Phone Directory
About the Sheriff
Directions

                                               Canine
Careers at the SO
Central Communications
Chief Deputy
    Community Policing     
Concealed Carry
Corrections / Jail
Court Services
Curfews
EMPLOYMENT
Detective Bureau
Drug Awareness
FORECLOSURES
Fraud Schemes
History of SO
Internet Crimes
Jail Visitation
Marine Patrol
Mental Health Services
Mental Health Court
MOST WANTED
Public Records
Revenue Generated
Road Patrol
SWAT
Sex Offenders
SHERIFFS OFFICE NEWS
Sheriff Sales
Support Services
TOWNSHIPS
Victim Assistance
Lake County

 
Internet Safety
For Kids and Parents

       The Lake County Sheriff's Office Patrol Division

2008 Road Patrol Annual Report Review 
by Capt. Lonnie Sparkman

        The Lake County Sheriff's Office Patrol Division provides regular patrols to the unincorporated areas of Lake County including Concord Township, Leroy Township, Painesville Township and Perry Township.    Patrol Commander Capt. Lonnie Sparkman supervises this division comprised of 35 deputy sheriffs who provide day to day policing over approximately 88 square miles and an average population of approximately 55,000 residents.      These dedicated men and women work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year investigating crime, responding to emergencies, pro-actively implementing patrols to protect the citizens of Lake County, providing search and rescue ... serving the public needs in a caring, courteous and professional manner to ensure the highest quality of life for all people.

        The Road Patrol maintained public safety for well over 50,000 residents inside Painesville Township, Perry Township, Concord Township, and Leroy Township. These Townships cover 88 square miles, were Lake County Sheriff Office is sole police protection.

        The Road Patrol responded to 35,962 events in 2008. These events consisted of part I, part II, and misc. complaints.  The types of calls included:

  
In 2008 the Road Patrol investigated the following in each of the (4) Townships.

                                                 PART I                     PART II                     PART III
PAINESVILLE                            398                          586                             6480
CONCORD                                 179                          310                             4692
PERRY                                         83                          154                             1897
LEROY                                         29                            48                               811
TOTAL                                       689                          1098                           13880


        When compared to stats for each Township in 2008 activity remained fairly consistent for each Township. The recorded events assist in establishing zones of patrol in each Township. In using the locations and number of recorded events zones and staffing was adjusted to serve public safety. New information added at end of this review, referencing Concord Township and Perry Township added patrol.   HUGE SUCCESS!

        In 2008 the Road Patrol maintained traffic enforcement for hundreds of miles of Roadway inside 88 square miles patrol zones in (4) Townships. In 2008 there were 1692 damage accidents were reported compared to 1062 in 2007 and 990 in 2006. The Road Patrol has a complete summary of traffic related events for 2008. This summary was completed so that patrol could be placed in areas were a higher number of accidents occur during the day, and the time those accidents occur. In this summary the top (10) MVA areas were identified. We are sorry to report that we  had (3) fatal accidents in 2008  inside Perry Twp, (2) Concord Township,(1)  No fatal accidents in Painesville Twp, or Leroy Township.

        INTERSECTIONS                         
        1) Interstate 90 & S.R 44  (63 crashes)    6) S.R 535 & S.R 2 (21 crashes)
        2) S.R  44  & S.R 2  (47 crashes)             7) Girdled & S.R 44 (14 crashes)
        3) S.R. 84 & S.R  44  (35 crashes)           8) Lane Rd. & U.S 20 (12 crashes)       
        4) Auburn Road & S.R 44 (30 crashes)    9) S.R 84 & Prouty (12 )     
        5) Interstate 90 & Vrooman Rd.(26 crashes) 10) Girdle  & Ravenna (12)

        The Road Patrol will target above intersections and non-intersections during identified day and times in effort to reduce risk to Lake County residents. In 2009 we will hopefully show that by targeting these locations we reduce property damage and injuries. The Road Patrol also completed a summary of the total number of D.U.I & D.U.S arrests inside Townships. This summary includes day, time, and locations of arrest. This information will be used to adjust manpower inside patrol zones to target traffic offenders. We had 220 No operator license arrest, and  142 Operating  vehicle intoxicated arrests, in 2008. We are currently involved in S.R 44 corridor study to assist in potential impact to traffic, created by new Lake Hospital inside S.R 44/Concord Township area.The Volume of traffic in area of S.R 44 and S.R 84  for Painesville Township and Concord Township during  peak traffic hours will still require large number of Road Patrol Hours. 

       In 2009 the Road Patrol once again, as in 2008 we will apply for and, hope to receive a traffic grant from the Ohio Highway Department of Transportation. This grant will allow us to be reimbursed for overtime hours worked in target traffic enforcement. The area targeted will be Rt.44 between Rt. 2 and Interstate 90.

        The Lake County Sheriff’s Office also maintains one of the best equipped Swat Teams in the State of Ohio. The Swat Team was activated 10 times in 2008. Such activations were critical to eliminating crack houses and methamphetamine labs in our patrol areas and adjoining Painesville City. The Lake County Sheriffs Office received $192,000  Grant from Homeland Security as part of BUFFER ZONE PROTECTION AT P.N.P.P. This money was shared with Perry Village  Police, North Perry Village Police , Perry Township  Fire, in effort to better secure the Power Plant. We purchased  night vision, radio’s, thermal equipment, and additional  security equipment to assist Road Patrol, and Fire Fighters. These Grants and contributions assist in maintaining high level of performance by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Swat Team.

        In 2006 the Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a grant for the purchase of a drug detecting dog. The grant was funded by the Ray of Hope which was created to honor Mr. Ray Timbrook. Deputy Saber, a one year old German Sheppard, will be actively involved in Patrol and drug interdiction beginning in June 2006.. It should be noted that the training for Saber was provided at no additional cost, funding the training through collaborative efforts. Deputy Moon and K-9 Saber completed 504 hours of training to become certified in State of Ohio, and start patrolling Townships. Deputy Moon and K-9 Saber were involved in the following activity for (12) months in 2008.

Building searches (13)
Evidences searches (5)
Narcotic searches (33)
Tracks(to assist in locating lost or fleeing person(s) (13)
Assist to other Officers (46)
Contacts with public (300)
Training  504 hours
Narcotics seized- 5.66 pounds of marijuana and  cocaine $4,780..00 seized
K-9 Demonstrations (5)
Mutual Aid (assist other Law Enforcement Agencies) (5)
K-9 days off (1)

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office started a drug detection detail in 2008. Deputy Moon and K-9 Saber will be patrolling areas in Townships were drug activity and drug arrest have been reported.  During this detail we seized 122 packets of the drug ecstasy.                                                                                                                                      

        In 2008 the Road Patrol completed a report of population forecast for (4) townships inside patrol zones, were L.C.S.O is sole police protection. The United States Census Bureau reported the population inside PERRY, PAINESVILLE, CONCORD, AND LEROY TOWNSHIPS at 54,063.  The population forecast completed with assistance of Lake County Planning shows that the end of 2008 at total of 54,063 residents will reside within aforementioned Townships. The uniform Crime report indicated that for every 1,000 residents 1.6 police officers should exist as an average. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office operates well below that national average. The Road Patrol provides an excellent response time, completing investigations for a very high number of criminal events, and traffic related incidents. This is done by a highly dedicated leadership from Sheriff, Chief Deputy, Captains, Lieutenants, Sergeants, senior to junior Deputies. (Reference summary of Township population and LCSO manpower).

     Concord Township in effort to assist the Lake County Sheriff’s Office  has provided funds to pay for a Road Patrol Deputy, vehicle and equipment. This Deputy will be used to patrol neighborhoods and business area’s during hours when thefts, and other reported crimes have occurred. This will assist in the direct targeting of  reported incidents in our Concord Township neighborhoods. This Deputy  funded by Concord Township will always remain inside Concord Township short of a report of a  life threatening emergency. This Deputy funded by Concord Township reduced Part l reported crimes by approx. 12%. This was accomplished by being able to have the additional  40 hours of patrol inside Concord Township neighborhoods. Part l crimes  include the most serious crimes confronted by Law Enforcement. The  Concord Township Trustees, Connie Luhta, Paul Malchesky, and Chris Galloway  along with Administrator Jack Nettis showed great courage and trust in starting this contract with Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The growth in Concord Township required action by Trustees to maintain the current level of safety afforded their residents. This extra patrol clearly made our neighborhoods safer.

        The Road Patrol in part to provide savings , completed a study of Road Patrol Fleet vehicles. The study showed maintenance cost, fuel consumption, average miles driven for each vehicle in the fleet. The study separates vehicle make, year of vehicle, type of tires, and assignment inside the fleet. The summary will be used to make suggestions in type of vehicle to purchase. When to replace the vehicle, and time for repairs to increase mileage. (Reference summary vehicle fleet).

        The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is mandated by State of Ohio to provide a Deputy to issue Concealed Carry Handgun License, and Sex Offender Registration. The Sheriff assigned a Deputy to this position to reduce cost to Lake County Tax payers. The Sheriff’s Office in 2008 issued 1681, a total of 33 were denied, and we suspended 38, revoked 4 Concealed Carry License. We  received  $92,455.00 for licensing and Webb check. The Sheriff’s Office retaining $58,835.00 after payment to State of Ohio. The Deputy involved in Concealed Carry License also is Lake County Sheriff’s Office S.O.R.N. OFFICER. This Deputy is required to register all Sex Offenders released from Prison and returning to Lake County. Lt. Jeff Sherwood monitors this area from the Court Services Division.

        In 2008 a total of 180 Sex Offenders had to be registered through this Deputy. The Courts are reporting that there are currently another 93 sex offenders in prison or jail who could potentially be returning to our area. This Deputy must not only register these offenders he must monitor there movements and report same to public.

        Special Mention needs to be placed with dedicated members of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol, and Special Deputies. The men and women that work all hours of the day (7) days a week. They serve and respond to the public needs in a caring, courteous, and professional manner to ensure the highest quality of life for all people. These men and women investigate crimes that can create stresses beyond average citizens belief. They continue to maintain very professional standing with Lake County residents, State, Federal, and local police agencies. This positive, professional conduct starts at the top of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and continues to the newest member of the Road Patrol. This Deputy is honored to work with such a professional group of men and women that make up this fine Office.

     The Sheriff along with Administrators at Riverside School District and Auburn Career  Center agreed to share in cost of School  Resource Officers. The schools pay  $114,611.80 towards (2) Deputies  (1) at Auburn and (1)  at Riverside. These Deputies provide security within the respective schools, and parking lots enhancing protection for our young people.

            The Lake County Sheriff’s Office also received in 2006 a new marine patrol 27’ Boston Whaler valued at $167,000.00. This boat was granted to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office through Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office along with U.S. Coast Guard and Ohio Department of Natural Resources provide safe boating, and enforcement of laws along Lake County shoreline for all Lake County residents.  We list the aforementioned improvements and return of funds to show Lake County residents that we make every effort to not only protect our  citizens  but also to show we value your tax dollars. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office in 2007 was placed in charge of a new project  The Northern Border Initiative, this project funded by Homeland Security. This  initiative will provide security along the Lake Erie Shoreline. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office was able to secure a  new water craft for inland waterways, including the Grand River. This was funded by Homeland Security Office and will enhance Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol and Dive Team. In 2008 as part of Northern Border  Initiative Lieutenant Jeff Sherwood and Lieutenant Carl Dondorfer also secured an additional $32,000.00  to enhance Marine Patrol and shoreline along Lake County Ohio. These funds allowed for additional marine Patrol and shoreline patrol by Lake County Deputies and surrounding police agencies.

     The Lake County Sheriff’s Office also received a new mandate from State of Ohio. This is House Bill 422 which requires all public, and private schools to have in place a safety plan. This safety plan must be tested yearly and then reported the local law enforcement. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has completed safety plans and maintains records for yearly test for all schools within patrol area. Sergeant Larry Harpster collects and maintains safety plan for every grade school, middle school, and High school inside the Townships.

Perry Township in 2008 continued with a extra patrol program  with the  Lake County Sheriffs Office. The Trustees Nancy Steele, Phil Haskell, and Rick Amos started this program requesting  that Deputies patrol Perry Township Park  in effort to increase safety for Perry Township residents. This program has  enhanced the safety of Township residents and their children while attending spring, summer, and fall events inside the Park and Community Center.

Capt. Lonnie Sparkman
Patrol Commander