Northwood City Council Considers Ordinance Charging Drivers for Police Services

Strategic Insights -

Northwood City Council is considering an ordinance that would charge drivers or their insurance companies for police services when officers respond to car crashes. The proposed ordinance aligns with rates used by police departments across the country, with fees depending on the type of crash, the time officers spend on the scene, and the time needed to complete a police report. If approved, the collected revenue would go into the city's general fund to help pay for police salaries and benefits and to offset overtime costs. The council has given the ordinance a first reading and plans to consider it again at its next two meetings to allow residents to voice their opinions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed ordinance would charge drivers or their insurance companies for police services when officers respond to car crashes, with fees ranging from $154 to $311 per police vehicle and officer.
  • The rates are based on a payment scale set up on the type of crash, the amount of time officers spend on the scene, and the time needed to complete a police report.
  • The collected revenue would go into the city's general fund to help pay for police salaries and benefits and to offset overtime costs.
  • Northwood residents would not be responsible for paying any out-of-pocket fees that their insurance companies do not cover.
  • The ordinance was first proposed by Police Chief Jerry Herman to the council's safety committee, citing the example of fire departments charging for transportation services.
  • City Administrator Pat Bacon noted that many fire departments have been charging for transportation services for at least six years, with Northwood's fire department charging between $150 to $400 per trip.
  • The council has expressed support for the measure, with council president Mike Myers stating that it would be beneficial because crashes create extra costs through overtime, court time, and other administrative duties.

Statistics:

  • There are approximately 300 car crashes per year in Northwood, down from 350.
  • The proposed ordinance would charge an average of $138 per crash, based on the estimated 300 crashes per year.
  • The collected revenue would help offset the costs of police salaries and benefits, which are estimated to be a "substantial amount" according to Mr. Myers.
  • The fees would be charged to the insurance company of the driver or other responsible party, unless the responsible party is uninsured, in which case the fee would be charged to the uninsured responsible party.

Sources:

  • "Northwood City Council considers ordinance for out-of-pocket fees for police services" - The Blade, Toledo, Ohio
  • "Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News" - Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.