The Warren Police Department (WPD) prevents crimes, enforces laws, and supports quality public safety by delivering respectful, professional, and dependable police services

EMERGENCY SERVICES DIVISION

The Emergency Services Division (ESD) is comprised of one Captain, three Lieutenants, nine Sergeants and thirty nine Patrol Officers. This is the only division, other than communications, that is scheduled to work seven days a week and 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The ESD also provides a security detail of three Officers for the Municipal Court, and has two K-9 units. These K-9 units are State certified for narcotics detection, tracking, patrol, and article searches.

The officers of ESD are the first respondents to virtually all calls for service by the Warren Police Department.  The ESD officers responded to 35,680 calls for service during 2009.  These calls ranged from the most mundane to the most dangerous emergency situations. The patrol officers are expected to handle competently a mind-boggling array of calls.

The aggressive, but courteous tactics of the ESD officers have been largely recognized as being the primary reason that Warren has enjoyed such a low crime rate. Our officers are recognized for a difficult year, after twenty officers were laid off in January. The hours of service and sacrifices do not go unnoticed. ESD has moved into a ten hour schedule in an attempt to put more officers on the street during our busiest times for police service in 2009.

The department is proud to announce two promotions throughout the year. Robert Massucci was promoted to Lieutenant along with Sherrey McMahon to Sergeant. Each will serve their positions in Emergency Services Division.

Captain

Janice Gilmore

Lieutenants

Catherine Spencer        Robert Massucci            Eric Merkel

Sergeants

Richard McAllise          Joseph O’Grady           Marty Gargas

John Burzynski             Daniel Mason                Gary  Riggins

            Sherrey McMahon       John Yuricek                  Michael Merritt

Officers

Joseph Dixon              David Weber               Gregory Coleman

Terrance Edington      Christopher Clementi     Reuben Shaw

David Gallagher        Frank Dascoulias           Edward Hetmanski    

Martin Mines               Brian Martinek              John Massaro         

John Greaver             Christopher Martin        Jason McCollum

Brian Crites               Patrick Hoolihan             Richard Kovach             

Jeffrey Hoolihan       Christopher O'Rourke    Melanie Gambill            

Joseph Kistler             Timothy Ladner              Michael Krafcik

K-9

              Arris                          Ziggo

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TRAINING

In 2009, the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission mandated one hour of

Continuing Professional Training for all Ohio Peace Officers. The Commission did not mandate any specific topics for this years continuing Professional Training.

 

The State of Ohio will reimburse police departments up to $20.00 per officer if the four following requirements are met; submission of the annual Ohio Peace Officer Roster, annual in-service firearms re-qualification, break in service update training and completion of Continuing Professional Training (2009).  The Warren Police Department will receive a reimbursement of $1,260.00 for 2009.  The monies will be placed into the Law Enforcement Trust Fund and can only be used for additional training.

The Warren Police Department completed the Continuing Professional Training in December.  This was accomplished by using the e-OPOTA web site, Roll Call Training on selected topics, In-Service Training Classes and other general Law Enforcement Seminars and Classes.

The Continuing Professional Training will continue through 2010. The Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission has not mandated any Continuing Professional Training for 2010 at this time.

Also attached are additional training courses attended by Warren Police Officers for the year 2009.  The list includes the topic, location and associated costs. Total of 500 hours of training has been attended to.

 Lieutenant Joseph  Marhulik

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DRUG ENFORCEMENT BUREAU

The mission of the Drug Enforcement Bureau is to enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations of the State of Ohio within the City of Warren and to bring to the criminal and civil law systems of the state, those persons or person, involved in the growing, manufacture, or distributaries of controlled substances appearing in or destined for illicit traffic.  Also to recommend and support non-enforcement programs aimed at reducing the availability of controlled substances at the local level.  Investigating and preparing for the prosecution of violators of controlled substance laws operating at the local level.  Seizure and forfeiture of assets derived from, traceable to, or intended to be used in drug trafficking.  Enforcement of the provisions of the Controlled Substances Act, as they pertain to the manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of legally produced controlled substances.  Coordination and cooperation with federal, state, and other local law enforcement in mutual drug enforcement efforts.   

During the year 2009, the Drug Enforcement Bureau and Emergency Services Division seized a combined total of $84,244.00 in cash, which is all subject to forfeiture by the Drug Enforcement Bureau (D.E.B).  The Bureau worked 57 drug cases and 48 paraphernalia cases prior to closing on 06.01.2009 due to layoffs. In addition to cash, approximately 1.1 kg  (2.4 pounds) of crack and powdered cocaine, and 7.8 pounds of marijuana were seized.  Approximately 985 assorted pills; including Oxycontin, Methadone, Vicodin, Hydrocodone, Somas, 343 Ecstasy tablets, Valium, Morphine, Viagra, and Vitamins  were taken off the streets.  Additionally, approx. 205 bindles of heroin was seized.  Related items include 3 firearms, and 10 non-firearm weapons were seized.

 On the vice side of the Drug Enforcement Bureau, there were 4 alcohol related arrests made, and 3 prostitution investigations conducted.

Commander

Lieutenant Thomas Skoczylas

 Narcotic Detectives   

Melanie Gambill     

 

Greg Coleman       

 

Nicholas Carney        

 
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PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS DIVISION

The Professional Standards Division is responsible for handling all complaints regarding the conduct of Warren Police Department employees.

To make a complaint on a Warren Police employee, a citizen may come to the Chief’s office and, in most cases, speak with the IAD Supervisor.  The supervisor determines if a formal complaint form needs to be completed or if the initial meeting will suffice.  Once the complaint is filed with the supervisor, it is his responsibility to see that it is investigated to its fullest and then given a disposition.

Majority of the complaints are minor instances that can be handled by counseling sessions with the employee and the IAD Investigator or the employee’s direct supervisor.

If a complaint is found to be true and an employee is to be disciplined, the employee is required to attend a disciplinary hearing with the Chief of Police, IAD Investigator and their union/legal counsel.  Once all the facts are presented to the Chief, he issues the discipline to the employee.  Disciplines may range from a verbal or written warning to suspension to termination.  All disciplines may be appealed to the Director of Safety Service.  If the employee does not agree with the Director’s ruling, they may appeal that to an arbitrator, which is binding.

During the year 2006, the Professional Standards Division (Internal Affairs) Bureau conducted 36 investigations of alleged misconduct by police officers as the result of formal complaints filed by citizens.  The bureau also conducted 6 investigations initiated from within the department.

Along with the investigations conducted, there were an additional 20 informal complaints handled.  These were mainly citizens who came to station to file formal complaints, and were spoken to by someone from the bureau.  After speaking with these citizens, it was found that there was no substance for a formal complaint.  They were just unhappy, and venting frustrations about being issued citations, parking tickets, etc.  After explaining to these people how the complaint process worked, and what is investigated, they were happy with an explanation, or in some cases, being advised that the officer would be spoken to about his/her actions.

 Sgt. John P. Yuricek, Jr.   #4564

 

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CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION

The Criminal Investigations Division maintained both a reactive and a proactive approach to crime in 2009 specialized units within the division include:  forensics, property management, records maintenance, crimes against persons, and crimes against property, fraud investigations, juvenile affairs, robbery and homicide.  In addition to the basic functions performed by the cross trained personnel, officers assigned to the division performed tasks associated with intra-agency investigations, extraditions, liquor enforcement, public service fingerprinting, safety and security counseling, participation in crime related groups and associations, cooperation with all regional, State and Federal agencies, various task force participation, selected internal investigations, polygraph participation and evidence and property disposal.

The Division applied a system of solvability factors to review all criminal incidents to be selected for investigation.  In addition, division personnel met personally with victims of crime requesting investigations.  Of those incidents reviewed, 394 were accepted for investigation and assigned to primary investigators or case managers. Investigations ranged from very minor to the highest level of aggravated crime.  Division personnel returned 141 cases solved.  101 Crime scenes were processed. During 2009, search warrants were served, extraditions were performed, and polygraph tests were concluded, interviews or statements taken and evidence was processed.

The Division has continued to develop and improve its case tracking system to enhance information storage and retrieval.  Technical improvements within the division resulted in the implementation of a Digital Photo Bank and high resolution imaging from LEADS.  Both systems are linked with the Emergency Services Division for shared information and use.  Goals and objectives for the coming year include maintaining clear lines of communication with those we serve, increased and diversified training for investigators, higher levels of incident vs arrest ratios and staff level increases.

 Commander

 Captain Timothy Roberts

 Supervisor

 Lieutenant Gary Vingle

 

 Lieutenant Thomas Skoczylas

 

 Criminal Detectives

       

 Detective  Sgt. Jeffery Cole  

                

 Detective Michael Stabile  

                       

 Detective Wayne Mackey  

        

 Environmental Control

 

 Detective Patrick Marsico

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TRAFFIC DIVISION

The Traffic Division covers quite a variety of responsibilities. The Traffic Commissioner enforces all ordinances concerning traffic and vehicle matters, including the inoperable/junk vehicle ordinance.  He must also approve all event requests, such as parades, runs/walks and festivals, to ensure that all ordinances are followed and there will be adequate security.

Every traffic accident is reviewed and studied by the Traffic Commissioner.  When hit-skip accidents are reported, the clerk notifies those involved, by mail, to report for a meeting with the Traffic Commissioner, at which time some hit-skips can be solved.  The Traffic Commissioner also interviews people involved in traffic violations, such as passing school buses while loading/unloading.  Many of these interviews result in citations being issued.

The Warren Traffic Commission holds meetings on the third Wednesday of every month.  Not only are City traffic problems discussed, but also citizens are allowed time to express their concerns regarding Warren’s streets and its traffic.

The data entry operator enters into the computer and files all reports processed through this division.  She also ensures that all accident reports are mailed to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles for processing each Friday.

 In 2009, the Traffic Division processed 3,036 traffic citations, which is a decrease of 43% from 2008.

During 2009, the Traffic Division issued 82 truck permits for over wide and overweight loads.  Permits cost $50.00 per quarter.  This fee has been established through Warren City Codified Ordinance 339.02.

With each permit, we establish the route for the haulers to travel when hauling in the City limits.  These routes are designed to avoid heavy loads traveling over the bridges with reduced load limits.  Copies of each permit are kept on file with the Director of Public Service & Safety, the City Auditor’s office and the Warren Engineering Department.

Total revenue from truck permits for 2009 was $4,100.00.

New crash reports are electronically done and submitted to BMV for easy access by the citizen from any internet connection via www.warren.org

 Traffic Commissioner

 Sergeant Larry Salvato

 Data Entry Operator

 Tracy Hoke

 

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SUPPORT OPERATIONS

Support Operations covers a broad spectrum of services of the Warren Police Department. Included in this division are all clerical employees, and the communication center (911).  Together fifteen (15), non-sworn and five (5) sworn employees service these areas.            

Although separate, the Support Operations Commander supervises the Traffic Division, Motor Vehicle Maintenance, Animal Control, Training, Information Technology and the Warren Auxiliary Police.

Other areas that fall within the responsibility of this division are Grant Administration, Records Management, Research & Development, Auxiliary Police Services, and servicing the nearly ten million police annual budget.  

The Support Operations Commander is the 911 Director for the City of Warren’s 9-11 center. He administers the Microsoft network and the mainframe (IBM AS 400) computer as well as the City wide communications systems (Motorola 800 MHz radio).

During the year, the Warren Police Department Officers received the required training mandated by the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission.

The Warren Police Department continues to pursue grants that supplement law enforcement.  The Support Operations Commander continues to administer the grant programs and continuously searches for new funding opportunities. 

The underlying objective of Support Operations is to assist all other Divisions within the Police Department in achieving their respective goals. These tasks are necessary to provide the citizens of the City of Warren with the best possible police service available.

 Commander Support Operations

Lieutenant Joseph  Marhulik

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JUVENILE INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION and SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER

Juvenile Investigative Division

 

The following report reflects numerical summary of all actions filed or conducted by Juvenile Investigation Staff, for the calendar year of 2009. 

 Areas of responsibilities include; Misdemeanor, Felony, and status offenses committed by juveniles and adults, and acts of criminal nature targeted against juveniles. The records maintenance and assistance to other agencies and divisions with juvenile offenders and / or juvenile victims.  The investigation of juvenile Sexual Assaults by juveniles and / or adults.  Also adult Sexual Assaults are investigated by this unit.

School Resource Officer (SRO)

Provide law enforcement and police service to the Warren City school district, school grounds and areas adjacent to the school. Investigate allegations of criminal incidents per police department policies and procedures. Enforce state and local laws and ordinances. Make appropriate referrals to juvenile authorities or other governmental agencies.

Work to prevent juvenile delinquency through close contact and positive relationships with students. In addition, the SRO shall develop crime prevention programs and conduct security inspections to deter criminal or delinquent activities. The SRO should monitor crime statistics and work with local patrol officers and students together to design crime prevention strategies.

Establish and maintain a close partnership with school administrators in order to provide for a safe school environment. Assist school officials with their efforts to enforce Board of Education policies and procedures. Ensure school administrator safety by being present during school searches, which my involve weapons, controlled dangerous substances or in such cases that, the student's emotional state may present a risk to the administrator. Assist school administrators in emergency crisis planning and building security matters. Provide a course of training for school personnel in handling crisis situations, which may arise at the school.

Be visible within the school community. Attend and participate in school functions.

Build working relationships with the school's staff as well as with student and parent groups.

 

Work with guidance counselors and other student support staff to assist students and to provide services to students involved in situations where referrals to service agencies are necessary. Assist in conflict resolution efforts.

 

Initiate interaction with students in the classroom and general areas of the school building. Promote the profession of police officer and be a positive role model. Increase the visibility and accessibility of police to the school community.

 

 Student Resource Officers

 

 Robert Trimble 

 

 Frank Tempesta

 

 Timothy Brown

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TRUMBULL METROPOLITAN HOUSING AUTHORITY 

 The Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority detail consists of two full time officers. The unit is responsible for patrolling all Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority properties within the City of Warren.  The officers enforce the criminal trespass program along with state and local laws.  The unit’s primary objective is to combat the drug problem and violence within these areas, making it a safe environment for the residents.  The officers use the community policing philosophy when working the assigned area.

Officers go door to door making contact with the citizens, asking them for their needs and concerns in the community.  Officers continue to form a partnership with the community and use problem solving skills, thereby forming a better partnership in solving the problems within the community.  The department plans to continue and possibly expand the program.

Members of the unit work closely with the Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority’s representatives.  They attended tenant association meetings and various functions throughout the year.  Additionally, the officers worked flexible hours and days throughout the year in an effort to meet the needs of the housing authority. 

The officers assigned to the TMHA Unit work with the United States Marshal's Task Force focusing their efforts serving Arrests Warrants and Capias. This activity is done approximately four times per month.

 Commander

 Lieutenant Joseph  Marhulik

 TMHA Officers:

Timothy Parana  

 

Michael Currington    

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VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

The Vehicle Maintenance Division of the Warren Police Department consist of one   

officer responsible for the upkeep of all the Warren Police Department vehicles and

for the maintenance on all the mobile video recorders, radio systems and internal

police equipment in the cruisers.

 

This officer is also responsible for contracts with the outside vendors who work on the

fleet of vehicle, and Vehicle Maintenance collaborates with the purchasing agent for

the Warren Police Department in making purchase orders for those vendors and

works with the agent when ordering new vehicles and the equipment necessary to turn

them into police cars. Additional responsibilities include ordering gas and managing

the fuel management system used by the police department and several other

departments within the city.

 

 Vehicle maintenance is responsible for the care of 36 unmarked vehicles and 29

 marked vehicles with the total cost of $45,238.95 spent on repairs compared to

$72,987.74spent in 2008. The reduction in cost is due to the maintenance being

 done by the Warren Operations Department instead of outsourcing to private

 companies.

 

      Officers

   

      Ben Harrell

 

 

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INTERNAL AFFAIRS DIVISION

 

The Internal Affairs Division (IAD) is responsible for processing all  complaints and

investigations regarding the conduct of Warren Police Department employees.

 

To file a citizens complaint against a Warren Police employee, a citizen may come

to the Warren Police Department and request a Citizens Complaint Form. This form

can be obtained from the Internal Affairs Officer, Chief's secretary, or the Emergency

Services Division Turn Commander. Once a complaint is filed, it will be forwarded to

the Internal Affairs Officer who will then begin an investigation. In some instances, the

complaint can be resolved with the Emergency Services Division Turn Commander

whereby the complaint will not be forwarded to the Internal Affairs Division.

 

All complaints received by the Warren Police Department are taken seriously, and

the Internal Affairs Division conducts a thorough investigation. It is the policy of this

department that the investigation can take up to sixty (60) days for completion.

However, depending on the severity of the incident, the investigating officer can

request an extension from the Chief of Police to ensure the investigation is properly

completed. If a complaint is found to be true, the discipline can range from a verbal

reprimand up to discharge from service. It is the responsibility of The Chief of Police

to determine punishment for all Warren Police Department employees.

 

During the year of  2009 , the Internal Affairs Division conducted thirty-nine (39)

investigations of alleged misconduct by police department employees. While the

majority of the investigations were conducted based on citizen complaints that were

filed, nine (9) were initiated by Warren Police Command Staff Officers.

 

    Internal Affairs Officer

 

    Detective Sgt. Jeffery Cole 

 

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ATF TASK FORCE

 

In May 2006, the Warren Police Department signed a memorandum of understanding

with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the purpose to

develop a cooperative effort with federal and local law enforcement agencies to

respond to crimes of violence by the investigation and prosecution of persons involved

in the commission of violent crime. This joint law enforcement effort referred to as the

Armed Criminal Enforcement Squad (ACES) investigates crimes of violence, specifically

the armed violent offenders who subject to prosecution under Federal Firearms Laws.

The Warren Police Department assigned one officer full time to ACES in July 2006 to

work with the ATF Youngstown, Ohio Field Office to protect the public by detecting

armed violent offenders, identifying and prosecuting criminal groups and individuals

involved in armed violent offenders, reducing armed violent crime in Warren by

intensive and concentrated investigative efforts. In 2009, the Task Force position was

reduced to a part time/ overtime basis. ATF has recommended prosecution on 17

defendants involved in criminal activities related to Warren, Ohio for the 2009

calendars year on the following charges:

  

    Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Title 18 USC 922g1-10 counts

    Possession of an Unregistered NFA Weapon, Title 26 USC 5861d-3 counts

    Conspiracy, Title 18 USC 371-1 count

    Aiding and abetting, Title 18 USC 2-2 counts

    Lying to Purchase Firearms, Title 18 USC 922a6 1 count

    Selling Firearm to Felon, Title 18 USC 922d1-2 counts

    Selling Firearm to Drug User, Title 18 USC 922d3

    Firearms dealer Falsifies Records, Title 18 USC 922m 1 counts

    Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine/Heroin, Title 21 USC 841a-2 counts

    Trafficking in Crack Cocaine, ORC 2925.03 - 7 counts

 

The Warren Police Department has also recovered 137 firearms during the 2009

calendar year. These firearms were recovered during the normal course of police

activities in the City of Warren and were traced through ATF. These trace results can

be followed up if necessary to determine to determine if any illegal activities have

occurred with the possession or transfer of the firearm.

 

In addition, ATF Youngstown has investigated and recommended prosecution

on numerous other cases outside the jurisdiction of Warren, Ohio, covering 10

counties in North East Ohio.

  

    ACES Task Force Officer

    Sgt. John Yuricek, Jr.

    ATF Youngstown Field Office

 

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