The Mansfield Police Division implemented the web-based Moments of Opportunity in Police Service in 2012 with the view that each citizen contact is an opportunity to win the respect, trust and support of the community. Recognizing the community is the first line of defense against crime and the most essential component in preventing it, positive citizen contacts will reinforce the community’s resolve to help us develop safer neighborhoods through community partnerships and participation.

A community’s willingness to cooperate is born out of the level of trust, respect and support they have for their police. All police personnel can leverage public support, trust and respect by embracing and promoting enhanced customer service in policing. This forum will allow you to view what others have said about the Mansfield Police Division.

Each page will be archived so you can review compliments from previous months. Click on the links below to access.

January 2012 • February 2012 • March 2012 • April 2012 • May 2012 • June 2012 • July 2012

August 2012 • September 2012 • October 2012 • November 2012 • December 2012

• June 2012

Letter received by Lt. Coontz:

I am writing to thank you, as well as Detectives Wheeler and Blust for your time, dedication and support of the Criminal Justice Program at P.C.T.C. this spring. I fully appreciate that in these times of lean budgets and manpower you allowing these two valuable officers to come to our school and educate our students ins not done lightly or without expense.

Their presentation was much anticipated and spoken about for days afterward. They did an outstanding job and are to be commended. In the last 17 years, it has been my privilege and honor to work with dedicated professionals such as you, Lt. Coontz, Det. Blust and Det. Wheeler.

Again, I thank you for your dedication to the future law enforcement officers of our community and hope we can continue our collaboration in the years to come. Please forward this to Detectives Blust and Wheeler.

-Mike Gouge, Criminal Justice Instructor, Pioneer Career and Technology Center

To Division Personnel in Recognition of K-9 Astor:

Mansfield Police Officer Steve Hornback and his K-9 partner Astor attended an annual certification with the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) from June 10th through June 14th, 2012. The K-9 team was able to receive awards and certification during the event. The K-9 team finished 7th overall among nearly 30 other K-9 teams from Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The participating teams were tested in the areas of obedience, article searches, agility, human searches, narcotics detection, and suspect apprehension and recall. Officer Steve Hornback and K-9 Astor recently received certification from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Association (OPOTA) as well. Officer Hornback has been on the department for 14 years, and assigned to the K-9 Unit with K-9 Astor for the last 5 years. K-9 Astor is a six years old German Sheppard.

 Lt. Ken Coontz, the K-9 Unit supervisor, stated the department was very proud of their efforts and their professionalism. He credited their success to Officer Hornback’s dedication to the K-9 Unit, and the superior training that he receives from Master K-9 trainers Deputy Jim Sweat and Deputy Jim Sweat Jr.

From a concerned citizen:

I want to let you know that I had a VERY nice incident with your 1st shift dispatchers today, Sunday June 24th...was at Wal-Mart and I happened to notice an animal sound coming from a vehicle...other people noticed this, also. Upon checking the vehicle, there was a beagle puppy in the vehicle, windows cracked slightly but the animal was obviously distressed. Someone said call the police and I took it upon myself to do so. As I was on the phone with M.P.D., someone was able to reach through the cracked window(maybe a hanger, don’t know), get the puppy out(it was panting and thin) and someone else got it some water and shade...someone timed  it how long the owner was in the store(about 30 min. from what this person advised).  I was transferred to the girl in the radio room and she was SO helpful to this situation...professional, caring, patient and very nice. I just wanted to give kudos to the dispatcher who assisted in this incident...can you please pass it along to her? I appreciate it very much...she was a gem!!!