Public safety took center stage at the Gahanna City Council meeting on April 7, 2025, as officials outlined significant investments in equipment and technology aimed at enhancing community safety. A proposed budget of $795,000 for radio equipment upgrades and $150,000 for a life cycle upgrade of 911 equipment is set to be presented to the council within the next month.

In a notable move, the city has allocated $420,000 for police vehicle replacements, which includes essential safety equipment and upfitting computers. This investment comes as the police fleet logged over 400,000 miles in 2024, highlighting the increasing demands on local law enforcement.

The meeting also spotlighted the successful deployment of solar speed signs at four locations, which have already shown positive results in traffic management. Additionally, the introduction of 21 Flock cameras has proven instrumental in solving various incidents, including vehicle thefts and domestic violence cases. The cameras, which cost $92,100 to install, have ongoing operational costs of $65,000 per year.

Traffic safety was a key topic, with a reported 22% increase in traffic crashes year-to-date compared to the previous year. However, there is good news: OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) crashes have decreased by 44%. The council noted a rise in traffic stops, with 85% of citations now issued electronically, a significant increase from 71% in 2024.

As Gahanna prepares for future growth, the police department is focusing on staffing needs and expanding the Flock camera program to enhance neighborhood safety. The city is also gearing up for the opening of a new high school, which will impact school resource officer requirements.

In conclusion, the council's commitment to public safety through strategic investments and technology upgrades aims to foster a safer environment for Gahanna residents, ensuring that law enforcement can effectively meet the challenges of a growing community.