Gahanna police outline staffing, technology and training plans as Sergeant Michael Shipica is promoted

Sergeant Michael Shipica was sworn in and promoted during the City of Gahanna City Council meeting on April 7, marking a personnel milestone as police leaders outlined staffing, technology and training changes planned for 2024–25.

Chief Spence and Director Becker told council they are continuing hires and internal moves to fill patrol and support positions, plan a major equipment upgrade and prepare for an anticipated move into a new policing facility in August 2025. Director Becker said, “We’re very grateful for the support, and we’re doing all we can to be great stewards of those taxpayer dollars.”

The department described current and planned staffing. Chief Spence reported two recently sworn sergeants were backfilled, two communications technician positions remain in active recruitment (one conditional offer issued), a management analyst vacancy will be filled in the next two weeks, and two evidence technicians were funded in the 2025 budget. He said six police officer backfills remain pending, including an academy start April 30 and a lateral expected in May. Chief Spence said a deputy chief position from the 2025 request will begin its hiring process in summer and that a training coordinator posting is live.

On equipment, Spence listed specific budgeted items: $795,000 for radio upgrades, $150,000 for a 9-1-1 equipment life-cycle upgrade and…