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-four year veteran of the Parma Police Department and has been assigned to the detective bureau for the last fifteen 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.

The annual Safety Fair will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday April 25th at the Parma Justice Center - 5555 Powers Blvd., Parma. Click on the photo of the helicopter to view a poster detailing additional information.

When a child is missing or abducted, getting that child's photo and information on a potential abductor out to police, the public, and the media is essential. One way to expedite this process is to obtain a state ID for your child. This not only provides a photo, but next of kin information accessible to police if needed. An ID can be obtained by bringing the child, their birth certificate and social security card to any Deputy Registrar License agency. The cost of the ID is $8.50.
During emergency circumstances, being able to make notification to an individual's next of kin could safe a life or potentially allow some precious time with a loved one before they expire. The Ohio Department of Public Safety has now made this possible. Persons with an Ohio driver license or state ID can now register up to two trusted persons to be identified in the BMV database as Next of Kin. ONLY police can access the NOK information, it cost nothing to register, and is not subject to public records request. The NOK registration results in reducing time in locating next of kin and making prompt notification. Additional information and registration instructions can be obtained at: www.ohiobmv.com
There are approximately 1400 miles that separate Parma, Ohio f
rom Galveston, Texas. In late September 2008, we here in Parma suffered the residual effects of Hurricane Ike, which made landfall in Galveston. Severe winds toppled trees and downed power lines. Tens of thousands of homes in our area were without electricity. Some went without power for almost a week. The storms in our lives, whether natural or man-made can come with little or no warning. Will you be prepared?
You can build a foundation before a storm. You can build a foundation after a storm. But, it is almost impossible to build one in the midst of a storm.
The Department of Homeland Security has developed a website that can be helpful in creating a disaster plan, including but not limited to a list of items that should be kept on-hand. Please refer to www.ready.gov for additional information and remember Preparing Makes Sense.
Click on the links below to view and obtain a printable copy (PDF) of documentation relative to specific issues of safety and security.
Child Safety - Practical tips relative to "Child Safety"
Residential Security Survey - A survey ref. residential strengths / weaknesses
Personal Safety - Practical safety tips for; At Home, In your Car, Out & About
The Parma Police Department has partnered wth Project Child Safe to provide FREE gun locks to residents of the city. These locks are available on a first come, first serve basis at the department's 24-hr police front desk.
Click on the logo for additional information.

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

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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.