TOLEDO, Ohio — Toledo City Council is hearing from workers with the court system and first responders, hoping to get an insight on their thoughts on public safety and the criminal justice system.
Toledo Fire and Toledo Police gave city council an update on where we stand through the first half of the year and both were pleased to announce that so far this year, from a departmental perspective, the city is in a good place.
Assistant fire chief John Kaminski said that for them, everything this year has been status quo. They're just as busy as they have been, fires are down slightly compared to last year, and they're operating at proper levels and their staffing and resources are healthy.
Chief Mike Troendle with TPD shared similar sentiments. Recruiting is up and crime is down. Currently they have 621 sworn onto the force including recruits.
Troendle's data also tells a positive story, showing declines in every category compared to last year:
- 13% reduction in auto thefts
- 5% reduction in burglary
- 4% reduction in homicides
- 5% reduction in robbery
- 17% reduction in shooting incidents
- 29% reduction in motor vehicle thefts
- 4% reduction in persons shot
Troendle also shared that they’ve changed their pursuit policy after various questions from council.
Meanwhile, a representative with the municipal court mentioned the cost of their Electronic monitoring system is increasing.
They have explored alternative options, but continuing the relationship was the best combination of price and quality service.
Additionally, the representative stated the Lucas County jail is looking at a new healthcare provider, hoping it will help address mental health issues.
According to Toledo City Council member John Hobbs, we’ll get our next update like this one in December.
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