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

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Tips for Safe Holiday Shopping

• Slow down – don’t get caught up in the shuffle and confusion
• Leaves us vulnerable to crime

• Be aware of your surroundings 
• Stores are crowded, giving pickpockets many opportunities
• Be wary of strangers
• Maintain the personal space around you

• Keep an eye on your credit cards
• Be sure they’re signed
• Make sure they get returned after purchases
• Protect your Personal Identification Numbers

• Be wary of strangers seeking handouts

• Carry money in separate pockets

• Women are better off using a fanny pack instead of a purse

• Don’t leave packages in plain view inside your vehicle

•  Be prepared
• Have you car keys in hand before you get to your car

• Ask if security will escort you to your vehicle

• If you see suspicious activity or are the victim of a crime report it IMMEDIATELY

Residential Burglaries On The Rise

With the economy as it is and the Christmas fast approaching, there has been a notable increase in residential burglaries throughout the country. Clicking on the link below will provide you with a printable "Residential Security Survey" that can be helpful in doing a self evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of your property.

RESIDENTIAL SECURITY SURVEY (Click on this to view)

PERSONAL SAFETY - Practical safety tips for; At Home, In your Car, Out & About

Police Hold Individuals In Thefts From Two States

Parma police are currently holding three individuals believed to be connected to thefts in at least two states.  One adult male, two females, and two juveniles, ages eight and ten were taken into custody after being involved in a Robbery at Macy’s – 8001 W. Ridgewood on Tues., 11/10/09.  The juveniles were observed entering the store along with an adult female later identified as AMINA FRYE, aka SANDERS, age 34.  They were observed shoplifting items and attempted to exit the store with no attempt to purchase concealed items.  When confronted by store security a physical altercation ensued while attempting to detain them inside the store.  During this altercation, the other adult female (DIANA BURTON, age 64) entered the store and became involved in the altercation.  She was followed by her son, DONALD BURTON, age 37, who punched one of the security personnel in the face.  All of the offenders were eventually able to exit the store where they entered a silver 2009 Chevy Suburban, Illinois license plate KZ40174.  Parma officers responded and apprehended all involved before they could pull away from the curb.  This incident was captured on Macy’s store surveillance video.  During an inventory of the vehicle, numerous credit cards, gift cards, receipts and property believed to be stolen were recovered.  An investigation has revealed that the credit cards had been used in both the Chicago and Cleveland areas.   At the present time authorities are making attempts to identify victims relative to this arrest.  Anyone with additional information is requested to call the Parma Police Crime Tip Line at (440) 887-7340.

Click on photos to enlarge:

Diana Burton ----------------Donald Burton ----------------Amina Frye, aka Sanders

Changes in Child Restraint Safety Seat Law

Current Ohio law requires that children under the age of four, those who weigh less that 40 pounds, or both must be in a child restraint system that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. Effective 10/07/2009 the law added specific requirements for those children less than eight years of age, less than four foot nine niches (4'9"), or both must be secured in a booster seat that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. CLICK ON THE ABOVE PHOTO TO VIEW ENTIRE ORDINANCE.

ID R Kids

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.

Next of Kin (NOK) Registration

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

Planning BEFORE A Disaster Strikes

There are approximately 1400 miles that separate Parma, Ohio from 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.

Document Links To Printable Safety Materials

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

Gun Locks Available to Parma Residents

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.

Reminder of Ohio's Motor Scooter Laws

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

 

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.

Parma ranked 32nd "safest city" in America

Archive

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• New Traffic Signals for Parma
• Target Oriented Patrol (T.O.P.)
• Child Safety Seat Inspections
• Car-Fit Program for Seniors