POLICE BEAT---sign up for this free program

Captain Denise Moore of the Springfield Police Department suggests signing up for this program.

Summit County Prosecutor’s Office Take Me Home Program for People with Developmental Disabilities 

With the recent expansion by the Ohio Legislature of the state’s “Silver Alert” to include individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities, Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh would like to remind Summit County residents of her Take Me Home program. Started in Summit County by Prosecutor Walsh in 2007, Take Me Home is a secure database facilitated by the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office and is accessible only by law enforcement. The program allows for the rapid identification and safe return of children and adults who have a difficult time communicating and may wander from home, including those living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, Down syndrome, and Autism. The database contains a photo, contact information, and identifying characteristics that can be searched if a person is reported missing or is found wandering. As the mother of a son who lives with Autism, Prosecutor Walsh is intimately aware of the struggles, and joys, of parenting a child who lives with Autism. “When my son was very young his school bus driver dropped him off at the wrong stop. Thankfully we were able to locate my son quickly. I know the fear parents and caregivers have if their relative wanders away from home. My goal of Take Me Home is to help provide some relief for parents that local law enforcement is trained to find their loved one quickly and safely return them home.” 

Entering a person in the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office Take Me Home program is FREE and easy. You can contact the office’s Take Me Home Coordinator, Leslie Knoblauch, at knoblauch@prosecutor.summitoh.net, or 330-643-2800. You can also download an application from the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office website at https://prosecutor.summitoh.net/programs/Take-MeHome.html. 

POLICE BEAT--Springfield Officers Presented with commendations

 

The photos below are from the police department recognition banquet that was held last week. Officers, civilian employees, Trustees and the employee's families attended to support their loved ones. A great time was had by all. Letters of Commendations for proactive policing efforts were given to the three officers, listed below. They were recognized last week at our police appreciation banquet.

While assigned to patrol operations, these officers consistently engaged in proactive policing efforts in 2022, conducting numerous interdiction stops resulting in the seizure of illegal controlled substances, recovered stolen vehicles, weapons and felony arrests.

These Officers earned a commendation because they are always going above and beyond each shift they work.

Year 2022...

Officer Cody Meade

Traffic stops 328.

Misdemeanor Arrest 85

Felony Arrest 82

Traffic Citations 65

Officer Austin Branham

Traffic stops 311.

Misdemeanor Arrest 85

Felony Arrest 31

Traffic Citations 104

Officer Michael Roberts

Traffic stops 251

Misdemeanor Arrest 52

Felony Arrest 40

Traffic Citations 117

Thank you, officers, for making Springfield Township a safer place to live and travel through.

Letters of Commendations for proactive policing efforts were given to the three officers, listed below. They were recognized last week at our police appreciation banquet.

Police Department Service Awards were given to the following employees at the police appreciation banquet last week.

Captain Denise Moore 28 years of service

Captain Moore manages the day-to-day operations at the police department. She has also obtained over $118,000.00 in grant funding for the police department in 2022. The money will be used for cruiser computers, Body Worn Camera Software/equipment and new portable radios.

Sgt. Eric East 28 years of service

Sgt. East is a day shift Sergeant and functions as the police department Public Information Officer.

Sgt. Joe Gaffney 25 years of service

Sgt. Gaffney also functions as a day shift Sergeant on the opposite days of Sgt. East. Sgt. Gaffney manages the departments firearms and helps with firearm qualifications. He is very active in the police department’s community programs.

Officer Billie Laurenti 25 years of service

Officer Laurenti works the night shift. She has been very active conducting business checks during her shift. She is very involved in the department’s Fraternal Order of Police Organization.

Officer Dan Wagner 28 years of service

Officer Dan Wagner spent numerous years representing the Springfield Police Department at the Summit County Drug Unit. He has done a great job mentoring new officers during the new officer orientation program,

Denise Bolen 25 years of service

Denise Bolen manages the police department budget, handles payroll and numerous other administrative responsibilities. Denise is responsible for ensuring that all of the invoices are paid in a timely manner. She also coordinates all of the requirements for new police candidates.

Debra Grow 24 years of service

Debra Grow manages the police department’s records. She is responsible for all of the public records requests and confirms the requests are fulfilled in a timely manner. Debra reviews all of the police department reports, arrests and citations before they are disseminated to the public, defense attorneys or Prosecutor’s Office.

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Kate Thurston was given a community partnership award at our police awards banquet last week. Kate continues to volunteer her time to help the police department organize events throughout the year. Some of the events she organizes are Safety Town, Shop with a Cop and the Easter Egg Hunt each year along with her fundraising efforts for our K-9 program. Kate has donated her personal time, and money, to support the Springfield Township Police Department.

Officer Ty Klapp commendation award:

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On March 27, 2023, at 1:00am, Officer Klapp while patrolling in the area of Killian Road, observed a male walking westbound. Officer Klapp observed an object that appeared to be a firearm in his right hand. Subsequently, he temporarily detained the individual. A firearm was found inside his waistband. The male appeared to be under the influence, stating he recently had an altercation with his mother. Officer Klapp located a baggie containing methamphetamine, a black sock with several 9 mm rounds and a gas mask.

Officer Klapp learned that the male was suicidal and was planning to barricade himself in a room at a hotel on S. Arlington Rd. and then force the police to shoot him. The individual was arrested and charged with Weapons Under Disability (F3), Possession of Drugs (F5), Criminal Tools (M1), and Drug Paraphernalia (M4) then transported to the Summit County Jail.

The individual was released from jail and arrived at the police department on March 30, 2023, to retrieve his property. He notified office staff that “if it wasn’t for Officer Klapp, he might not be around today, he was planning suicide by cop”. He said, “everything happens for a reason, and he believes Ty was put there to prevent him from carrying out his plan.”

Officer Klapp was recognized at our awards banquet last week for his dedication to public service that prevented a citizen from ending his life while suffering from a mental health crisis and taking drugs and a gun off the street.

POLICE BEAT--Watch out for those Valentine's Day SCAMS!

You would think one thing that was safe is to fall in love, have a romantic dinner, or celebrate Valentine's Day but, the Consumer Advocate of the Ohio Attorney General's office tells us that there are romance scams out there this Valentine's Day. 

 
It’s important to protect your heart and your hard-earned money by watching for “sweetheart” – or online romance – scams.
 
Sweetheart scams typically originate with a phony profile on a dating website or social media as way of attracting unsuspecting victims.
 
Many of these scammers claim to be in another state or country, often pretending to be a military member stationed overseas or a businessperson working outside the United States. They might even send fake photos or documentation to “prove” their identity.

 
Scammers might spend many hours communicating with a victim before asking for money. Or they might request money for airfare to visit, to pay a hospital bill, to get out of a foreign country or to access an inheritance that the scammers promise to share with their victims.
 
Victims are usually asked to send money via gift card, wire-transfer service, money order, prepaid card or other hard-to-trace payment method. Once the money is sent, it is nearly impossible to recover.
 
After receiving the money, scammers do one of two things: create a new emergency and ask for more money, or stop corresponding, leaving the victim duped and broken-hearted.
 
In 2022, 35 Ohioans reported sweetheart scams to the Attorney General’s Office with losses totaling almost $1.8 million.
 
In one instance, a Muskingum County woman sent $15,000 to a man she met on social media who pretended to be a member of the military in need of an emergency medical procedure. The scam was detected when the woman contacted the Army Investigative Unit and was informed that no such person existed.
 
In another sweetheart scam, a Mercer County man refinanced loans and sold property in order to send $200,000 to a woman he met on social media – money he never recovered.
 
Victims of sweetheart scams don’t fit a pattern; they may be male or female, young or old. The common denominator is that they believe in love and believe the romance is legitimate.  

Here are some ways to avoid sweetheart scams:

• Research people you meet online; do not rely solely on what they tell you. Conduct internet searches, including reverse-image searches, and check with independent sources to verify a person’s claims. To do a reverse-image search, copy and paste the picture of the person you have been corresponding with into a search engine to see whether it is used on multiple accounts.
• Be cautious of “love bombing,” which occurs when a new love interest showers you with affection and compliments. Be cautious of individuals who claim that destiny or fate brought you together,or claim to love you after a short time.
• Be especially wary if you have just lost a loved one; many times, scammers study obituaries to find people who have recently suffered a loss.
• Talk to friends and family members about online relationships, even if the other person asks you to keep the relationship secret.
• Don’t send money to someone you have met only online, even if you have developed a relationship with the individual.
• Be very skeptical of requests for money to be sent via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, peer-to-peer payment systems, money order, prepaid money cards or gift cards. These are preferred payment methods for scammers.

If you suspect a scam or an unfair business practice, contact the Attorney General's Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.
 

POLICE BEAT--A HOME BURGLARY OCCURS EVERY 15 SECONDS--Here are some safety tips!

 

Did you know that a home burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States? 

Be proactive--and don't wish you had done something after the fact. Many burglaries occur in neighborhoods, and in the daytime.

There are quick, simple steps you can take to make your home more secure right away including these easy home security tips you can use to make your home more secure.

The biggest deterrents to home invasions are as simple as locking doors and windows and installing a home security system. Although we often feel safe in our communities it is still important to be cautious and secure all possible entrances. 

--More than three quarters of burglars use social media to identify potential targets.

--Wifi networks must always be password protected to prevent outsiders from accessing private information and connected home security devices.

--You can protect your most valuable possessions by hiding brand and product names from boxes you put on the curb. Better yet, breakdown your boxes and recycle them. That keeps them out of sight of burglars. 

--Secure garages and sheds and use a safe for valuables.

--Install motion detector lighting, it can deter burglars. 

--Some research has shown that motion detectors deter burglars thanks to their sudden onset and possibility of alerting neighbors to suspicious activity, especially when those neighbors know you’re away and wouldn’t be triggering the lights yourself. Motion detector lights are easy to install and extremely affordable (as low as $10-$15), so we think they’re worth installing to add an extra layer of safety to your home’s exterior areas.

--Picking your locks is something most burglars will know how to do. To be extra secure add a deadbolt protector which slides a lock over your deadbolt to prevent it from turning. You can find them at most hardware stores.

--Sliding doors on patios and decks are more vulnerable than your main front door. The locks are easier to pick, and even just an extra hard pull can get through many locks. It’s best to add some extra security to your sliding doors. This can be as simple as laying a bar, broomstick, or piece of plywood in the door track, but many homeowners prefer a more sophisticated method. In that case, you can buy locks that fit onto the bottom or top of the door to add extra protection.

--Home security cameras are a great idea. Cameras can deter burglars. Many homeowners also enjoy the added day-to-day feeling of security that home cameras can provide. Products like the Ring and Google Nest Cam allow homeowners to check on their home while away and see a clear picture of visitors who knock on the front door before opening it.

--Where would you look to find someone's spare key? Under the mat, the mailbox, under a stone or flowerpot close to the door? These hiding places, so to speak, invite burglars to come on in! If you need to leave a key out, use a lockbox so no one else can access it. 

--Oversharing on social media makes your home more vulnerable. By posting photos of your home with the address plaque visible or sharing details of your upcoming extended vacation are invitations for burglars and increasing the risk of home invasion--78 % of buglers use Facebook and Twitter. Use caution when posting. If you want to share your vacation adventures, make a special group of trusted family and friends on Facebook and only post there. 

Be safe, keep your home safe and protect your possessions by following these simple suggestions. 

ICE SAFETY TIPS FROM THE LAKEMORE FIRE DEPARTMENT

 

With living near a lake come some dangers when the weather is turning cold. Be aware of the dangers and share this info with your children. Lakemore Fire Department said the first thing they are taught in an ice rescue class is that "NO ICE IS SAFE ICE." The theory behind it is that no matter how thick the ice is, accidents can and do happen.

Some general guidelines can be found at the Ohio Department of Natural Resource website. It is recommended that there is at least 4" of clear ice on the lake before walking on the Ice. This can take several days of very cold weather to happen. Be careful if we have warmer days as the ice does melt from the bottom up and can be thinner after just a few days of warm weather. Vehicles are not permitted out on Springfield Lake so you will need to walk on foot if the ice is thick enough. If you do plan to fish out on the ice, make sure you have a Personal Floatation Device. It would be safest to head out in a pair and never go out onto the ice by yourself.

Be aware others who have been out there fishing may not have covered their holes, so always watch your step. Most ice rescue incidents involve someone who has fallen through the ice because it is warming up and the ice is not as thick as they thought. A lot of times the ice will continue to break as the victim attempts to climb out. While easier said than done, here's what you should do if someone you're with falls through the ice.

Try to remain calm and do not panic. Do your best to get off the ice or away from where the ice broke and try to keep eye contact with the victim and keep them calm. The link below expands on the principles of Reach, Throw Row, Go for water rescue. Call 911 as soon as possible or have someone else do so, follow the dispatcher's instructions and answer the questions as best as you can. When Fire Crews arrive on scene they will ask where you last saw the victim. Give them the best description you can. Keep in contact with the victim and keep them awake and talking, if you try to pull them out without proper equipment you may become a victim yourself.

https://ohiodnr.gov/.../recreational.../ice-fishing-safety

POLICE BEAT---When do you stop for a school bus?

School bus traffic laws are in effect for the safety of children or other passengers entering or leaving a school bus. Children often will be crossing the street at the bus stop, so these laws are extremely important for their safety. In Ohio, school bus traffic laws vary depending on the size of the road.

Two-Lane Roads

For two-lane roads, all traffic must stop for a school bus no matter which direction it's traveling. Traffic must stop at least 10 feet away from the school bus, whether coming from its front or rear.

Resuming Travels

In many states, traffic may resume when the school bus lights are off. In Ohio, traffic can't commence until the bus resumes movement or until it's waved on by the school bus driver. Other personnel who are allowed to move on traffic when a school bus is stopped include peace officers and school crossing guards.

School bus traffic laws are listed in the Ohio Revised Code, the law book for the State of Ohio. You can find traffic rules about stopping for school buses in Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.75.

Highways with Four or More Lanes

On roads with four or more lanes, only traffic moving in the same direction as the bus must stop when the school bus stops to release passengers. Traffic coming from the opposite direction doesn't have to stop in these instances. To facilitate this law, children are dropped off on the same side of the road as their residences, so they won't have to cross the street.

Divided Highways

Divided highways are treated the same as those with four or more lanes. Oncoming traffic doesn't have to stop regardless of how many lanes of traffic there are, but traffic moving in the same direction still has to stop. Traffic must stop no less than 10 feet away from the school bus.

Waiting for a Stopped School Bus

The wait for a stopped school bus may seem to take a while in some cases. That's because according to Ohio law, the bus driver must wait to resume its travels until all exiting passengers are a safe distance away from the bus.

School Bus Safety Requirements for Traffic

A school bus doesn't have to be equipped with an extending stop safety sign in order for traffic to stop. When bus lights are flashing, this is sufficient to signal drivers that they need to stop, as the bus is loading or unloading passengers.The amber and red visual signals required for a school bus are listed in Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.771.

Violation of School Bus Traffic Laws

Those who violate school bus traffic stop laws may receive a $500 fine and could have their driver's license suspended for no longer than listed in Ohio Revised Code Section 4510.02, which describes the lengths and classes of suspensions. Those who violate school bus traffic laws can't plead guilty on the site but must attend a court hearing in person.

 

Police Chief Jack Simone explains The Sawyerwood Coalition.

Some local residents have asked what the Reclaim Sawyerwood Coalition and Police Chief Jack Simone explains. 

The coalition is an opportunity to bring together Sawyerwood residents that have a desire to improve their community. 

The Reclaim Sawyerwood Coalition is a group of residents banding together to create a better neighborhood. Research shows that small changes can reduce crime, create a better sense of community, and increase overall safety. 

Community gatherings are one of the most effective tools in creating a safer neighborhood. 

 Reclaim Sawyerwood Coalition meets the first Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Sawyerwood United Methodist Church, to discuss strategies and sharing information such as, scheduling a cleanup event to address any vacant spaces, since the abandon structures invite crime, house rodents and other pests in addition lower neighborhood real estate values. 

 

Simone explained, "Also, we can respectfully help members of the Sawyerwood Community. One of the programs resulted from our meetings was an Earth Day Event on Saturday April 23, 2022, to clean up litter, trash, and debris in the Sawyerwood community."    

To learn more on volunteer to help by visiting the department at 2465 Canfield Road or call 330-784-1609.