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Police report shows steady call volumes, new hires and pending live-scan fingerprint scanner
Summary
Police Chief Keith Tarase told the Safety Committee that April dispatch figures include Fire/EMS, traffic stops and animal‑control calls, that hiring is underway with a new officer bound for the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy, and that a no‑cost live‑scan fingerprint scanner from the Ohio Attorney General’s office is expected to arrive.
Police Chief Keith Tarase told the North Royalton Safety Committee on May 19 that April statistics recently shared with council reflect dispatch totals that include Fire/EMS responses, traffic stops and animal‑control calls, not only discrete officer 'calls for service.'
"The reports come from dispatch," Tarase said, adding that not all traffic accidents produce an OH‑1 police report because parties sometimes choose to exchange information and handle claims through insurers. He explained the department’s internal practice of rotating speed‑feedback signs: "Speed signs generally are in one location for a week to 10 days; e‑mail us locations you want checked."
Tarase said the department continues active recruitment and recently swore in a new officer who is scheduled to attend the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy this August. "We are in various stages of hiring for other parties as well," he said.
On technology, Tarase described a live‑scan digital fingerprint scanner tied to a grant from the Ohio Attorney General’s office. "The device would be provided by the Ohio Attorney General’s office at no cost," he said; Mayor Paul Marnecheck confirmed the city signed the agreement and the department is awaiting delivery.
Why it matters: accurate classification of dispatch data affects resource planning and grant applications; a live‑scan device will move the department from paper fingerprint cards to a digitized process used statewide.
Background and next steps: Tarase said the department will continue sending monthly statistics to council and requested that residents e‑mail locations where they want speed signs placed. The mayor and chief did not set a specific date for the scanner delivery; council will receive further staffing and crime‑trend updates in subsequent reports.
