About the Tiffin Police Department
The history of the Police Department
in Tiffin dates back to 1832 when Harry Brish became Tiffin's first Marshal but the records are unclear on if he was elected,
appointed, what his duties were, the scope of his authority, or his working relationship with the elected Sheriff. During
its formative years, Tiffin as other towns struggled to maintain law and order. Although Marshal Brish may have functioned
as Marshal, and there was an elected Sheriff, most of the area Law Enforcement was controlled by vigilante-type groups. The
Clinton Protective Society was organized in 1846 and the ranks of its membership swelled until 1886, when three hundred and
forty-four were part of the band.
Responsible and influential citizens of
Tiffin were aware that an orderly transition from vigilante law to government law was required for the establishment of a
stable law enforcement agency necessary for the growth of a prosperous and progressive community. In 1851 S.H. Kissinger was
the first recorded Marshal elected in Tiffin (which is comparable to today's Chief of Police) and the first Police Department
was formed.
By 1915, the Tiffin Police Department had
a vehicle which was driven by Motorcop, Heilman. The department had a total man power of twelve patrolmen, which were paid
an average of $1,000 per year. Locally and nationally there was restlessness (war being imminent between the U.S.A. and Germany)
and economic strain was noted. In 1916 tempers were flaring and at times the influence of the prohibition advocates were being
felt. November 17th, 1916, Chief Myers was arrested and charged with being drunk by Patrolman Brayman. Chief Myers countered
by saying that he was going hunting. Motorcop Heilman was appointed Acting Chief of Police. December 6th, 1916, Chief Myers
was suspended officially by the Civil Service Commission. He fought the case, but left the department March 1917.
Today the Chief of Police is assisted by
1 Captain, 3 Lieutenants, 5 Sergeants, 21 Officers, Civilian Clerks, Civilian Dispatchers, and a Police Auxiliary. The equipment
consists of 8 patrol cars, 2 detective cars, a D.A.R.E. car, a K9 car, Mobile Data in-car computers, Computer Aided Dispatch,
E-911, in car State LEADS checks, video surveillance and other new technologies.
Source:
tiffinohio.com
/TiffinPD/history.htm
