Streetsboro Police Chief proposes 2 year department overhaul plan at City Council Meeting.

During the Streetsboro Regular City Council meeting on Monday, Police Chief Tricia Wain kicked off her plan to overhaul the Streetsboro Police Department’s duty equipment.

Wain’s multi-stage plan began with the swearing in of a new patrol officer, Matthew Martinez. 

“We are really excited to have a new member in our department,” said Wain. “Martinez is awesome… I’m glad we could snap him up.”

Martinez is an Air Force veteran and has worked for Poland Township for the past year before joining Streetsboro Police. Martinez’ wife and five children attended the ceremony and pinned his badge on after being sworn in. 

“Moving here is the perfect next step towards being a detective,” said Martinez. “I’m excited to be a part of a growing department that supports my interest in furthering my career.”

Wain proposed the purchase of upgraded handguns, holsters and attachments for their whole department by 2024. With unanimous support, the council approved the purchase of the firearms and the training of officers on the equipment. Wain also said the police department will be trading in their old duty weapons to save as much money as they can. 

“Our equipment is in good condition so we are getting a lot of money for them,” said Wain.

Steve Michniak, Council-at-Large, said he would like to see the officers have the best equipment possible and to make sure they are getting everything the officers need to be more effective.

“The council has been supportive of the Police Department’s spending and will continue to be throughout this process,” said Michniak. “I would rather spend the money now than have to replace them again in the near future.”

Current plans to purchase new vehicles were also amended to purchase Chevy Tahoes that were available locally at Ganley Chevy. Supply chain issues disrupted orders with both Ford and Dodge causing them to cancel orders during the pandemic. Wain said the outfitting of vehicles could take some time but they would expect them to be finished by the middle of 2023.

“We have new Tahoe’s available and on the ground locally,” said Wain. “I don’t want to waste another year waiting for new vehicles that may not even come.”

The meeting also included:

• Finance committee meeting.
• Approving 2023 the Annual Appropriations/Budget.
• Authorizing road repairs.
• Authorizing a market analysis proposal.
• Creating a collegiate finance internship position.
• Installing updated water meters and water mains. 
• Purchasing a new vehicle for the fire department. 

“This plan will allow Streetsboro PD to function at an even higher level and be better prepared for anything they may have to deal with,” said Wain. 

The 2023 budget has been scheduled for discussion in the next general council meeting in December.

— Berkeley Chadwick (@berkchadwick) November 29, 2022

The purchase of Chevy Tahoes for police department has been moved to full council.

— Berkeley Chadwick (@berkchadwick) November 29, 2022

Council supports plan to purchase new firearms systems and upgrade the entire handgun program.

— Berkeley Chadwick (@berkchadwick) November 29, 2022

Matthew Martinez was sworn in as a Police Officer for the City of Streetboro.

— Berkeley Chadwick (@berkchadwick) November 29, 2022