The Gahanna Division of Police Policy Manual is updated frequently with content provided by Lexipol (https://www.lexipol.com/).  Please check with the Division of Police for the latest release of the manual or individual policies. The content of the manual is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without the written permission of Lexipol and the City of Gahanna. Download the Gahanna Division of Police Policy Manual.

The Gahanna Division of Police is dedicated to promoting roadway safety in order to provide and maintain a safe travel environment throughout the city. With a focus on reducing traffic-related injuries, the Division’s Operations Bureau is responsible for developing and implementing traffic safety strategies incorporating residential streets, major thoroughfares, and interstate highway. These measures include high-visibility neighborhood patrols, targeted enforcement initiatives to remove impaired drivers from behind the wheel and other traffic safety mobilizations.

As part of our fully integrated problem-solving process, we recognize the benefit of technology as a catalyst for innovative ideas. To advance our neighborhood safety objectives and increase public awareness, we deploy a variety of equipment. This includes speed monitoring devices and a survey instrument capable of collecting timely and accurate information, such as roadway speeds, traffic volume counts, and other roadway data (See Traffic Survey Results). With these resources and other tools, our officers work to achieve our unified goal of reducing crashes and saving lives.

To further encourage and cultivate support for traffic safety, we work in partnership with a coalition of law enforcement, education, and health and safety organizations. We recognize the value of proactive traffic enforcement in reducing the occurrence of crime and its tangible impact on detecting, intercepting, and deterring those who seek to commit it. Through these efforts, and with active support from our diverse communities, The Division of Police strives to ensure safe and secure roadways for all those that live, recreate, or commute within the city of Gahanna and to fulfill our overall mission – To Serve and Protect.

To request a speed survey or enforcement activity in your neighborhood, contact Lieutenant Ethan Moffitt at 614-342-4240 or email ethan.moffitt@gahanna.gov

Emergency communications services for the City of Gahanna are the responsibility of the Division of Police. The Communications Center is the Primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for all 9-1-1 calls generated within the city and also serves as a transfer point for Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

Working in collaboration with the Metropolitan Emergency Communications Center (MECC) and the Whitehall Police Department, the Communications Center has advanced emergency call-handling capability and is at the forefront of Next Generation 9-1-1 technology.

In addition to 9-1-1, the Communications Center is the initial contact point for police services within the city. The Center also initiates the response of other City departments after normal business hours and on weekends/holidays. Utilizing advanced, statewide voice and data communications technology, dispatchers coordinate the deployment of police units to emergency and non-emergency calls for service as well as aid to other agencies in central Ohio.

About Emergency Management

The City of Gahanna Emergency Management division is responsible for planning and coordinating responses to emergencies and disaster events in Gahanna. Administered by the Division of Police, the division coordinates with neighboring law enforcement and fire departments, the Mayor, and, if necessary, Federal, State and County emergency agencies to implement plans for recovery from disasters such as chemical spills, major fires and tornadoes. Response plans include coordination with the City Engineering department for safe and efficient use of traffic signals during emergencies and assisting the Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools in developing the safety plans which are in place at all Gahanna-Jefferson schools.

Seasonal Safety

Winter Storms
While winters in Central Ohio are usually relatively mild, winter storms do occasionally occur. It is important that precautions are taken to protect you and your family during these times. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has advice on how to prepare for winter storms.   Learn More

Summer Heat
Summer heat can be extremely dangerous and lethal. Tips on what to do when the mercury rises too high can be found on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) website.   Learn More

Tornado Season
Tornado season runs primarily from March to May in Ohio, but may extend as late as August. To help warn Gahanna residents of tornado warnings, Emergency Management maintains six sirens within the city. These sirens are tested every Wednesday at noon to ensure they are operating properly. If you hear a siren or the National Weather Service declares a tornado warning for the area, seek shelter immediately. If possible, seek a room, preferably one without windows, near the middle of the building on the ground floor. If such a room is not available, try to cover yourself with mattresses, cushions, heavy blankets, etc. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has advice on how to prepare for a tornado.  Learn More

Additional Hazards
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has much more on hazards and how to deal with them. You can find out more by clicking here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do in an emergency?
In case of a fire, leave the building immediately and get to a safe location, then call 9-1-1.

If it is a life threatening medical emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

For weather emergencies, tune into a local radio or TV station for updates from the Emergency Broadcast System. Additionally, you can purchase specialized radios that automatically tune into the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio for continuous updates from a local National Weather Service office.  Learn More

What items are recommended for a home safety kit?
FEMA has a comprehensive listing of recommended items for a home safety kit available by clicking here

Click here to download a FREE copy of the Ohio Family Disaster Preparedness Guide.

Register for ALERT Franklin County
ALERT Franklin County is a state-of-the-art mass notification and warning system designed to provide notifications and warnings about emergencies and other important community news in jurisdictions throughout Franklin County.  To register for this service, click on the image below.