MANSFIELD, Ohio–The Mansfield Police Review Commission met on Thursday evening in Mansfield City Council chambers and heard both complaints and compliments presented by Mansfield Police Captain Bret Snavely.
The meeting was called to order by Commission Chairperson Barbara Walter.
Following the approval of the meeting minutes, with no members of the community in attendance, Captain Snavely presented two complaints that had been investigated for the commission members to review.
The first complaint involved an incident at the Galloping Goose Drive-Thru.
The complainant made a purchase and attempted to buy lottery tickets with a credit/debit card. The employee told the complainant that they didn’t sell lottery tickets on credit/debit cards and an argument ensued.
The complainant left without paying, leaving the credit card, but returned later to get the card and the argument continued.
Mansfield Police officers were called; the complainant was disorderly and yelling, biting an officer, and was arrested. The complainant then fought officers, punching one, and was tased and cuffed and taken to MedCentral.
The details of the incident were turned over to the Law Director for investigation.
The complainant was charged with disorderly conduct, theft and assault on an officer, which is a felony. No charges will be brought against the Galloping Goose. It was determined that officers acted appropriately and it was recommended that the case be closed.
The second complaint involved an incident when the complainant arrived at a home while intoxicated and damaged a front porch. The complainant’s children were at the home.
The Mansfield Police were contacted with two officers responding.
The complainant was combative, refusing to enter the cruiser and was tased and cuffed.
The complainant claims it was excessive use of force.
A witness told police officers that the complainant kicked the cruiser door when refusing to be placed inside. It was also mentioned that there was a verbal disagreement involving the officer.
The complainant stated officers had pulled his hair during the altercation.
Two Police Supervisors observed the altercation and it was recommended that the case be closed.
Following a short discussion on the cases, Captain Snavely addressed the commission members.
“I have a number of compliments and there are more compliments than complaints,” Captain Snavely said.
The fifteen compliments came from Maureen O’Connor, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio, local residents, local businesses, the Raintree, schools, and the Prince George’s County Government where representatives from Mansfield PD participated in the survivor pick-up detail at Reagan National Airport.
Officers were praised for their professionalism, dedication and for maintaining a positive reputation for the Mansfield Police Department.
The Review Commission is comprised of eight members; one individual from each ward and one member at-large. Each member of Mansfield City Council appoints one representative. Those appointed from wards with even numbers serve a one year term and those appointed from wards with uneven numbers serve a two year term.
All members are volunteers and go through extensive training before serving on the commission. Each member does a “ride along” with a police officer as part of their training.
The commission reviews all complaints dealing with the Mansfield Police Department following the court process.
“All of our meetings are open meetings, allowing time for the public to make comments,” Barbara Walter said.
In 2014, the commission reviewed 28 complaints. Of those, 21 were external citizen complaints.
“Our sole mission is to review the complaint in a thorough, accurate, credible and impartial way. We can pick up on something and make a recommendation to Mayor Tim Theaker and Police Chief Kenneth Coontz,” Walter said.
The commission meets on the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. in Mansfield City Council chambers, 30 N. Diamond St.
“I have a number of compliments and there are more compliments than complaints,” Captain Snavely said.
