Police chief asks state for help

The township had no police protection Thursday as the chief was in court.
By TIM YOVICH
Vindicator Trumbull Staff
NEWTON FALLS -- The head of Newton Township's one-man police department is asking a state agency to come in to help close some criminal cases.
Frank Tomaino, township police chief, said Thursday he's requesting the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation to assist him.
Tomaino is working by himself since trustees on Tuesday laid off seven part-time officers who had been working 41 hours weekly.
Trustees have agreed to place a 1.75-mill, five-year police levy on the May primary ballot. If approved by voters, it will generate about $115,000 annually, Tomaino said.
The chief explained that he has four major cases that need to be closed. They are three vandalisms that resulted in $30,000 to $40,000 damage each and a robbery during a home invasion.
BCI will be able to question suspects in the cases, he explained.
Tomaino said because he's on duty 40 hours a week, he's going to establish a time when residents can file police reports.
He explained, however, that he recognizes that he won't be able to do any follow-up to the reports.
"I'll be a glorified paper shuffler for the insurance companies," he said.
Actual patrols in the township have dropped off dramatically, Tomaino said, noting that what was 81 hours of patrolling a week has dropped to 40 hours.
Levies rejected
Trustees took the layoff action because voters rejected three police levies in 14 months.
Tomaino pointed out that he has given up $5,000 by agreeing to eliminate his benefits package and uniform allowance to retain the part-timers.
Trustees laid them off despite the givebacks, however, he added.
On Thursday, the township had no road patrols. Tomaino said he had to pick up a prisoner at the Trumbull County Jail and spent the remainder of the day in court.
Township residents don't realize they have a crime problem, the chief added.
"These people are wearing blinders on their eyes," Tomaino asserted, pointing out that some people don't believe in having a police department unless it directly impacts them.
He said some people have even questioned who gave him authority to spend money to investigate a double homicide in the township last month.
yovich@vindy.com