The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
New police chief discusses plans for department
Newly appointed Painesville Police Chief Dan Waterman already has demonstrated a commitment to increasing public safety and positive community interaction.
Waterman, who accepted the position a couple of months ago, recently shared his plan with residents, council members and City Manager Monica Irelan.
One of his priorities includes the drug epidemic that significantly impacts the city.
“We’ve seen some really sad cases and we have to get a handle on it,” he said. “Education as well as the enforcement effort has to be there. Cracking down on the drug problem is pretty high on my list of things to do and that’s why we had that $30,000 drug bust.”
A couple of weeks ago, more than $30,000 worth of drugs were seized from a Painesville home after police had received complaints.
According to the Lake County Narcotics Agency, officers located and seized large quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, marijuana and prescription pills. The officers also seized a vehicle, cash, drug paraphernalia and two firearms.
Waterman said residents can expect to hear about more busts like this in the near future as officers are working diligently on this problem.
While there were a few shootings in the city this year, Waterman said overall crime rates are down compared to 10 or 15 years ago.
In efforts to continue to ensure safety, he is working to get more officers in the community.
“I want us to be lighter and faster than we have been in the past,” he said. “We’ve been a little slowmoving getting on things in the past. I’ve told the officers that and we’ve been able to structure these extra patrols.”
His goals also include retaining young officers.
Waterman said currently there are four officers in training who are expected to graduate in January.
After learning what the chief’s plans were, residents got the opportunity to ask questions and share their concerns during the meet-and-greet on Nov. 27
There are a lot of great eyes and ears in the community, Councilwoman Christine Shoop said.
Waterman received tips about areas where potential drug activity is taking place and streets that traffic laws are not being enforced.
Residents questioned the police policy involving immigration and the need for officers to wear body cameras.
Waterman was receptive of all tips and suggestions.
He said that Painesville police only had to contact federal authorities once this year.
“At the federal level they have hired more officers, but that does not impact what we do on a day– to-day basis,” Irelan added.
For body cameras, Irelan said although the topic has been explored, the city cannot afford them at this time.
However, Waterman said police cars are being equipped with enhanced technology to expand and improve camera views.
More importantly than cameras, Waterman said he is pushing officers to have the right attitude.
Waterman describes himself as a quiet “behind the scenes type of guy”, but says he wants to keep the lines of communication open with the public and welcomes calls and tips.
“We have to prioritize, but everyone’s problems are important and I take them all seriously,” he said.
“We’ve seen some really sad cases and we have to get a handle on it. Education as well as the enforcement effort has to be there. Cracking down on the drug problem is pretty high on my list of things to do and that’s why we had that $30,000 drug bust.” — Dan Waterman, the newly appointed Painesville Police Chief