History
Modern day law enforcement in Shawnee Township began with the appointment of 2 constables on February 1, 1955.
On March 1, 1972, the former Chief Constable was sworn in as Chief of Police and the Shawnee Township Police Department was established with a staff of 4 police constables. A budget of $455,954.46 was appropriated to operate the Police Department.
A police operating levy of 1.3 mills was passed by Shawnee Township residents in November 1980. In 1988 a police district was formed when an additional 1.5 levy passed.
The present day Shawnee Township Police Department has 10 full time officers, including a Chief of Police, 3 sergeants and 6 police officers. In addition, 5 part time officers are authorized to supplement the full time compliment.
All Police Department members are State of Ohio certified peace officers, having completed the required basic training course. In addition, each officer has extensive in-service training in a wide variety of law enforcement related subject matter. This in-service training is an ongoing process to keep each officer updated in the latest law enforcement methods and technology. The department average for formal education is 13+ years. Four members have law enforcement related degrees. Collectively the department represents over 110 years of law enforcement experience.
The Shawnee Township Police Department is equipped with modern police vehicles and communications equipment. It is supported by a 24 hour a day Public Safety Division Communications Center through which officers have instant access to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), the Ohio Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS) as well as nation wide teletype communications capability with other law enforcement and criminal justice agencies.
In 1996, the department received over $110,000 in federal and state grant money in support of its community policing and traffic enforcement efforts. One community policing officer is currently devoted to working with the school system
In 1996, the Shawnee Township Police Department conducted a Citizens Police Academy, the first in Allen County, which was very successful. The academy graduated 12 township residents who were familiarized with police operations and other criminal justice activities. Since this time, two additional adult academy's and two student academy's have been conducted.
The Shawnee Township Police Department responded to 3259 calls for service in 1999. The department investigated 358 motor vehicle crashes and issued 565 citations. There were no traffic crash fatalities reported in Shawnee Township in 1999.
Our policing philosophy is community oriented and reflected in our mission statement: "Our purpose is to ensure the safety and security of the Shawnee Township community, in partnership with our citizens. Our mission is accomplished by delivering high quality, professional police services, mindful of the constitutional rights of all persons."