Painesville Police chief thanks community for levy passage

Network of cameras in city a priority

Following the passage of a 2.5-mill additional levy that will provide funding for the Painesville Police Department, Chief Dan Waterman wasted little time in thanking the community that supported the levy during the Nov. 5 election.

“We would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to every member of our community that came out and voted for our police levy,” Waterman stated on the department’s Facebook page. “The overwhelming support we received invigorates us as we move forward in making a number of positive changes, all of which you the residents of our community deserve.

“As we make those changes that the levy supports, we know that core elements that allow us to make these positive changes revolve around continuing to improve the communication and trust between the department and our community,” he added. “We look forward to holding community meetings as things move forward, and to communicating ways in which we can help each other make the changes necessary to improve and develop our city together.”

A major aspect of the levy’s funding will be the incorporation of a series of cameras throughout the city to heighten surveillance and extend police presence. Waterman noted that Lt. Toby Burgett has been selected to head the initiative.

In a public letter, Waterman recently referenced that the network of cameras would be an effective measure against the string of shootings that the city has experienced during the second half of 2019.

“Our major answer is a city-wide camera system,” he said ahead of the election. “The crime camera system, coupled with license plate readers, would not only serve as a major crime deterrent, but also help the majority of shooting incidents in the city.”

Due to the inter-departmental cooperation that will be required to establish the camera network, the police department anticipates their installation to stretch across the 2020 once the funds become accessible.

“It’s going to definitely involve our electric department’s division, and obviously coordinating with the contractors and installers,” he explained.

Additional officers will also be added now that the funds have been allocated as a result of the levy’s passage. Waterman anticipates adding three officers in 2021 and a utility vehicle that will be able to patrol the downtown district.