Recent News
Supervisor Graduates
05-24-2013 |
Lt. Jennifer Ennemoser recently graduated from the Police Executive Leadership College. PELC is an intensive course presenting key executives leadership topics and providing them with one of those rare moments in their professional careers to learn how to practically apply leadership concepts.It is an intensive learning experience focused on leadership skills vital to long term personal success and change in an organization… both for the benefit of the community. |
Memorial Day Parade
05-22-2013The parade starts at 10:00 A.M. The route is E. Main St from Depeyster St. westbound to the W. Main St. Bridge. There is a pause there for a brief ceremony. The parade then continues westbound on W. Main St. to Gougler Ave. and heads northbound on Gougler Ave. and N. Mantua St. The parade ends at Standing Rock Cemetery.
Click it or Ticket
05-14-2013The Kent Police Department is joining with other state and local law enforcement officers and highway safety advocates across the country to help save more lives by strongly enforcing seat belt laws around the clock, especially at night.
Nationally, 62 percent of the 10,135 passenger vehicle occupants who were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes overnight (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.) in 2011 were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the fatal crash, compared to 43 percent during the daytime hours.
The 2013 Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization runs from May 20 to June 2, 2013.
The national Click It or Ticket mobilization has increased seat belt use and saved many lives over the years, but there is still much more that can be done. High-visibility enforcement and encouraging loved ones to buckle up can turn thousands of lives lost into many more lives saved.
Motorists should buckle up every time they go out, both day and night. Law enforcement agencies across the country are prepared to ticket anyone not buckled up—no warnings and no excuses. Click It or Ticket.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
K-9 Challenge
05-13-2013 Kent police officers Marty Gilliland and his dog Felo, and Jim Ennemoser and his dog Aiko will participate in the K-9 Challenge on Saturday May 18. It will be held at Lock 3 Park from 10 A.M. until 2 P.M. The event is open to the public, and there is no admission fee.
Area dogs and their handlers will be judged on agility, obedience and criminal apprehension.
A pancake breakfast will be held from 9 AM to 11:30 A.M., with the proceeds going the Akron Police Department K-9 unit.
Please do not bring your pets to the event. Come and watch the dogs work, it's very interesting. Come and cheer on our dogs.
Department Statistics
05-09-2013 The Department Statistics for April 2013 are available. Click here April 2013 for the file, or go to the Department Statistics page to see the reports and prior months.
Press Release
5-7-2013 KENT CITY COUNCIL APPROVES POLICE LEVY FOR NOVEMBER BALLOT
Last night the Kent City Council unanimously approved a plan to seek funding for a proposed Police Department facility. In order to replace the currently dilapidated facility, Council will submit a .25-percent income tax increase for the November 5 ballot.
The tax stands in contrast to a similar proposal that failed last November because the new tax includes a sunset provision.
"This is an important change because it is our response to the feedback we received from the community," said City Manager Dave Ruller. "With a sunset provision in place the tax is not indefinite. Voters will know that it will go away when payment for the building is complete."
The current facility was originally built in 1924 and despite significant investments made to prolong its service-life, the city has conducted several studies and determined that the 88-year-old building has finally reached a point where it would cost more to fix it than it would cost to build a new one.
Studies of the building have found it to be deficient in several areas that include jail compliance, electrical system compliance, plumbing, fire safety compliance and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
"As a police department, we are proud to serve the city of Kent," said Police Chief Michelle Lee. "However, in recent years that has become increasingly challenging because of our deteriorating facility. We're excited about the prospect of moving forward so that we can continue to provide excellent protection and service to our residents."
After 20 years of fixing the failing facility, the real impetus for action came when the City of Kent received written notice from the State of Ohio Corrections Department that it is non-compliant with current standards for public jails.
"The unfortunate truth is that we run the serious risk of being shut down if we do not bring the outdated building into compliance with current standards for public jails," Lee said.
If the measure passes, the earned income tax will take effect in 2014, allowing the city to generate $1.3 million annually for the bond payment. Those who earn $50,000 annually would pay approximately $10.42 per month.
Click here to see some frequently asked questions about the new building.
Parking Issues
5-3-2013 There seems to be a great deal of confusion about the parking lot on S. Water St, behind the new Davey Tree building. The posted sign DOES say Public Parking, but the small print says After 5 P.M.
This is the official word on the parking lot. Parking in the S Water St lot, during the week, is by PERMIT ONLY until 5 P.M. After that time, and on weekends, any one can park in the lot. There is NO PARKING in the lot between 3:00 A.M. and 6:00 A.M. There is no parking on ANY street in the downtown area between 3:00 A.M. and 6:00 A.M.
The parking deck on S Depeyster St is now open, and it is free to park there for the next month or so.We hope this helps to ease the confusion.
Parking Deck to Open
The new parking deck, located on S Depeyster St will be open Tuesday, May 1 at 7:00 A.M. There will be FREE public parking at the facility for about a month. After that, the facility becomes a regular pay lot.
Call boxes (similar to the ones in various locations at KSU) have been installed throughtout the facility. When the button on the call box is pressed, it will dial 911.
CPA Class Graduates
The third Citizens Police Acedemy graduated Thursday 4-25-2013. Eighteen people participated in the class. Below is a graduation picture, and a couple photos from the class. We hope everyone enjoyed themselves, and had a good time.
 |
|
| 2013 Citizens Police Academy Class | |
 |
 |
| Bear cat vehicle used by SWAT | CPA memeber in the bite suit |
 |
 |
| K-9 Felo and a CPA memeber | K-9 Aiko and a CPA memeber |
Department Statistics
4-24-2013 The Department Statistics for March 2013 are available. Click here March 2013 for the file, or go to the Department Statistics page to see the reports and prior months.
Press Release
At 02:58 on 4-22-2013, Kent Police responded to a report of a robbery at the Circle K store located at 901 E. Main St. Investigation revealed that two black males entered the store, brandished a handgun, and made off with an unknown amount of cash. Both suspects fled on foot.
Suspect #1: Heavy set black male wearing blue jeans and a black jacket with a zipper. Suspect #2: Thin black male wearing a light colored hoodie, light colored cargo pants and dark tennis shoes. Both subject had masks on.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the Kent Police Department (330) 673-7732
Swift911 to be Implementated
In our efforts to provide more reliable communications with Residents and Businesses in the city and in Franklin Township, we will be implementing Swiftreach Networks, Inc. as our Emergency Notification service provider. The implementation will begin in a few weeks.
Swift911™ is a high speed notification program with the capability of rapidly delivering recorded warnings to the entire community, via telephone, email, text or pager. There are already over 5000 phone numbers in the city's database, and as transmitted through the City of Kent Dispatch or Service Department, the system can contact up to four telephone numbers until reaching the designated party. Emergency messages are able to reach TTY (teletypewriter) phones used by those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Additionally, the system employs a Do Not Call component for those who do not wish to receive the alert.
Swift911™ in its simplest form is a system that makes phone calls to specific people or areas in the event of an emergency or for sharing important information. All the calls you receive will have the Caller ID of Kent Police Department.
If you are not receiving these calls, please fill out the form below to add or update your contact information. You may also remove yourself from our previously created lists.
Check back here often, to see the implementation date for Swift911™.
- Click here for questions and answers about Swift911™
- Click here to go to the City's web site to add or update your contact information.
Department Statistics
4-18-2013 The Department Statistics for February 2013 are available. Click here February 2013 for the file, or go to the Department Statistics page to see the reports and prior months.
Department Statistics
4-4-2013 The Department Statistics for January 2013 are available. Click here January 2013 for the file, or go to the Department Statistics page to see the reports and prior months.
Employee Awards
The Kent Police Department recently announced employee awards for 2012. Police Department employees nominate fellow employees for Officer of the Year, Supervisor of the Year and Civilian Employee of the Year. The Chief makes the final decision.
Sgt. Mike Lewis was named Supervisor of the Year. Chief Lee said: "As a new supervisor you have taken the lead as Jail Administrator, Fitness Specialist and A.L.I.C.E. instructor which are all vital programs to the Kent Community and this department. You demonstrate leadership qualities and skills that will benefit this department and its employees for years to come."
Detective Bruce Bassett was named Officer of the Year. Det. Bassett is primarily in charge of the evidence room. Chief Lee stated: "Your dedicated efforts to inform, record and educate your co-workers in all things evidence has not gone unnoticed. Your quiet and calculated approach to managing the evidence room has been recognized and appreciated." One of the nominators wrote: "He has demonstrated a conscientious approach to this often tedious task to the benefit of the officers and their successful prosecutions, as well as smooth relations with the defense bar."
Administrative Assistant Patti Long was named Civilian of the Year. Chief Lee wrote: "You are being recognized for your exemplary performance, high professional standards and eagerness to assist others in the work place. You have assisted the administration during fitness testing, Campaign 11 and the Citizens Police Academy which are all above and beyond your scope of duties. Your willingness to help others with internal and external departmental issues epitomizes the team work philosophy that many strive for."
Congratulations everyone! Well done.
Yearly Report
3-4-13 The Department's Yearly Report is available. Click here 2012 Yearly Report for the file, or go to the Department Statistics page to see the report.
Department Statistics
3-4-2013 The Department Statistics for October through December 2012 are available. Click here October 2012 for the file, or go to the Department Statistics page to see the reports and prior months.
Civil Service Announcement
The Kent Civil Service Commission announces a competitive examination for the position of Police Officer. The written exam will be Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 9:00 A.M.in room 133 Bowman Hall, Kent State University. The physical fitness test will be Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. at the Kent State University Field House.
Click here to download the announcement.
There is a brochure available with important information concerning the hiring process and the physical fitness requirements. Please download this brochure and read it carefully.
Click here to download the brochure.
You may pick up an application at the Police Department, or you may download the application here. It has 7 pages. Fill them out and return them to the Kent Police Department, 319 S Water St.
Click here to download the application.
You must have Adobe Reader to view these files.
Civil Service Announcement
The Kent Civil Service Commission announces a competitive examination for the position of Clerk Dispatcher. The written exam will be Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 6:30 P.M. at a location to be announced. The audio exam will be Thursday, March 14, 2913 at 6:30 P.M. at a location to be announced.
Click here to download the announcement.
You may pick up an application at the Police Department, or you may download the application here. It has 7 pages. Fill them out and return them to the Kent Police Department, 319 S Water St. You must have Adobe Reader to view these files.
Click here to download the application.
Snow Parking Ban Cancelled
The Director of Public Service for the City of Kent has announced the snow emergency parking ban will end Saturday, 1-26-2013 at 12:00 AM.
Snow Parking Ban
The Director of Public Service for the City of Kent has announced a snow emergency parking ban beginning at 4:00 PM Friday, 1-25-13. The parking ban will remain in effect until further notice.
During a snow emergency, parking on all city streets is banned to provide for snow and ice removal. Residents and businesses are reminded to clear public sidewalks of snow and ice abutting their properties.
New Hire
 |
 |
| Officer Obert being sworn in by Safety Director Lillich |
(L-R) Chief Lee, Office Obert, Safety Director Lillich |
Adam Obert was sworn in as a Kent police officer on January 7, 2013. He is a recent graduate of the Akron University Police Academy. He will be in training for approximately six months. We welcome Officer Obert to the department!
Resignation
Dispatcher Megan Lafferty submitted her resignation and her last day as a KPD employee was January 6, 2013. Megan has served twelve years with the department and has accepted a full-time dispatching position closer to home. In her time with us she has excelled as a Clerk-Dispatcher. Twice she received "Employee-of-the-year" awards, earned perfect attendance 4 years and has trained numerous other dispatchers. She has been our agency LEADS TAC for 5 years and successfully led us through nearly perfect audits. We wish her good luck in her future endeavors and many thanks for all her hard work and service.
Take a Virtual Tour of the Police Department
10-19-2012 The Kent Police Deparment has created a video tour of the police department. There are 17 segments, each lasting about two minutes. The clips are posted on YouTube. Click here to go the first clip.
