Positive Policing

Howland Police Department – Commitment to Community and Reform

The Howland Police Department is committed to progress—not just in words, but through action. We recognize past injustices in law enforcement and understand the impact they’ve had on public trust. Rebuilding that trust is our priority, and we believe transparency is the key.

We work closely with the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board to maintain certification in key areas such as:

  • Employee Misconduct Investigations
  • Bias-Free Policing
  • Vehicular Pursuits

This partnership ensures our policies stay current and our officers are properly trained. We support the Governor and Attorney General’s efforts toward meaningful law enforcement reform, including independent investigations, use-of-force data tracking, and equipment funding.

Many proposed reforms are already our standard practice:

  • Banning chokeholds unless deadly force is justified
  • Pre-employment psychological exams
  • Diverse recruitment
  • Advanced and continuous officer training

Our mission is to keep the community safe while treating every individual with dignity, compassion, and respect. We stand by our motto:

“Treat people the way you would want your family to be treated by a police officer.”

Ongoing Commitments:
We continue to implement and improve practices that strengthen trust and cooperation between our department and the community.

Howland Police Department – Commitment to Community Relations

The Howland Police Department is committed to strengthening trust and fostering positive relationships through transparency, action, and continuous improvement.

Key Initiatives & Ongoing Commitments:

  • Cultural Diversity & Hiring
    Ongoing training for all personnel and expanded efforts to integrate diversity into hiring practices.
  • Community Engagement
    Active involvement in events like Shop With a Cop, Community Safety Day, classroom tours, and regular foot patrols in schools, businesses, and neighborhoods.
  • School Resource Officers
    Assigned to Howland schools through collaboration with Township Trustees and the Board of Education.
  • State Certification
    Maintaining Ohio Collaborative Certification since 2017, in partnership with the Governor’s Task Force on Community-Police Relations.
  • Crisis Response
    All Officers certified in Crisis Intervention to improve interactions with individuals experiencing mental health, behavioral, or substance-related crises.
  • Opioid Crisis Response
    All Officers carry Naloxone kits through our Project DAWN partnership.
  • Public Safety Programs
    • Drug Drop-Off Box (since 2018)
    • Are You OK? elderly check-in program
    • Safe Exchange Zone with 24/7 video surveillance
  • Officer Preparedness
    Trauma kits, HazMat kits, and COVID-related PPE ensure readiness for critical incidents.
  • Modernized Communications & Reporting
    Use of MARCS radio system and Ohio’s crash reporting system for improved efficiency and coordination.
  • Community Safety Outreach
    Active shooter training for local churches and security assessments for area businesses.

Together, we strive for a stronger, safer, and more connected community.