News Releases - City of Parma Police Department

Det. Marty Compton, Public Information Officer

The Parma Police Department, through the Public Information Officer, Det Marty Compton, will periodically post news releases to the media and the public. Frequently, photographs and information may be posted with the purpose of eliciting the help of the public in identifying suspects or assisting in obtaining information that may help in a criminal investigation. Occasionally, public service announcements may be made related to safety issues.

Det Marty Compton is a twenty-three year veteran of the Parma Police Department and has been assigned to the detective bureau for the last fourteen years. He has worked in Uniform Patrol, Special Investigations / Narcotics and the General Detective Bureau and was a member of the SWAT Team from 1993-2003. In addition to his responsibilities as a detective, Det Compton was assigned as the department's Public Information Officer (PIO) inJanuary 2006.

Reminder of Ohio's Motor Scooter Laws

Click on the scooter picture to be directed to a link to Ohio's Motor Scooter Laws.

Safety Fair at Parma Justice Center A Success

Thanks to everyone who assisted in making the 2008 Parma Safety Fair a huge success. The weather cooperated and the crowd was estimated between 1,250 and 1,500 people.

Police Seeking Information About Graffiti Vandals

A number of businesses on Day Drive have become the target of vandals spray painting graffiti on them. This type of activity has an adverse effect on all of us and detracts from the appearance of the businesses. The additional cost of cleaning up the damage can be passed on to the consumer, resulting in higher prices. The Parma police department is seeking information, which might be helpful in identifying the individual or group of persons responsible for this destructuive, illegal behavior. Anyone with information is requested to call the Crime Tip line at (440) 887-7340.

Click HERE for Graffiti Pictures

Thieves Targeting Copper Plumbing

Parma, like many communities in the greater Cleveland area is experiencing an abundance of thefts of copper plumbing from vacant homes. Therefore, the Parma Police Department is asking residents to be observant in an effort to catch thieves ripping off large portions of copper plumbing. Crimes of this type are resulting in increased expenditures and a potential loss of property values. Many of the homes being targeted either have “For Sale” signs out front, or are on listings as going through foreclosure. Police are asking that if you observe activity that you believe is suspicious, to call the Parma Police Department immediately at (440) 885-1234. The activity may turn out to be totally legitimate, or your call may be just the one necessary to assist in stopping a crime.

Video - Citizens Police Academy

Watch a new video about the Citizens Police Academy. Produced by Parma Area Community Television.

Flash required to watch this video. Get it for free here.

New Traffic Signals for Parma

New traffic signals are being installed on the major roads with a target completion date of October 2008. These new signals can be "pre-empted" or controlled by the siren of an approaching emergency vehicle. Drivers who see a flashing blue light on the signal arm when approaching a red light should be cautious because the flashing blue light indicates an emergency vehicle is approaching.

Target Oriented Patrol (T.O.P.)

At the beginning of August 2007, the Parma Police Department initiated an effort to beef up patrols to enforce neighborhood traffic and peace disturbance violations. Officers will be assigned in small sectors each week to provide extra coverage during peak traffic times. The goal is for every neighborhood to receive this extra patrol at least once by the end of summer.

Child Safety Seat Inspections

The Parma Police Department has a certified National Child Safety Seat Technician. It only takes 20 minutes or less to check a child safety seat and educate parents on the proper installation and usage. Call (440) 887-7300 ext. 8557 and leave a message for Patrol Officer Spencer O’Rourke to request an appointment. Future safety seat clinics will be advertised in the Parma Sun Post.

Car-Fit Program for Seniors

The Parma Police now administers the Car Fit Program to help mature drivers achieve a perfect fit with their vehicle by using a 12-Point Checklist. Make an appointment with Officer Ken Gillissie or Officer Mike Tellings at (440) 887-7300 ext. 8538 or 8542. Watch for clinic announcements in the Parma Sun Post.