Police chief assesses future

A 1-mill levy is needed for operating costs, the police chief said.

By SEAN BARRON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

CRAIG BEACH — The police department here is making progress and moving in positive directions, but it still needs the help of village officials and the community, the chief says.

Chief Jason Brown said progress in his department includes an online and more enhanced records management system.

Also, about six months ago, the four-member department received a free Crown Victoria and lighting for the vehicle, bringing to two the number of cruisers in the village, he noted.

“I’m happy with the direction we’re going, and I feel the community’s support, but I’m not content with where we are now,” Brown said, adding that he‘s written to a couple of police departments to see if Craig Beach can receive additional reserve officers from them.

A special meeting last weekend addressed a variety of the department’s needs.

Also discussed was the 1-mill police operating levy that is to be on the March 4 general election ballot.

The department’s cruisers need more up-to-date cameras, the chief continued, adding that he also wants to see the return of a crime watch program for the area.

The crime watch idea will be considered, Councilwoman Wanda Sabol said.

Also in need of an upgrade are the walkie-talkies officers use, noted Lt. Jeffrey Myers. The devices should be replaced because they operate on a single channel only, meaning the police often have difficulty communicating with fire officials and other departments, Myers told council members.

Money from the levy, which would generate roughly $19,000 annually starting in 2009, will go toward equipment, salaries and other operating expenses; department funding for 2008 will likely come out of the general fund, Brown pointed out. The levy is crucial to determine how many more officers could be added to the force, Brown noted.

The chief expressed optimism about the levy’s success and his department’s future.

“I’m confident the police department, council and the community will work together to provide the most effective service for this village,” he said.