Programs
Explore our diverse range of programs designed to meet the unique needs of our community. Whether it’s ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals, promoting responsible prescription drug disposal, or bridging the gap between our local law enforcement and the Oberlin College campus, our programs aim to make Oberlin a safer and more inclusive place for all.
Safety Town
Police Explorer Program
Transaction Safety Zone
Vacation/Vacant House Watch
Project Lifesaver
Are You OK? Program
Drug Take-Back Program
College Liaison Program
Security Inspections/Checks
Workplace Training
Crime Prevention Program
Project Dawn
Safety Town
Each summer, the Oberlin Police Department proudly presents Safety Town, a program designed for children who will be entering Kindergarten in the upcoming school year. Safety Town offers essential lessons in safety practices for both home and school, covering topics such as traffic safety, fire safety, school bus safety, poison control, and more.
This valuable program is provided free of charge to all participants and is facilitated by Patrol Officer Billie Neadham and Police Dispatcher Gwen Goul, with assistance from the Oberlin Police Explorers. Typically, two sessions are offered during the month of June.
For additional information or inquiries, please feel free to contact Patrol Officer Billie Neadham at 440-774-1061 or via email at BNeadham@oberlinpd.com.
This valuable program is provided free of charge to all participants and is facilitated by Patrol Officer Billie Neadham and Police Dispatcher Gwen Goul, with assistance from the Oberlin Police Explorers. Typically, two sessions are offered during the month of June.
For additional information or inquiries, please feel free to contact Patrol Officer Billie Neadham at 440-774-1061 or via email at BNeadham@oberlinpd.com.
Police Explorer Program
Since its establishment in 1978, the Oberlin Police Department Explorer Post #2478 has been dedicated to providing young men and women with hands-on experience to prepare for a career in law enforcement. Our OPD Explorers receive comprehensive training in law enforcement practices, delivered by uniformed officers and other experienced OPD personnel.
Explorers also have the unique opportunity to actively assist the Police Department in various capacities, including traffic management and crowd control details during City events. In addition to these valuable experiences, our Explorers participate in local and state competitions, collaborating with Law Enforcement Exploring Posts from across Ohio.
The Oberlin Police Department Explorer program warmly welcomes both males and females, aged 14 to 20, who possess an interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement.
Explorers also have the unique opportunity to actively assist the Police Department in various capacities, including traffic management and crowd control details during City events. In addition to these valuable experiences, our Explorers participate in local and state competitions, collaborating with Law Enforcement Exploring Posts from across Ohio.
The Oberlin Police Department Explorer program warmly welcomes both males and females, aged 14 to 20, who possess an interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement.
Transaction Safety Zone
To enhance the safety of Lorain County residents, the Oberlin Police Department actively participates in the county-wide Transaction Safe Zone Program. We encourage members of the public to utilize our secure location at the Oberlin Police Department for various purposes:
- Meeting to display, inspect, or purchase items listed for sale on e-commerce platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and more.
- Completing online transactions in a safer and monitored environment.
Your safety is our priority, and we are here to provide a secure space for these activities.
Vacation/Vacant House Watch
The Oberlin Police Department is delighted to provide Oberlin residents with peace of mind when they are away on vacation or when their property is vacant for an extended period. Through our Vacation/Vacant House Watch Program, residents can enjoy their time away, knowing that their home is safe and secure.
When residents enroll in this program, our dedicated OPD personnel will conduct routine checks of their property, ensuring that their residence remains protected. In the event of any issues or concerns, we will promptly notify the resident.
To request participation in the Vacation/Vacant House Watch Program, please fill out the form online or reach out to the Oberlin Police Department for assistance at 440-774-1061 or via email at Police@OberlinPD.com.
When residents enroll in this program, our dedicated OPD personnel will conduct routine checks of their property, ensuring that their residence remains protected. In the event of any issues or concerns, we will promptly notify the resident.
To request participation in the Vacation/Vacant House Watch Program, please fill out the form online or reach out to the Oberlin Police Department for assistance at 440-774-1061 or via email at Police@OberlinPD.com.
Project Lifesaver
The Oberlin Police Department proudly participates in Project Lifesaver, a national public safety initiative dedicated to safeguarding and locating individuals with cognitive conditions prone to wandering, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, autism, and more. Those enrolled in Project Lifesaver receive a small transmitter to wear on their wrist or ankle, emitting a unique frequency signal.
If an enrolled individual goes missing, caregivers can swiftly alert the Oberlin Police Department, triggering the response of a trained emergency team. Utilizing the individual's personalized frequency, OPD can efficiently locate their position. Oberlin Patrol Officers have received specialized training to interact with and approach individuals with cognitive conditions. This training ensures the safe and secure return of those found.
For additional information or assistance in enrolling a loved one in this program, please don’t hesitate to contact Sergeant Patrick Durica at 440-774-1061 or via email at PDurica@OberlinPD.com.
You can also find general information about Project Lifesaver on their website. Your peace of mind and the safety of your loved ones are our top priorities.
If an enrolled individual goes missing, caregivers can swiftly alert the Oberlin Police Department, triggering the response of a trained emergency team. Utilizing the individual's personalized frequency, OPD can efficiently locate their position. Oberlin Patrol Officers have received specialized training to interact with and approach individuals with cognitive conditions. This training ensures the safe and secure return of those found.
For additional information or assistance in enrolling a loved one in this program, please don’t hesitate to contact Sergeant Patrick Durica at 440-774-1061 or via email at PDurica@OberlinPD.com.
You can also find general information about Project Lifesaver on their website. Your peace of mind and the safety of your loved ones are our top priorities.
Are You OK? Program
The Are You OK? Program is a free outreach program for City of Oberlin residents that check on their safety and security. It’s designed to give senior citizens or home-bound individuals a feeling of security by providing them with a weekly phone call from Oberlin Police Chief or an Oberlin Police Dispatcher.
If the subscriber answers the phone call and everything is confirmed to be okay, the dispatcher will reschedule the phone call for the next week. If the subscriber does not answer the phone call or answers and requires assistance, the dispatcher will then dispatch either police, fire, or EMS personnel, depending on the situation.
If the subscriber answers the phone call and everything is confirmed to be okay, the dispatcher will reschedule the phone call for the next week. If the subscriber does not answer the phone call or answers and requires assistance, the dispatcher will then dispatch either police, fire, or EMS personnel, depending on the situation.
Drug Take-Back Program
(Prescription Drop-Box)
Unused or expired prescription medications pose a significant public safety concern, potentially leading to accidental poisoning, misuse, or overdose. Proper disposal of these drugs is not only crucial for safeguarding lives but also for preserving the environment.
The Oberlin Police Department is committed to addressing this issue by hosting Prescription Drug Take-Back Days twice a year, in April and October. Stay tuned for updates on the next Drug Take-Back Day.
Additionally, community members can utilize the self-serve drop-box located in the Oberlin Police Department lobby at 85 S. Main Street. This drop-box is accessible 24/7, providing a convenient option for prescription drug disposal.
For more information on this national program, please visit the Drug Enforcement Administration website. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Oberlin Police Department at 440-774-1061 or via email at Police@OberlinPD.com.
The Oberlin Police Department is committed to addressing this issue by hosting Prescription Drug Take-Back Days twice a year, in April and October. Stay tuned for updates on the next Drug Take-Back Day.
Additionally, community members can utilize the self-serve drop-box located in the Oberlin Police Department lobby at 85 S. Main Street. This drop-box is accessible 24/7, providing a convenient option for prescription drug disposal.
For more information on this national program, please visit the Drug Enforcement Administration website. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Oberlin Police Department at 440-774-1061 or via email at Police@OberlinPD.com.
College Liaison Program
The Oberlin Police Department collaborates closely with Oberlin College Campus Security to provide support and educational resources to the campus community through the College Liaison Program. Our dedicated Liaison Officers undergo comprehensive training through the National Association of Campus Safety Administrators, covering topics such as campus security authority, tactical communication, active shooter response, diversity, the Clery Act, and FERPA.
Throughout each school year, Liaison Officers actively engage with the college community. They participate in dorm meetings, new student orientation, and various college meetings and events. During these interactions, they offer valuable information about department services, local ordinances, and address any inquiries from students and staff.
For more details about the College Liaison Program or to request a Liaison Officer at your meeting or event, please don't hesitate to contact us at 440-774-1061.
Throughout each school year, Liaison Officers actively engage with the college community. They participate in dorm meetings, new student orientation, and various college meetings and events. During these interactions, they offer valuable information about department services, local ordinances, and address any inquiries from students and staff.
For more details about the College Liaison Program or to request a Liaison Officer at your meeting or event, please don't hesitate to contact us at 440-774-1061.
Security Inspections/Checks
Oberlin Police Department personnel offer security inspections at local businesses/nonprofit organizations upon request to offer advice on ways to make your organization more secure. Oberlin Patrol Officers also do periodic checks of businesses/nonprofit organizations to ensure security of the property. Contact the Police Department at 440-774-1061 or Police@OberlinPD.com to request a security inspection and/or to update your organization’s information, including after-hours contact information, security alarm status, etc.
Workplace Training
The Oberlin Police Department offers a range of educational presentations to local workplaces, covering topics such as crime prevention, active threat training, K-9 presentations, security assessments, and more. If you are interested in bringing any of these presentations to your workplace or would like to discuss the development of a customized presentation for your organization, please get in touch with Lieutenant Mike McCloskey at 440-774-1061 or via email at MMcCloskey@OberlinPD.com.
Crime Prevention Program
The Oberlin Police Department offers home security assessments upon request to provide valuable advice on fortifying your home against potential threats and contributing to neighborhood crime prevention.
In addition to our home assessments, we encourage you to stay informed about home safety and recognizing suspicious activity.
For more information about our Crime Prevention Program or to request a home security assessment, please reach out to Patrol Officer Ray Feuerstein at 440-774-1061 or contact via email at RFeuerstein@OberlinPD.com.
In addition to our home assessments, we encourage you to stay informed about home safety and recognizing suspicious activity.
For more information about our Crime Prevention Program or to request a home security assessment, please reach out to Patrol Officer Ray Feuerstein at 440-774-1061 or contact via email at RFeuerstein@OberlinPD.com.
Project Dawn
Our officers became proficient in recognizing the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose and learned how to administer Narcan, a nasal spray that effectively reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.
Since our participation in the pilot program, Oberlin Police Department personnel have made a significant impact by saving numerous lives in the Oberlin community through the Narcan program.Project Dawn, known as “Deaths Avoided With Naloxone,” is a critical Ohio-based initiative focused on drug-overdose education and Naloxone distribution. In 2012, the Oberlin Police Department took part in the pilot program of Project DAWN in Lorain County. This initiative was a response to the opioid crisis in Ohio, equipping officers with Narcan (naloxone) kits and comprehensive training.
Since our participation in the pilot program, Oberlin Police Department personnel have made a significant impact by saving numerous lives in the Oberlin community through the Narcan program.Project Dawn, known as “Deaths Avoided With Naloxone,” is a critical Ohio-based initiative focused on drug-overdose education and Naloxone distribution. In 2012, the Oberlin Police Department took part in the pilot program of Project DAWN in Lorain County. This initiative was a response to the opioid crisis in Ohio, equipping officers with Narcan (naloxone) kits and comprehensive training.
Read more about Project Dawn
