Westerville Division of Police

WESTERVILLE DIVISION OF POLICE

Community Program Guide

WESTERVILLE DIVISION OF POLICE

VALUES

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

About Us

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Community Programs

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Community Events

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Additional Programs & Services

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Getting Involved

CITY OF WESTERVILLE MISSION STATEMENT The City of Westerville is dedicated to providing exemplary municipal services to our community and fostering prosperity while embracing our unique heritage and character.

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RESPONSIBILITY Do what is right, legally and ethically, fulfilling your duties and taking responsibility for your actions.

INTEGRITY

LOYALTY Give support and allegiance to the Country, Community, Division, and our staff.

HONESTY Be truthful at all times.

MISSION The mission of the Westerville Division of Police is to serve the public. We are dedicated to responding to the needs of the citizens, preventing crimes and continually evolving to maintain the highest standards of service.

About US Welcome to the program guide for the Westerville Division of Police (WPD) Community Services Bureau. WPD has a long tradition of practicing community policing. It’s integrated into our structure and operations including administration, patrol, investigations, emergency dispatch and other programs and services.

Community policing is the practice of working with the residents, visitors and businesses in Westerville to improve public safety. Through partnership, education and outreach, we proactively address safety and crime prevention for the community we serve.

In our Patrol section, community policing is built into operations through our delivery of service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Patrol officers are often dispatched on calls for service that may not seem to be police related, but officers always respond and treat all parties involved with respect; making decisions with the upmost integrity. WPD prides itself on the fact that patrol officers are given the autonomy to investigate cases. Through these frontline investigations, patrol officers serve as a direct line of communication with our residents and keep them apprised on their specific case and other community issues.

Detectives who work in our Investigations section not only solve crimes, but serve as a great resource when it comes to providing information and education on crime prevention. WPD investigators are subject matter experts on a variety of topics including internet safety, identity theft and fraud, and other crimes that affect specific populations.

The Community Service section is responsible for a large part of the direct interaction and education development related to community-based programs. This section coordinates and manages more than 20 programs and participates in hundreds of community events. Programs are ever-changing to represent the diversity of our community. And because it is so important to build relationships with youth, we offer a variety of age-specific programs for children, students, and young adults. WPD also maintains and preserves these relationships with special events and programming targeted to older adults.

This approach is part of the WPD’s commitment to recognizing the importance of working with the community when it comes to responding to and investigating crime and educating the public on how to prevent crime. Employees in each section work together on a daily basis to keep residents safe and deliver quality programs.

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Community PROGRAMS

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ANIMAL CONTROL COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Animal Control Dispatch (614) 882-7444 Westerville Animal Control (614) 901-6863

Dogs and Dog Bite Prevention The Westerville Parks & Recreation Department maintains the Westerville Bark Park specifically for dog use. The Bark Park features a one-acre large dog and a quarter-acre small dog area, a gated vestibule for security, dog fountain and hydrants. Find the park online at www.westerville.org/parks.

www.westerville.org/animal-control

Animal control is a service provided by the City of Westerville with one full-time Animal Control officer. This officer is responsible for assisting residents with issues, questions, and complaints about a variety of animal/wildlife issues including barking dogs, lost pets, sick or injured animals, feral cats, and some forms of nuisance wildlife. In addition to routine duties, the Animal Control Officer provides wildlife-related community education presentations. Due to a large call volume, Westerville Animal Control can only handle orphaned wildlife that is sick or injured.

Helpful Resources DOGS

LOST/FOUND PETS

Franklin County Animal Control (614)525-3400 www.franklincountydogs.com

www.petfbi.com Nextdoor.com

Delaware County Dog Warden (740) 368-1915

CATS Capital Area Humane Society (614) 777-7387

Helpful tips for avoiding aggressive dog behavior: • Be a responsible dog owner. License your dog as required by law and provide regular veterinary care Westerville Bark Park including rabies vaccinations.

Brooksedge Park • Spay or neuter your dog.

708 Park Meadow Road • Socialize your dog.

• Teach your dog appropriate behavior.

• Err on the safe side. If you don’t know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious.

• For more information please visit www.doggonesafe.com.

SICK/INJURED WILDLIFE Ohio Wildlife Center (614) 793-9453

Delaware Humane Society (740) 369-7387

WILDLIFE Wildlife District One Office (614) 644-3925 http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/

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Dealing with Wildlife • DO NOT feed wildlife.

• Trim tree branches that extend over your roof.

• Cover window wells.

REGULATIONS TO KNOW City of Westerville Codified Ordinances may be accessed online at www.westerville.org under the “Government” tab.

Code

Ordinance

531.01

Dogs and other animals running at large. No person shall fail to prevent such animal from running at large on any property not his own.

531.02

Barking or howling dogs. No person shall keep or harbor any dog which, by loud and frequent barking, howling or yelping, creates unreasonably loud and disturbing noises of such a character, intensity and duration as to disturb the peace, quiet and good order of the neighborhood.

531.04

Annual registration of dogs; tags required.

531.05

Abandoning animals. No owner or keeper of a dog, cat or other domestic animal shall abandon such animal.

531.10

Animal bites; reports and quarantine.

Whenever any animal bites any person, the City Manager may order such animal quarantined for a period extending not longer than ten days from the time of the biting.

531.13

Rabies immunization.

Any dog over three months of age must be immunized against rabies as required by the regulations of Franklin County Public Health and displayed current immunization tag on a dog’s collar.

531.15

Wild, dangerous, undomesticated animals.

No person shall harbor, maintain or keep a wild, dangerous or undomesticated animal within the City.

709.01

Any dog or cat without tags may be considered “feral” or stray. Any dog or cat without tags may be considered “feral.”

709.05

No person shall feed or harbor feral animals.

• Keep pet food inside.

• Seal holes around home foundations.

• B ury quarter inch mesh hardware cloth one foot out with an “L” shape.

• Store garbage in metal or plastic containers with tightfitting lids.

• Fence gardens and cover fruit trees and berry bushes with netting.

• Screen fireplace chimneys as well as attic and dryer vents.

Keep dampers closed when not in use.

• DO NOT FEED GEESE. Canada Geese will lose their natural fear of humans and may attack people/pets during their nesting season (March-June).

NOTE: Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Ohio state law protects Canada Geese extending to the geese, goslings, nests, and eggs. Non-lethal scare and hazing tactics, which do not harm the geese, are allowed. These tactics include pyrotechnics, dogs, barriers, a grid on the pond, laser pointers (at night), distress calls, or grape-flavored repellants such as Flight Control. If non-lethal tactics have been used in the past, without success, the Division of Wildlife may issue an egg addling (shaking) permit.

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SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS & D.A.R.E. COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

D.A.R.E.

DRUG ABUSE RESISTANCE EDUCATION

www.westerville.org/community-services

In partnership with Westerville City Schools, five School Resource Officers (SRO) and two D.A.R.E. officers work directly with students, teachers and administrators on a daily basis. The SRO is responsible for ensuring the safety of students and faculty while also serving as mentors, educators, and counselors when needed. SROs are located at Westerville North and Westerville South High Schools, as well as Blendon Middle School, Walnut Springs Middle School, and Heritage Middle School.

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) officers are trained to teach life skills-based lessons that concentrate on self-esteem, consequence recognition, and decision making skills. These courses are taught annually at 11 elementary schools. In addition to the D.A.R.E. program, officers also instruct safety belt classes and perform safety presentations for kindergarten students.

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Crime Prevention IN WESTERVILLE

The Crime Prevention section includes one Crime Prevention Officer and two Crime Prevention Specialists. This team is responsible for developing and managing all divisionsponsored crime prevention programs, including Neighborhood Watch, Self Defense for Women, Citizens Police Academy, crime analysis and crime statistics, programs for senior citizens, Cops and Kids Day, and much more. The Crime Prevention team also works closely with division volunteers and a number of other organizations throughout the City and Central Ohio.

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SAFETY CITY & SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS

Program Offerings City of Westerville

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Safety Presentations and Department Tours: (614) 901-6860 www.westervillesafetycity.com Police program/speaker request: www.westerville.org/policespeaker

The men and women of the Westerville Division of Police believe it is critical to teach children the importance of safety at an early age. Each summer, WPD partners with the Westerville Division of Fire and educators from Westerville City Schools to present “Safety City.”

More than 300 four and five-year old children (usually kindergarten-bound) enroll in the two-week Safety City, a program introducing a range of safety topics including fire safety, stranger danger, how to cross the street, and several other safety related topics.

TRAFFIC & PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

FIRE PREVENTION

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

POISON PREVENTION

ANIMAL SAFETY

GUN/FIREARM AWARENESS AND SAFETY

In addition to Safety City, WPD officers schedule school presentations (upon request) to explain public safety in a friendly way. Puppets and Lesson in Safety (P.A.L.S.) and safety robot “PC” are popular additions to the safety program.

WATER SAFETY

STRANGER AWARENESS

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YOUTH POLICE ACADEMY & WESTERVILLE EXPLORER POST 29 COMMUNITY PROGRAMS For more information: (614) 901-6489 www.westerville.org/YPA

Youth Police Academy One week in July

The Youth Police Academy is an annual five-day program designed for high school students with an interest in law enforcement careers. This program allows students to go “behind the scenes� for an inside look at the profession. Student cadets participate in a modified academy structure, focused on introducing different aspects of policing and enforcement exercises. Discussions and lectures are also part of the curriculum. The program provides students with a sense of community pride and the opportunity to explore a career in law enforcement.

Access the application online

www.westerville.org/services/police/ community-services/youth-police-academy

Westerville Explorer Post 29 Year Round

Cadets who successfully complete and graduate from the Youth Police Academy are invited to apply for Westerville Explorer Post 29, a preprofessional program offering extended training in law enforcement with an emphasis on volunteerism and working closely with community leaders and residents. The Explorer program builds on the Youth Police Academy by placing a larger focus on building career oriented experiences, leadership training, and community service.The primary goal is to help young adults choose a career path within law enforcement while challenging them to become responsible citizens in their communities.

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CITIZEN POLICE ACADEMY COMMUNITY PROGRAMS For more information: (614) 901-6472 www.westerville.org/CPA

The Westerville Division of Police sponsors two Citizen Police Academies (CPA) each year to inform, educate, and build relationships with the residents we serve. In this popular program, CPA participants have an opportunity to learn what happens on a day-to-day basis at the police department. All instruction is facilitated by officers and certified police instructors, and includes topics on criminal law, drug investigations, traffic enforcement, patrol operations, and crime prevention. Students also participate in firearms training, building searches, and earn their CPR certification.

Many CPA graduates remain involved and become police volunteers with the nationallyrecognized Westerville Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (WCPAAA).

This organization serves at a variety of special events and regular safety activities, including car seat inspection/installation, 4th Fridays and “Chief for a Day.�

Access the application online

www.westerville.org/services/police/ community-services/citizen-police-academy

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Citizen Police Academy (CPA) 13 weekly meetings, twice annually

Program Offerings

Citizen Police Academy

CONDUCT YOUR OWN FORENSIC INVESTIGATION

TOUR THE WESTERVILLE DIVISION OF POLICE

PARTICIPATE IN SIMULATED LAW ENFORCEMENT SCENARIOS

DIVISION OF POLICE

PARTICIPATE IN A RIDE-ALONG WITH A WESTERVILLE PATROL OFFICER

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SELF DEFENSE FOR WOMEN COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Westerville Community Center 350 N. Cleveland Ave For more information: (614) 901-6490 www.westerville.org/selfdefense

Remembering three simple rules could save you in an attack.

RULE #1 React immediately

Self Defense for Women

Check website for scheduled dates

Teaching women how to react to violence, assault and other dangers reduces their risk of becoming a victim to these crimes. Westerville Division of Police instructors developed this popular course to show women simple, and effective defensive skills. Participants will also learn basic defensive tactics and escape moves. Women of all ages and abilities are invited to participate. Juveniles are limited to 14 years of age or older and must attend class with their parent. This hands-on course introduces women to basic self-defense strategies.

How to enroll: Due to high demand for the class, a $25 refundable deposit (one check per person) is required for the reservation. The fee is returned the day of the course.

Cancelation policy requires 48 hour notice for a full refund. Fees will be donated to support this and other WPD programs if cancellations are not made within 48 hours of the scheduled course dates. Waiting lists are available for each scheduled course.

Watch online video

Self Defense for Women Course www.westerville.org/police

RULE #2 Resist

RULE #3 Crime scene two is ALWAYS worse than crime scene one

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PATH WATCH & BICYCLE REGISTRATION COMMUNITY PROGRAMS www.westerville.org/police For more information: (614) 901-6860

PathWatch

Bicycle Registration

The Westerville Bike & Walkway (B&W) contains more than 29 miles of recreational trails and pathways. In partnership with the Westerville Parks & Recreation Department, WPD developed Path Watch to give residents an active role in helping to monitor and observe the B&W for the public’s safe use.

Each year, the Westerville Division of Police recovers dozens of lost or stolen bicycles. To increase the likelihood of finding a lost or stolen bicycle, owners are encouraged to participate in a free bicycle registration program managed

by WPD’s Records Bureau. Register your bike in-person at the Police station (29 S. State St.) or complete the registration form online and return via postal mail.

PathWatch operates similarly to the Neighborhood Watch program, utilizing volunteers to be an “extra set of eyes and ears” on the extensive recreational trail system. WPD and Parks & Recreation staff provide training in first aid, reporting rules and procedures, and bike maintenance.

The following information is required to register a bike: • Serial Numbers • Type (Boys/Girls/Unisex) • Make • Color • Model

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS CELL PHONE E-MAIL ADDRESS AGE: 18 OR OLDER 10 HOURS OF INITIAL TRAINING CARRY VOLUNTEER ID ON PERSON AT ALL TIMES WEAR PROVIDED PATH WATCH VEST

volunteer

BACKGROUND CHECK 40 HOURS OF COMMITTED TIME PER YEAR

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NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH & NEXTDOOR

Neighborhood Watch and Nextdoor

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS www.westerville.org/police For more information: (614) 901-6860

The City of Westerville has more than 42 active Neighborhood Watch associations who work closely with the division to identify and resolve problems and help prevent crime. These groups have transitioned over the years, with much of the neighborhood-specific issue management conducted online.

In 2014, the Westerville Division of Police announced a partnership with Nextdoor (www.nextdoor.com), a free, private online resource for communities designed to pair social networking and crime prevention at the neighborhood level. Residents may sign up online and access community events and activities, receive crime updates and statistics, post questions, comments and concerns, and communicate directly with WPD’s crime prevention team.

Communities around the nation are using Nextdoor in a number of ways, including spreading the word about neighborhood crime, organizing block watch activities, and finding trustworthy resources such as house sitters, babysitters and more. Through this partnership and the speed and accessibility of information, WPD has made great strides in facilitating community conversation and safety.

If you are interested in starting a neighborhood watch or would like a member of the Crime Prevention section to speak at your next neighborhood meeting, please contact (614) 901-6860.

Nextdoor is FREE for residents Visit www.nextdoor.com and enter an address to get started.

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A great way to get involved with your neighbors!

Each year, WPD promotes National Night Out on the first Tuesday in August.

National Night Out is a citywide event in Westerville, at which neighborhood watch groups host a number of block parties/celebrations with WPD staff and personnel. National Night Out increases communication between the police department and residents, sending a message to criminals that the community is organized and fighting back against crime!  

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

As part of our commitment to build relationships and educate the community, WPD hosts a number of special events each year. Larger events like Cops and Kids Day and Serving Our Seniors are planned months in advance. In addition to division-sponsored events, WPD can attend a variety of events in the City of Westerville. If you would like a member of the WPD Crime Prevention section to attend or speak at your event, please call (614) 901-6860 or visit www.westerville.org/policespeaker.

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BOY SCOUT CRIME PREVENTION WORKSHOP COMMUNITY EVENTS www.westerville.org/police For more information: (614) 901-6490

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Boy Scout Crime Prevention Workshop Even years in January or February (check website for details)

Boy Scout Troops throughout Central Ohio are provided the opportunity to earn their Crime Prevention/Fingerprint Merit Badge while working with the Westerville Division of Police and other criminal justice professionals. Participants will learn what it is like to work in a variety of criminal justice fields and the impact that they can have on safety within their community as young people.

For Scouts Applications must be completed online and have met certain criteria in advance.

All other merit badge criteria will be covered during the workshop.

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SERVING OUR SENIORS COMMUNITY EVENTS

Serving our Seniors

Free Each Spring (check website for details)

www.westerville.org/SOS For more information: (614) 901-6490

“Serving Our Seniors� Day, commonly known as SOS Day, was established in 2006 as a feature program targeted to educate older adults and their caregivers about crime prevention. Educators explain how criminals utilize new and emerging technologies to lure older adults into vulnerable positions.

By pairing expert resources, law enforcement agencies, and reliable business sources, SOS Day presents a full-scale training on how to understand and handle exposure to these types of risks. Informational seminars and access to reputable vendors and resources are central to the event. The bureau also organizes service providers for consultation on financial and estate planning, wellness and recreational activities, and most importantly, personal safety and security.

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Did you Know According to law enforcement professionals, older adults infrequently and irregularly report their exposure to crime. From fear to embarrassment, they often do not realize they are a victim of crime until a significant financial loss has occurred. And because the crimes are not publicly reported, family members or caregivers may never know.

Once exposed to the SOS experience, older adults often become committed public safety advocates and participate in other programs and services offered by the Westerville Division of Police, including the Citizens Police Academy, Path Watch and mentoring programs for cadets involved in the Youth Police Academy.

FRAUD

SCAMS (phone, internet and social media)

PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY

IDENTITY THEFT

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

“The Bureau already had lots of programs encompassing all groups, like Safety City, DARE and others, but this reaches seniors directly and gives everyone a role, making them feel important and appreciated.�

Jackie Danalewich, Westerville resident

(Danalewich and her husband enrolled in the Westerville Citizens Police Academy 15 years ago and have lived in Westerville for more than 25 years.)

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COPS & KIDS DAY COMMUNITY EVENTS For more information: (614) 901-6860 www.westerville.org/Cops-N-Kids

A Central Ohio tradition, Cops & Kids Day brings law enforcement and familyfriendly fun together! The Westerville Division of Police annually coordinates more than 40 regional law enforcement agencies to participate in this special event featuring helicopters, SWAT teams, K-9 units, cruisers, and DARE cars among the attractions.

Cops & Kids Day is designed to provide children and their families an opportunity to interact with Central Ohio law enforcement agencies while learning about the equipment and technology the agencies utilize on a daily basis. Children are able to participate in games and other activities that make it an entertaining and educational experience.

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Cops & Kids Day

Second week in September (check website for details)

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ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

CHILD FINGERPRINTING

CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSPECTIONS

Free ID cards available at serveral community special events

By Appointment: (614) 901-6889

For more information: (614) 901-6860

www.westerville.org/child-seat-inspection

The one thing about children: they are constantly growing. The Westerville Division of Police recommends children have their fingerprints and picture taken at least once a year. A special fingerprinting station is available multiple times a year at a variety of public events. Your child can receive their free ID card at 4th Fridays, Safety City, Cops & Kids Day and many other community events in Westerville.

Employees and volunteers with Westerville Police, Fire, and Communications provide professional child car seat installations and inspections every Monday at Fire Station 111 (400 W Main Street). To schedule an appointment, please call the Car Seat Information Line at 614-901-6889.

Watch a video

Visit www.westerville.org/police to understand the importance of proper car seat installation.

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PROJECT LIFESAVER For more information: (614) 901-6860 www.westerville.org/projectlifesaver

Project Lifesaver is a rapid-response program designed to reduce the time it takes to locate individuals with special needs; including those who suffer from memory loss and related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as people/children with autism and other related mental disorders.

Program participants wear a personalized bracelet that emits a tracking signal police can use to locate an individual if he/she becomes lost or wanders. A designated caregiver notifies the Westerville Division of Police, and officers deploy state-of-the-art equipment to assist with tracking.

COMMUNITY CARE www.westerville.org/police For more information: (614) 901-6790

Safe Call is a daily telephone check-in service for people who are homebound, elderly, or physically disabled. The service is free to those who live in Westerville.

Registered participants receive a computerized phone call at a designated time each day. If there is no answer, the call is diverted to a designated key holder.

Police and Fire will only be dispatched if the designated key holder does not answer.

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ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

SPEEDWATCH Residents may request training from a WPD patrol officer in the basic use of a speed measuring device.

The device is provided on-loan after signing a waiver and reviewing program rules. Residents may monitor traffic for three consecutive days and identify speeders in the area. Those who are driving over the designated limit are mailed an informational letter by the Westerville Division of Police.

DISTRACTED DRIVING SIMULATOR In partnership with 10TV’s “Maria’s Message”, the Westerville Division of Police is committed to educating drivers on the dangers of distracted driving. A distracted driving simulator is available for use at a variety of community events and school programs.

SIMULATED IMPAIRED DRIVING EXPERIENCE: SIDNE. This driving simulatior utilizes a motorized vehicle on a controlled course to mimic the effects of impaired driving.

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SECURITY ASSESSMENTS AND ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING Trained personnel are available to inspect your home or business and consult on safety concerns. WPD educators are available to demonstrate “Run Hide Fight”/active shooter scenario training. Additionally, staff can present a variety of crime prevention topics to community groups upon request.

EMERGENCY ALERT REGISTRATION Visit: http://www.westerville.org/services/ communications/emergency-alert-portal

Westerville residents may register their contact information on a website provided by the Westerville Emergency Communications Division. By registering your contact information, you will receive alerts based on true emergencies such as disaster notification, public safety information, and/or alerts pertaining to missing children, hazardous spills, boil alerts, and major power outages. The content is provided by voice or text message. Subscribers’ information will not be utilized or accessed for any other purposes.

Get Involved:

VOLUNTEER

The programs and events sponsored by the Westerville Division of Police would not be possible without the help and support of our volunteers. Each year, members from the community donate thousands of volunteer hours to police activities, events and programs. Our volunteers play an integral part in engaging the community and keeping Westerville safe.

RESERVE OFFICERS

Volunteer opportunities are available in the organizations listed on the right. For more information, please call (614) 901-6860.

WESTERVILLE EXPLORER POST 29 (“EXPLORERS�)

Sworn law enforcement officers who perform police-related duties on a volunteer basis.

CHAPLAIN CORPS

Clergy members representing various faiths who assist the department and community members in times of crisis.

Young adults ages 14-20 pursuing pre-professional career development in law enforcement careers.

WESTERVILLE CITIZEN POLICE ACADEMY ALUMNI

Citizen Police Academy graduates who desire to give back to their community by helping WPD with programming and events.

INTERNS

Students enrolled in college pursuing degrees in law enforcement specialties are provided the opportunity to gain real world experience by spending time in each section of the police department.

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