LIMA — The Lima Police Department announced plans to create a fourth community-oriented policing substation in the city, this one to be placed on Lima’s north side.
The new station will be placed in the Northwood-Maplewood Apartments at 531 Brower Road, according to Sgt. Jason Garlock, a move that was precipitated by a great deal of discussion.
“Several months ago, we were approached by the manager of Northwood-Maplewood Apartments in respect to opening a possible COP location at that apartment complex,” he said. “Since then, we have conducted on-site surveys, we have visited the site numerous times and have been in discussion with management, as well as Lima Police Department administration.”
When open, the office will not only feature a COP officer, but also room for mental health services from Coleman as well as help from Crime Victim Services. It will be the largest office, with room available for training sessions, as well.
“In the immediate future, the office will be occupied by the COP Precinct 1 officer, Eric Mericle, and myself until at a later date we can get a full-time COP officer out there,” Garlock said. “It will be located right in the office. The management has space in there.”
Garlock is optimistic that this new station will continue the positive progress the department has seen at the other three locations.
“There is a need for this,” he said. “People are asking for these relationships to come back and for us to be involved in the community in different ways. People can come in and engage with police officers and tell us their problems and have one-on-one dialogue with us.”
According to Lima Police Department Lt. Andy Green, the opening of the station is expected to come in January or possibly December, depending on how quickly legislation can be approved by Lima City Council.
