The Oakwood Public Safety Department diligently monitors overtime hours. Over the past six years, the annual average of overtime hours is 3,850. Prior to that from 2006 – 2011, the average overtime hours were 5,194. When comparing these timeframes, this time equates to a 26% decrease in overtime hours and a yearly savings of approximately $56,000.
The RadarSign, which is used to identify true areas of traffic concerns, continues to be an effective analysis tool for the Public Safety Department. Since the sign was received in October 2017, the sign has been placed in 12 different locations throughout the City and provides valuable data for allocating department resources.
There have been several traffic studies done on Kramer Road due to a concern raised by a resident. The second analysis of Kramer Road showed that the average speeds have not exceeded 20.9 miles per hour. The Oakwood Public Safety Department will continue to monitor the speeds, especially in the spring/summer.
Eight member cities of the Tactical Crime Suppression Unit (TCSU) and Miami Township entered into an agreement with LexisNexis to subscribe to their Accurint Virtual Crime Center. The selection of this software is a result of a multi-year study and evaluation of three different crime mapping products. Oakwood’s annual fee for this software is $5,516. It is anticipated that each agency will have their system up and running by early summer. There are many benefits to using the LexisNexis crime mapping software. It allows developing of immediate “hot spot” mapping so the Public Safety Department is able to view current crime trends in Oakwood and neighboring jurisdictions. It is used as both an investigative and resource allocation tool. The software will allow the Public Safety Department to be more prepared to focus on target areas and change patrol tactics as crime trends change. Each sworn officer will have access to the mapping software and will be able to access it from their MDT’s. The software will give the Public Safety Department access to LexisNexis Accurint for Law Enforcement Investigative Database. The software is a significant technology upgrade designed to make police departments more efficient in the way they respond to crimes.
Chief Hill shared that in November 2015, the Oakwood Public Safety Department received a tip of possible drug trafficking activity occurring at a residence in the city of Oakwood. The initial information indicated the activity was occurring at a residence on Acorn Drive and that the suspect drove a red truck. Over the next six months, Detective Steve Norris, with assistance from the Tactical Crime Suppression Unit (TCSU) Investigative Unit, methodically built a criminal drug trafficking case.
In May 2016, Detective Norris executed a search warrant at the residence on Acorn Drive, which resulted in the seizure of large quantities of marijuana, hashish, LSD, numerous firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and in excess of $300,000 in U.S. currency. Additionally, later the same day, a second search warrant was executed at a residence in Greene County, Ohio where approximately 150 pounds of packaged/processed marijuana was recovered. Detective Norris' hard work and dedication on this case ultimately lead to an 18-count felony criminal indictment, and a 20-count felony criminal indictment. On February 23, 2018, the resident pleaded guilty to trafficking in marijuana, money laundering, and conspiracy to engage in a pattern of corrupt activity. He was sentenced to four years in prison.
Chief Hill shared that it was his pleasure to award Detective Norris a Letter of Recognition for his professionalism and hard work. He added that there is no doubt the city of Oakwood is a safer place because of Detective Norris and thanked him for a job well done.
CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS – Mr. Klopsch provided an update on the following items:
The annual Asphalt Resurfacing Project recently went to bid and J.R. Jurgensen will be the contractor on the project. The City will spend about $200,000 on this project. The project will include the areas of Hadley Avenue and Hadley Road, Wiltshire Boulevard, Acorn Drive from Patterson Road to Dellwood Avenue, and Deep Hollow Road.
The Sidewalk, Curb and Driveway Apron Project is currently advertised for bid. The project will include the area bounded by Far Hills Avenue, Aberdeen Avenue, Shroyer Road and East Drive. Notices will be delivered at the end of March or beginning of April to the residents who are responsible for repairing the damaged sidewalks.
Shroyer Road traffic was analyzed comparing speed and volume counts from February 2016, before the Shroyer Road updates, to February 2018. The average speed has dropped between 4 and 10 mph and the 85th percentile speed dropped between 6 and 11 mph.