New K9 Cruiser

2011 Chevy Tahoe

Phone Solicitations

Each year the Police Division receives questions about groups calling and soliciting for donations. most recently residents were contacted by a telemarketing group representing the The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #112. The FOP Lodge #112  is a legitimate organization that serves members in eastern Hamilton County, Clermont County and western Brown County. It is my understanding that they contract with a company to solicit donations for Lodge #112. As I looked at their web page (http://www.ohiovalleyfop112.org) I found the following information regarding donations.

We actively solicit donations from persons who live, or have a business located east of Reading Road in Hamilton County (outside of the City of Cincinnati), anywhere in Clermont County, or in Western Brown County.

If you are located anywhere outside of these areas, donations can only be accepted from residents or businesses, within the geographic area assigned to our lodge.

We gratefully accept any and all donations- large or small.

No donation is too small; every bit helps to meet our day-to-day operating expenses, and the programs we support.Ohio Valley Lodge 112 is an I.R.S. classified 501 C-8 Non-profit Fraternal Organization. Consult your tax professional for all tax advise.

I want to assure all residents and business owners that the Loveland Police Division is not associated with FOP Lodge #112. We do not receive any money from the FOP, nor do we call anyone asking for donations or contract with any organization to solicit funds on our behalf. If you have any concerns about the agency calling you, don’t be afraid to ask very specific questions as to who hired the company to solicit funds, the company’s name soliciting the funds, the percentage of the donation kept by the marketing company, the percentage that goes to the FOP, and request a recent financial statement showing contributions and disbursements – or politely say “I’m not interested at this time and if I choose to make a donation I will contact my local Police Department directly” and hang up. If you choose to donate to Lodge #112 just be aware that you do not know how your donation will be used or who it will benefit. So, while the phone call may not be a scam just remember that the Loveland Police Department is not affiliated with them.

If you would like to donate to your local Police Department, I recommend that you call the Department directly and ask how you can contribute. Several Police Departments in the area have Benevolent Associations or Police Associations that are set up to receive donations. You can even ask that your donation be spent for a specific program, piece of equipment, etc. If you have any questions, please call your local Police Department. You may contact Loveland Police at 513-583-3000.

Mayor's Court Amnesty Program

The Loveland Mayor’s Court is announcing an amnesty program beginning December 19, 2011 through January 13, 2012. Anyone that owes money on delinquent cases can contact the court to pay their fines and costs. During the amnesty period the court may recall any warrants, waive warrant fees, and dismiss any new charges on delinquent cases so that the defendant does not have to reappear in court. The Mayor’s Court clerk can be reached at 513-774-3030.

After January 13, 2012 the court will begin transferring all delinquent cases to Capital Recovery Systems Incorporated. Capital Recovery Systems is a debt collection agency based in Columbus, Ohio and works exclusively with government clients. 

Sergeant Graduates STEP

Loveland Police Sergeant Michael J. Szpak graduated from the Supervisor Training and Education Program (STEP) with thirty two other law enforcement supervisors from throughout Ohio on December 14, 2011.

The STEP program, sponsored by the Law Enforcement Foundation and the Ohio Association of Chief’s of Police, is an intensive supervisory and management training program consisting of fourteen instructional modules including topics such as; Leadership Strategies, Performance Management, Employee Development and Critical Incident Management. The program requires a substantial amount of independent work conducting research, writing papers and reviewing case studies.

"This program is another phase in Sergeant’s Szpak’s development as a supervisor and key member of the Police Division’s management team” says Police Chief Tim Sabransky. Sergeant Szpak, who also holds an Associate degree in English from the university of Cincinnati, was promoted in December 2010. He has been a member of the Police Division since August 1996. 

Holiday Tips

Safety First Holiday Safety Tips for Last Minute Shoppers

The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) reminds last-minute holiday shoppers to keep safety in mind as they hunt for those last-minute bargains.

The organization best known for its icon, McGruff the Crime Dog, has tips to help you shop safely while getting those great holiday bargains.

Shopping in Stores
•    Do not buy more than you can carry.  Plan ahead by taking a friend with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.
•    Save all receipts.  Print and save all confirmations from your online purchases.   Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit card or bank statements as they come in.
•    Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as onetime or multiuse disposable credit cards or money orders, at online stores and auction sites.
•    Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook.  An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.
•    Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package.  The same applies if you are using mass transit.
Walking to and From Your Car
•    Deter pickpockets.  Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket.
•    Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.
•    Do not leave packages visible in your car windows. Lock them in the trunk or, if possible, take them directly home.

Shopping with Small Children
•    If you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you are separated from each other.
o    Select a central meeting place.
o    Teach them to know they can ask mall personnel or store security employees if they need help.

Shopping Online
•    Before surfing the Internet, secure your personal computers by updating your security software. Everyone’s computer should have anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-spam software, as well as a good firewall installed. Visit www.bytecrime.org for free software downloads.
•    Keep your personal information private and your password secure. Do not respond to requests to “verify” your password or credit card information unless you initiated the contact. Legitimate businesses will not contact you in this manner.
•    Beware of “bargains” from companies with whom you are unfamiliar—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
•    Use secure websites for purchases. Look for the icon of a locked padlock at the bottom of the screen or “https” in the URL address.
•    Shop with companies you know and trust. Check for background information if you plan to buy from a new or unfamiliar company.

To find more useful shopping tips and personal safety information, visit the National Crime Prevention Council’s website.

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About the National Crime Prevention Council
The National Crime Prevention Council is the nonprofit leader in crime prevention. For 30 years, our symbol of safety, McGruff the Crime Dog®, has delivered easy-to-use crime prevention tips that protect what matters most—you, your family, and your community. Law enforcement agencies nationwide rely on our expertise to make an impact on personal safety and crime every day. For more information on how NCPC can be a public safety expert for you or how to “Take A Bite Out of Crime®,” visit www.ncpc.org.
 

Citizens Police Academy Graduation

On November, 16th, the Loveland Police Division concluded its twelfth annual Citizens Police Academy.  The class had twelve Loveland area residents who completed  the ten week program.  Participants were presented with multiple aspects of law enforcement  duties from various instructors.  These graduates will now go on to join the Loveland Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association.

Front Row: Gabbie Rohdenburg, Angie Settell, Angie Gardner, Joan Calder and Dan Engel

Center Row: City Manager Tom Carroll, Melba Schultz, Darlene Martin, Teresa Desch, Dawn Desko, Barbara Kressler, Dick Rohdenburg and Chief Tim Sabransky

Back Row: Officer Chad Caudell and Mayor Rob Weisgerber

Not pictured: Charles Asher

Goodwill

If you know the  identity of the two male subjects, please call Detective Corbett at 513.583.3000

Home Depot

If you know the Identity of these individuals please contact Detective Corbett at 513.583.3000

Subjects to the right of this video and then exiting

ICE- "In Case of Emergency"

To most of us, our cell phones/smart phones are indispensable as they provide instant contact with friends and family.  However, the cell phone poses a problem for First Responders such as Police and Fire.  At the scene of an emergency, who does the First Responder call when trying to contact a victim's next of kin?

In 2005, a British Paramedic was posed with this very question. As a result, he conceived the ICE Program (In Case of Emergency) .  This program  encourages people to enter emergency contacts in their address books.  A person can list multiple contacts such as "ICE1" for a spouse or "ICE2" for a child or parent.  Many phone carriers now have "ICE" listed in the heading of contacts on most phones. 

Many mobile phone owners lock their phone requiring a password to be entered to access the device for security purposes. This prevents First Responders from obtaining the ICE contact.  Many phone manufacturers have provided a means to specify the "ICE" contact, as well as a "Lost and Found" contact. For more information on this feature, contact your provider and/or your owner's manual for specific details.

By taking just a few moments and creating a few "ICE" contacts in your mobile phone, you can expedite the process of Police and Fire contacting your emergency contact immediately.  Life saving information could be forwarded to first responders on scene who may need to make life and death decisions to treat you. 

Other options for alerting First Responders include: attaching contact number(s) on the back of your phone or documenting  crucial information  on a card placed inside your wallet .

Accepting Applications

The Loveland Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of part time police officer. Minimum qualifications include a GED or equivalent, valid driver's license, and OPOTA Peace Officer certification. An application can be obtained on our website under "Reports & Documents" or at the Loveland Police Station.

Applicants who took our civil service exam in June of 2010 for full time officer will have to reapply and provided updated information if they are interested in the part time position.