican descent. She joined its police department part time in October 2013.

“I do want to become a cop eventually,” she said, adding she would love to work as a detective.

Rauzan said he’s glad to see both staff members invest their futures with the department.

“Diversity is a necessary component. Everyone brings their shared life experiences to the group,” he said. “That, in turn, allows our group of officers to provide the highest quality of service.”