Rossford Police Department 2014 Year End Report

Rossford Police Department
2014 Year End Report
Glenn B. Goss, Sr. – Chief of Police
ROSSFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Dear Mayor MacKinnon
Administrator Ciecka
Council Members
Citizens of Rossford,
The next several pages consist of a collection of information regarding the Rossford Police Departments’
activity throughout the year of 2014.
The world of law enforcement is ever-changing and Rossford Police have been keeping up with these
changes; leading the way in county-wide dispatching, integrated computer reporting and aided dispatching
and state-of-the-art records keeping to name just a few of these changes that took place in 2014.
In addition to City Council setting the staffing level to provide a permanent full-time detective, hiring both
full and part-time police officers this year eliminated scheduled ‘built-in’ overtime.
The shift in recent years from traffic enforcement to criminal investigations continued during 2014.
Robberies and thefts are on the rise yet overall Rossford continues to be one of the safest cities in the
Toledo metropolitan area to live and raise a family.
It is the goal of the Rossford Police Department to remain approachable and accessible to the public, to
engage with the community and to be partners with citizens in keeping the City of Rossford safe by
providing professional, courteous and prompt law enforcement services. The Rossford Police are
dedicated to maintaining a high quality of life for the residents and their guests.
2014 was yet another year in which the Rossford Police were able to receive grants and funding for Drug
Abuse Education programs in the schools, participate in a grant application for direct emergency alerts
from schools to the police communications center, reimbursement of overtime pay for traffic safety and
criminal interdiction patrols through the Ohio Highway Patrol and the Ohio Department of Public Safety
and RPD received the annual Fraternal Order of Eagles grant that is used to cover the cost of the Safety
Town program and other community events.
Rossford Police are a team within a team. Together officers work on investigations, evidence collection,
traffic enforcement, training, education and criminal apprehension. Meanwhile, the department works
hand-in-hand with the other departments within the City; Department of Public Works, Fire and Rescue
Department, Recreation Department, Zoning Department and the Finance Department to assure that
collectively we are providing the best services to the community.
Enjoy browsing through our year in review and, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to
contact me at any time.
Respectfully submitted,
Glenn B. Goss, Sr. – Chief of Police
Detective Assignment Report, 2014:
Almost 400 cases required follow-up investigation often by the Detective but occasionally by the
initial officer or other officers. These offenses often could not be solved without gathering further
information or evidence.
Citations Issued:
900 citations were issued throughout the year. This includes misdemeanor criminal summonses
along with traffic violations. 285 were issued for speeding.
Road Improvements / Crash Report:
April 2014, ODOT installs new left turn signal at SR 795 and Crossroads Parkway. The new
signal is intended to reduce traffic crashes occurring at the intersection. Rossford Police handled
235 automobile crashes throughout the City in 2014.
The police assisted with traffic control at State Route 795 at the intersection of Crossroads
Parkway while ODOT workers installed new left-turn signals to reduce crashes at this location.
Not only was this intersection one of the highest crash locations, it was also one that resulted in
the most severe property damage and injuries due to the speeds at which vehicles traveled. In
April 2014, ODOT installed the new signals that required all traffic to stop during left turns from
SR 795. In October, ODOT returned to add a turning lane, redesign lanes and resurface the
intersection – all of this created a safer intersection.
20
Crash Reports by Intersections 2014
15
Lime City Road at Buck Road
6
Lime City Road at Dixie Highway 6
Lime City Road at SR 795
5
Crossroads Pkwy at SR 795
6
Buck Road at I-75
7
SR 795 at I-75
10
Crossroads Pkwy at Ramco Dr. 8
Crossroads Pkwy at Compass Dr. 7
10
5
0
2012
2013
2014
Crossroads Parkway & State Route 795 Crashes per Year (above). After ODOT improvements to
the intersection, traffic crashes were reduced to almost 1/3rd compared to the previous year.
Overall, 33 crashes were due to speeding or failure to have a safe distance between vehicles.
Offenses by Time of Day:
The City of Rossford has more offenses committed between midnight and 1:00 A.M. than any
other time of day. This is followed by 4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. and then 3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Crime Statistics:
Of the 7,051 calls to the police department in 2014, 935 reports were generated. Of those reports,
152 involved theft offenses, 11 were sexual assaults or related crimes (5 reported rapes), 96 were
drug and drug paraphernalia related and 35 involved domestic violence or other related family
criminal acts. There were 5 stolen vehicle reports to Rossford Police. Rossford Police charged 94
drivers with Operating a Vehicle while under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol and 23 Assault
arrests were made. In total, Rossford Police arrested 499 individuals – 20 of them were juveniles.
600
500
400
CRIMES
300
ARRESTS
WARRANT ARRESTS
200
100
0
OVI
Sex Assaults Thefts Drugs
Adults Juvenile
Warrant
Internal Financial:
Overtime costs continue to decrease each year for the past 3 years. In 2013 the top three months
for overtime within the police department were July, August & June respectively. In 2014 the top
three months were June, May & August respectively. The total overtime hours for 2014 amounted
to 1512, down from 2013’s count of 2128.75 hours (a 616.75 decrease).
Part-time officers help fill the gaps of forcing full-time officers to work beyond their regular
schedule. When possible, part-time officers are scheduled, in advance to fill these vacancies to
reduce officer stress and overtime costs.
With the exception of initial start-up costs for software, the City will see an approximate annual
savings of $70,000 after transferring dispatching operations to the Wood County Sheriff’s Office.
In addition to the 2012 purchase of a brand new Chevrolet Tahoe from the Law Enforcement
Trust Fund (“Drug Fund”), in 2014 RPD purchased a new detective vehicle from the same fund
saving taxpayers an additional $24,000.
A $7,800 grant from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office reimburses Rossford expenses to provide
Drug Abuse Education programs in all 3 elementary schools along with other related programs in
Junior High and High School.
A flexible schedule for the Detective provides the department with investigative availability while
reducing overtime paid during special details performed by the Detective Sergeant.
Continuing Education, Training & Community Service:
In February of 2014, Chief Goss graduated the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police – Certified
Law Enforcement Executive Class. This is Ohio’s highest level of police executive training.
Chief Goss held “Coffee with a Cop” at the local Tim
Horton’s restaurant where citizens were invited to discuss
issues of concern with him. Goss gave out coffee mugs and
Tim Horton’s sold discounted coffee to residents.
The Rossford Police have been able to continue teaching drug
use prevention in local schools. The Ohio Attorney General’s
Office awarded $7,929.00 for the 2014–2015 grant cycle to the
City of Rossford.
This award covers the costs of Officer Jodi Johnson to teach the
program to students and to purchase supplies.
In June 2014, Rossford Police Officer Anthony Allen carried the torch for the Law Enforcement
Torch Run for Special Olympics. The Fraternal Order of Police sponsors the run to raise money
and awareness for the annual event.
The Department held its’ annual
Christmas Party and Awards
Dinner at the VFW Hall on Osborn
Street.
Fire Chief Josh Drouard made
sure Santa Claus visited the
children.
Sergeant Mark Marek was
awarded Officer of the Year by
his fellow officers.
Chief Goss presented uniform
ribbons and certificates to officers
for their accomplishments,
certifications and exemplary
service.
Sgt. Todd Kitzler and Sgt. Mark
Marek both received the Chief’s
Medal.
Wood County National
Alliance on Mental Illness
accepted Chief Goss’
nomination of Officer Jodi
Johnson and awarded her
CIT (Crisis Intervention
Team) Officer of The Year
during a June luncheon.
Chief Goss is a regular attendee at the Rossford Business Association meetings and the annual
Rossford Business Fair promoting the police, the City of Rossford, educating business owners of
safety matters and available to answer questions of the public.
David “Catfish” Prey was
honored for rescuing a dog
from the Maumee River at
Veteran’s Park along with
Officer Randy Baker in
October.
Officer Erik Thompson was awarded
the Humanitarian Award from the
Wood County Humane Society after
rescuing a dog tied up and left to die
in the woods near All Saints
Catholic Church in June.
Officer Scott
Williams was
promoted to
Sergeant in
July. Each shift
now has a
supervisor
assigned.
Council
approved the
promotion and
manpower
count through
ordinance.
Officer Randy Baker and local
resident Tony Worthington delivered
gift cards on Christmas Day to local
families in need.
Chief Glenn Goss, Mayor Neil
MacKinnon and City Administrator
Ed Ciecka met with CSX
Transportation officials in June to
reduce the number of blocked
railroad crossings in the City.
Enforcement:
The Chief has focused on directed patrol. Simply put, this places officers in the areas of the
community that most need them. This is based on call volume, complaints and criminal activity.
Some of those areas throughout 2014 have been:
School Zones – speed and parking enforcement
Residential Parking – trailers, campers, boats
Commercial Patrol – Crossroads of America, high visibility during holiday shopping
Criminal Interdiction – Interstate and State Routes, drug seizures
Surveillance & Patrol – Breaking & Entering and burglary areas
Schools – Officer ‘walk-throughs’ & School Resource Officer patrols, Drug Education
Rossford Police participated in Operation Shield from July 31st through August 2nd. The program
unites area law enforcement agencies to focus on reducing traffic fatalities on Ohio’s highways.
During the effort, officers conducted 1,087 traffic stops. During those stops 24 individuals were
charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, 36 individuals were
charged with driving under suspension and 43 individuals were cited for failure to wear a safety
belt. Additionally, 102 individuals were charged with misdemeanor criminal offenses, 60 were
arrested for felony offenses, 126 were arrested on misdemeanor warrants and 13 were arrested
on felony warrants.
On April 26th, Rossford
Police teamed up with
Target Pharmacy to
collect unused
medication. The
prescription drug drop-off
point was part of a safety
effort headed by the DEA.
As part of the 2014 recruitment
campaign, the Rossford Police used
this ad on Facebook and the
department website.
The number of applicants doubled
from previous years in part by
introducing a new testing procedure
from National Testing Network that
allows candidates to apply and test
online.
Officer Gustavo Perez and Officer
Anthony Allen were both hired through
this new testing process.
Many other area departments are also
using NTN for their civil service hiring
program as well.
A digital bulletin board was
mounted in the Squad Room and
allows information to be updated
daily to inform officers of upcoming
court dates, special patrol functions
and much more. Here’s an example
of one of the displays (right).
Communications & Dispatching:
November 2014, the Wood County
Sheriff’s Office began providing
dispatching service to Rossford Police
& Fire Departments. The agreement
was entered into after Sheriff
Wasylyshyn offered usage of his
reporting software and an annual cost
that that would be half of what the City
was currently paying to Lake Township
for dispatching. As of 2015, both Lake
Twp. and Walbridge are also
contracting with the Sheriff for
dispatching services.
Year in Review:
In January of 2014, police scrambled about town to
many traffic crashes caused by a severely cold and
snowy winter season. Many snow advisories were
issued by the National Weather Service and roads
were closed with Snow Emergencies announced by
county sheriffs.
In January 2014, Amarillo, Texas, Jail officials mistakenly released Adolphus Hollingsworth who
was wanted for murdering his wife, Victoria, 16 years ago. He was located inside a room at the
Knights Inn on Buck Road. Rossford Police assisted the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force in
apprehending Hollingsworth.
Rossford Police were part of a sting to end Human Trafficking and Prostitution. February marked
the first sting of the year at Rossford’s Knights Inn on Buck Road. Four people were arrested and
charged during this incident. The sting was conducted by the Wood County Sheriff’s Office,
Rossford police, Perrysburg Township police, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ohio
Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.
The Sixth District Court of Appeals heard the appeal of Morton Hollowell who was convicted in
2012 after Sergeant Kitzler set up surveillance cameras at Electro-Prime in order to catch scrap
steal thieves. Hollowell lost his appeal and is serving time in prison. Police used $99 dollar game
cameras to catch the thief.
April 2014, Rossford Police and Fire Departments along with Perrysburg Township Fire
Department reenact a fatal car crash to make students at Rossford High School more aware of
the dangers of intoxicated driving and texting while driving.
In May 2014, Rossford Police used
social media in order to reach out to
the public in an attempt to identify a
woman who stole a purse from inside
of the Giant Eagle store. It worked,
over 25,000 people were reached by
the Facebook post and police
arrested the suspect within days.
9 year old Markise Epperson was found walking along I-75. When located, he told police he was
abducted. It turned out that he was a runaway. His picture on local television stations helped
locate his parents.
The Safety Committee of City Council discussed a new detective vehicle. The current one was an
old Ford Ranger pick-up truck forfeited to the police department years ago. Chief Goss
recommended purchasing the car with money from the Law Enforcement Trust (“Drug Fund”).
After City Council approval, the vehicle arrived in November.
Officials have a fourth suspect behind bars in connection to an alleged rape in Rossford.
Rossford Police said 24-year-old Marquise Brown turned himself in to U.S. Marshals Thursday
morning. Brown is currently being held at the Wood County Justice Center.
Brown, along with the three other suspects, 35-year-old Cornelius Taite, 24-year-old Howard
Henderson, and 27-year-old Dajuan Henderson had warrants out for their arrests back in
December.
Rossford Police said the Henderson brothers turned themselves in. Taite was arrested in Toledo
within a week of the issued warrants.
The four men face charges of rape and sexual battery.
Investigators say the men were initially invited inside a home along Dixie Highway and Lime City
Road, where the alleged rape happened in October. Police gathered evidence and submitted
DNA from the 26-year-old woman for testing before issuing warrants for their arrests. Taite was
convicted of Abduction with sexual intent.
March 2014, JP’s Karate Academy raises funds for “Kevlar for K-9’s.” Owner John Penny was
able to fund Rossford, Lake Township & Perrysburg Township police departments with bullet and
knife resistant vests for their dogs.
May 2014, Rossford Police hired one full-time and one part-time officer. Officer Gustavo Perez
was hired after Council’s approval to set the department’s manpower strength at 13 full-time
officers. This provided RPD with the ability to keep a full-time detective position without having a
vacant patrol shift to fill with overtime. Officer Anthony Allen was hired to fill the part-time position.
Later in the year, Chief Goss requested that Council members consider appointing Allen to fulltime to prepare for upcoming retirements and to reduce overtime costs.
Police say Jessica Gross is a delivery driver who brings medication to elderly people who can't
drive. While she was in the homes of two elderly Rossford residents, police say Gross was
stealing from them. She was arrested and charged with theft of elderly.
August 2014, the City of Toledo announced that water distributed to area communities from their
water treatment facility is not drinkable. Mayor MacKinnon, Chief Goss & Chief Drouard met with
Northwestern Water & Sewer District officials – along with County Commissioners to determine
how Rossford residents will be served. For 3 days police, fire, public works, RHS students and
other public officials handed out water to those in need. Walmart donated a truckload of water,
Campbell’s Soup donated a truckload of juice and soups and Rossford City Council voted to
purchase a truckload of water during an emergency meeting.
Also in July, missing person Anthony Allen Borja, 31, was reported to Rossford Police. He was
later charged with stealing a neighbor’s license plate. He was arrested in Pickaway County by an
Ohio State Trooper in January 2015. He plead guilty in Wood County.
Many roads were temporarily closed while the Northwestern Water & Sewer District replaced
outdated pipe through town. At some locations, such as SR 65 & Lime City Road, police assisted
with traffic control.
August 2014, Mayor MacKinnon, Chief Goss, Chief Drouard, Attorney Rex Huffman and RHS
Football Coach Todd Drusback Take the ALS “Ice Bucket Challenge” to raise funds and
awareness for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease."
Police charged Cortez Johnson and Dwan Earl; both of Racine, Wisconsin (and Toledo)
Felonious Assault after severely beating a passenger in their car and dumping him in the
Wendy’s parking lot on Buck Road. Sergeants Kitzler and Revill worked weeks on the case which
included gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses as far away as Dayton, Ohio.
Rossford Police have 33-year-old John Weidner in custody after being involved in a standoff that
lasted more than four hours at a residence near the intersection of Eagle Point and Windsor. The
Wood County Sheriff’s Special Response Team was called to assist. RPD’s Sergeant Mark
Marek is a team leader on the SRT.
Gideon, RPD’s canine, receives his new bullet resistant vest from John Penny, owner of JP’s
Karate Academy in Perrysburg.
In October 2014, community leaders, parents, students and representatives of the Rossford
School District teamed up to have a spirit rally and bon fire at Veteran’s Memorial Park. Coaches
took time to recognize student athletes at the event.
In November, the City shares information with the community about Round-A-Bouts and Back-in
Angle Parking. Parking lot changes were made at the Municipal Building as a test-run of the new
parking concept. Round-A-Bouts are being considered at the intersections of Lime City and Buck
Roads and at Lime City Rd. and Dixie Highway.
December 2014, a local school teacher and coach was
arrested after police found marijuana packaged and attached to
his vehicle. When the news went public, the police received
several tips that led to the charges being dismissed. Police are
continuing their investigation into the suspect(s) that placed the
illegal drugs on the car. Mayor MacKinnon held a press
conference to clear Todd Eckel’s name and to inform the
community that the schools are safe.
Chief Goss warns the public of several different scams that attempt to get money from people.
These scams are often over the phone or through emails. The police often use Facebook Twitter
and their website to share this information.
A new ‘speed trailer’ was delivered to Rossford Police in
December. Years ago, the department would borrow one from
Habitec Alarm Company but it was often out of service, at another
agency and not available. The Chief felt the speed measuring
device would be helpful in slowing traffic as the trailer is mobile and
can be placed along any roadway in town. For 28 days the trailer
was placed on Schreier Road – where police have received
multiple complaints from residents about speeders. A recording
device in the radar unit revealed that the average speed during that
time period was 26.1 MPH. Software allows police to print graphs
and view statistical data that can also be used for traffic counts for
Public Works information.
Sergeant Kitzler attended week-long training in San Antonio, Texas to learn the operation of new
computer and cell phone extraction software. The $13,000 program allows him to search for data
on electronic devices to obtain evidence. This is particularly helpful in supporting drug
investigations as well as other crimes. The software was funded by the Law Enforcement Trust –
monies obtained during drug crime related cash seizures forfeited to Rossford PD from Federal
Courts.
Chief Goss met with members of City council’s Safety Committee to discuss remarking city
streets to make intersections and turning lanes safer and to simplify traffic flow. Applying
suggested changes did not take place in 2014 as administration will consult with engineers and
ODOT before implementation.
City council reviewed zoning and parking ordinances to eliminate boat, RV & trailer parking in
certain neighborhoods or in excess. An addition to the ordinance of prohibiting storage trailers
from parking on property frontage was made.
RPD officers attended training and classes throughout the year to enhance their career
knowledge and to keep them up to date on the ever-changing world of law enforcement. This
training included new mandates set by the State of Ohio for continuing police education. Rossford
was reimbursed for employee wages paid during training mandated by the Ohio Peace Officer
Training Council through the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. The funds originate from casino
taxes.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU IN 2015!