North Buffalo Re-Invests in Police Department
Township Supervisors Paul Kirkwood, Clark Whiteman and David Wolfe approved the police department purchases last night during their first regular meeting of 2016.
by Jonathan Weaver
North Buffalo Township Police officers will have some new equipment in the New Year.
During last night’s first regular meeting of 2016, Township Supervisors David Wolfe, Clark Whiteman and Paul Kirkwood agreed to several police expenditures, including Global Positioning Service units for both vehicles, a gun safe to maintain evidence and also are beginning the search for used lockable filing cabinets.
“I don’t want the police out of the municipality unless they’re out on official police business,” Wolfe said. “I’m trying to keep them within the township.”
Wolfe, supervisor chair and supervisor of police, will be given a monthly report of vehicle’s location and speed and recommended the purchases.
“I don’t want any discrepancy or dispute because evidence is left out in plain sight where someone can tamper with it,” Wolfe said. “That could throw out a case.”
Supervisors are also considering either repairing or upgrading the department’s computer.
Wolfe recommended having an inspection performed by Bevington Technologies, of Worthington – which was upheld and approved. Supervisors will first weigh the cost of repairs versus purchasing new.
The newest supervisor, Wolfe said he became aware of police needs while he was campaigning for office.
“I went over what their needs were, what (officers) thought their problems were and how we can address it. I also wanted to meet with them to tell them what my plan was,” Wolfe said. “I want controls through our township every shift that they work.
“Every road should be covered by a police car.”
Supervisors also approved for each police car to be detailed in East Franklin Township as often as twice monthly. Maintenance is performed as-needed by a local repair shop.
An executive session was held between the elected supervisors before the meeting to discuss police personnel.
More than $14,000 is available in the 2016 police department budget before police wages.
Township Police responded to a total of nearly 240 incidents last year, including 23 vehicle accidents, 12 burglaries and nine thefts.
Local News | jweaver January 21, 2016
By bigjohn, January 21, 2016 @ 1:30 PM
Sounds good to me. Just keep it up.
By Nivasi, January 21, 2016 @ 7:25 PM
Used lock-able file cabinets can be purchased anywhere. Those should have been in place eons ago