359… That’s the number of times that other police departments responded into Goshen in the last four months to provide back-up to Goshen PD or handle emergency calls because no Goshen officer was available.

The need to restore lost police officer positions and our detective position is of critical importance to the safety and security of our community and our officers. Since 2010, we have lost one-third of our full-time police staff; the result of local government funding cuts, various tax cuts, and no new sources of funding since the Safety Services Levy in 2002. These personnel losses have occurred at the same time the population of Goshen and demand for services have continued to grow.

Here are the facts, comparing Jan. 1 to Sept. 30 in 2015 and 2016.

· Sex crimes are up 33 percent this year from nine incidents to 12.
· Suicidal person calls are up 56 percent from 55 to 86.
· Child endangering incidents are up 117 percent from six to 13.
· Total reports taken are up 30 percent from 1,324 to 1,727.
· Total charges filed are up 52 percent from 556 to 846.
· Drug arrests have increased 81 percent from 89 to 161.
· OVI arrests, many of which are drug related, increased 194 percent from 33 to 94.

Today, Goshen Police serve a 34 square mile community with nearly 16,500 residents with just one officer on-duty a majority of the time. The police levy Nov. 8 will allow us to have two officers on-duty. It will also fill our detective vacancy allowing us to more effectively investigate major crimes. The last police levy in Goshen was passed on Nov. 5, 1991.

This five-year 3.4 mill levy will generate $870,000 annually at a cost to taxpayers of $9.92 per month, per 100K property valuation.

I am eager to meet with any group, neighborhood, family, or individual, who would like more information and to answer any questions or concerns. My door is always open and residents are welcome to come to me or I’ll gladly go to you. I can be reached at 722-3200 or by email to Bob.Rose@goshen-oh.gov.

Bob Rose, Chief of Police