The mutual aid agreement with Springboro will allow its police to patrol within Hazel Woods Park, which is on Lower Springboro Road and is completely located within the corporate limits of Franklin.
The agreement will allow both agencies to share in patrolling the park — creating an overall greater police presence — and allow Franklin and Springboro residents to safely use the new park, according to Franklin Police Chief Russell Whitman.
“This is not taking anything away from Franklin police,” he said.
According to the agreement, 911 calls will be handled by the Franklin dispatch center and police. Springboro police will assist in responding to 911 calls from within the park when requested by Franklin police. Springboro officers observing any violations while patrolling the park have the authority to make arrests or issue citations to be processed by Franklin Municipal Court.
Any follow-up investigations into crimes committed in Hazel Woods Park will be the responsibility of Springboro police. Franklin police will assist on follow-up investigations for crimes committed in the park when requested by Springboro police. Uniform Crime Reporting of Part I crimes that occur in the park will be the responsibility of Springboro police; and Franklin will report all Part I offenses observed to Springboro police.
According to the city of Springboro’s website, the 108-acre park is currently under development and plans include 15 soccer/lacrosse fields, a dog park, playground, paved walking path, concession stand, restrooms and picnic shelters. The city plans to develop the park in four annual phases starting in spring 2007.
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