Safety
Statistics show that The Holden Arboretum is one of the area’s safest places to visit. Maintaining public safety at Holden is the responsibility of the Holden Arboretum Police Department. The role of the HAPD is one of public service, maintaining a safe environment for visitors and ensuring Holden’s unique natural areas and collections are protected.
As a service-oriented department, the department provides the following services that are essential to maintaining safety and preventing crime at Holden:
· Patrol in marked vehicles for maximum visibility and presence
· Foot and bicycle patrols in designated areas
· Apprehension and arrest of criminals, as well as criminal investigations conducted by the HAPD
· The handling of many non-criminal incidents involving wildlife, vehicles, missing persons, and disturbance complaints – to name but a few.
Maintaining public safety also requires a wide variety of community services that contribute to Holden’s overall well-being.
· Directions to those in need
· Assistance to owners who have locked keys inside their vehicles
· Aid to motorists with disabled vehicles;
· Traffic control during special events and at other times as needed
The HAPD works closely with all departments within The Holden Arboretum and local police and sheriff offices.
An agreement between the HAPD and the Kirtland Police Department acknowledges that it is mutually beneficial to provide concurrent – through both departments – services which enhance safety throughout The Holden Arboretum.
The HAPD is headed by a Chief of Police and supported by a staff of full-time and part-time police officers. With full law enforcement authority granted by state, the HAPD follows procedures mutually agreed upon with the Kirtland Police Department and surrounding jurisdictions. The operations of the HAPD are supported by full radio communication as well as by LEADS (Law Enforcement Automated Data system) which provides instant access to a statewide data bank of crime information including vehicle registration, stolen property files, and wanted or missing persons. Through linkage with the National Criminal Information Center, such information is also available on the national basis.
Bike Patrol
In 2001, the Holden police created a new bike patrol program, designed to get officers onto Holden’s trails and providing them with greater opportunities to interact with Holden visitors. This method of transportation for the officer is environmentally friendly, and allows officers greater access to Holden’s trails to provide visitor information, assistance and emergency aid. The patrol is especially effective for special events and community events, allowing officers to navigate roadways, trails and parking lots.
Wildlife Management
One of the more interesting jobs of the department is in the area of wildlife management. With more than 3,500 acres of land, collections and diverse natural areas, it is imperative to find a balance between people, wildlife, and plants. The goal of the wildlife management program is to provide for the maximum bio-diversity of plants and animals. Working in cooperation with the Holden’s Conservation Department, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, we have many ongoing wildlife programs, including restocking of native Ohio Brook Trout.
