Willoughby Police Department
Community Involvement

Patrolman Tim Kerzisnik, a well-known officer throughout the schools and business community, is the Community Involvement Officer.  Officer Kerzisnik utilizes a combination of education and partnership with citizens and businesses to prevent crime as opposed to reacting to crimes that have already occurred.  As part of this outreach, Officer Kerzisnik coordinates a variety of lectures presented to businesses and various civic groups to educate them on topics such as identity theft and fraud protection, telephone and internet fraud prevention, and senior citizen safety.

Suggestions for new topics are always welcome.  Assistance with community involvement issues can be obtained by contacting Tim at (440) 953-4227.

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.)

Officers from the Willoughby Police Department teach the DARE program to each fifth grade class in the public schools within the City of Willoughby. For 9 weeks or more the officers teach the students how to resist drugs and violence, how to build self-esteem, the consequences of choices they make and all the actions they take as well as the 8 ways to say no, how to avoid peer pressure and how to deal with stress. In the 2009-2010 school year, Officers Kerzisnik, Huth, and Jordan taught 9 classes totaling approximately 250 students.

More information regarding the DARE program can be found at www.dare-oh.org

Law Enforcement Explorer Post 602

The Willoughby Police Department sponsors a Law Enforcement Explorer Post which operates under the policies and guidelines of the Boy Scouts of America Exploring/Venturing Program and the Willoughby Police Department.

The program is for students and young adults ages 14-21 and provides career skills and experiences in addition to leadership and life skills. The Explorers meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. An informational meeting is held in the fall. If you are interested in additional information, you may call the Willoughby Police Department at (440) 953-4212 and ask to leave a message for Special Officer Paul Emch. More information about Law Enforcement Exploring Programs can be found at www.learning-for-life.org/exploring/lawenforcement

An application to join Willoughby Police Department’s Explorer Post is available on this website for download. You can drop off the completed application at the Willoughby Police Station or mail it to the attention of Special Officer Paul Emch, Willoughby Police Department, 36700 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby, Ohio 44094.

PAL (Police Athletic League)

The Willoughby Police Athletic League sponsors various fun activities throughout the year to further mutual respect, trust, and camaraderie between law enforcement and youth. In the past these activities have included outings to Cleveland Cavaliers’ games and hockey games, as well as fishing outings. Individual events will be posted here as they are scheduled. Download the participation form and medical release form, complete, and return to the Willoughby Police Department.

If you would like additional information or to suggest ideas for future events, please feel free to contact Willoughby PAL, Patrolman Tim Kerzisnik, Community Involvement Officer, 36700 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby, Ohio 44094; (440) 953-4227. More information about the National PAL Organization can be found at www.nationalpal.org

Safety Town

Safety Town is a safety awareness program designed to teach children about to enter kindergarten how to respond to dangerous situations. Certified civilian instructors and police officers offer safety lessons with regard to traffic, strangers, fire, and bicycle riding, while volunteers and teen instructors provide much needed assistance with check-ins and guidance.

Registration for this one week class is held in April and is open to residents of Willoughby, Willoughby Hills, and Kirtland. The Willoughby Parks and Recreation Department coordinates registration.