Summit Metro Parks rangers have achieved state certification in community policing from the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Relations Board.
The Ohio Collaborative, a 12-person panel of law enforcement experts and community leaders from throughout the state, established state standards in 2015 for use of force and employee recruitment and hiring, and in 2016 for community engagement.
Summit Metro Parks is now one of 18 agencies in Summit County to achieve Ohio Collaborative certification.
“We’re here to help people enjoy the parks and trails,” Chief Doug Shepard said of the district’s commissioned peace officers. “We achieve visitor safety, educate the public and protect resources.”
To learn about the Ohio Collaborative and its standards, visit ocjs.ohio.gov/ohiocollaborative.
On average, rangers have more than 50,000 contacts with visitors each year, and more than 10,000 hours of foot patrols. The department also patrols by bike and ATV.
For communication purposes, each ranger carries a 4-watt UHF, 800 MHZ portable radio, and a 40-watt radio is installed in all patrol vehicles. Emergencies and requests for information are dispatched through the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.
Look for a ranger the next time you visit your favorite Metro Park. Uniforms consist of black pants and tan shirts. Authorized jackets and sweaters are also black, while headgear consists of black campaign-style hats and black ball caps with the ranger insignia.
To contact a park ranger for non-emergencies, please call the following numbers:
330–867–5511 (Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.)
330–475–0029 (After hours, weekends and holidays)
For emergencies, please call 911.