WestChesterBuzz.com

The West Chester Township Police Department is currently accepting applications for its next session of Citizen Police Academy, which is a 10-week program that will be offered on Tuesday evenings starting March 26.

The program is offered as part of the community’s ongoing education program called West Chester University. The Citizen Police Academy is designed to give civilians a closer look at the workings of the police department, according to a recent press release given out by the township.

“The Citizen Police Academy was created to build a strong and lasting partnership between the Police Department and the community,” said West Chester Township Police Chief Erik Niehaus. “Participants will learn firsthand about our operations to foster a better understanding between police and the public.”

“Alumni of the program have become ambassadors for the police department and have assisted at events like Touch a Truck and the bike rodeo.”

Applicants must be at least 21 years old and either reside or work in West Chester Township. Class size is limited.

Curriculum for the Citizen Police Academy will include: Patrol operations, criminal investigations, special operations, traffic investigations and much more. Participants will visit the shooting range, the township jail, the forensics lab and ride along on patrol.

West Chester University is a series of informative programs offered to encourage better communication between West Chester Township government and the residents and businesses of the community.

Applications for the Citizen Police Academy are available online at West Chester Township’s official website, at the West Chester Administration Building and at the West Chester Police Department.

The administration building is located at 9113 Cincinnati-Dayton Road and the police department is located at 9577 Beckett Road, Suite 500.

For additional information, call 513-759-7280.

Posted in: Crime, News |

Tags: Tags: Citizen Police Academy, Citizen Police Academy West Chester, Erik Niehaus, West Chester Police, West Chester Police Chief Erik Neihaus, West Chester Police Department, West Chester University

The West Chester Township Police Department is currently accepting applications for its next session of Citizen Police Academy, which is a 10-week program that will be offered on Tuesday evenings starting March 26.

The program is offered as part of the community’s ongoing education program called West Chester University. The Citizen Police Academy is designed to give civilians a closer look at the workings of the police department, according to a recent press release given out by the township.

“The Citizen Police Academy was created to build a strong and lasting partnership between the Police Department and the community,” said West Chester Township Police Chief Erik Niehaus. “Participants will learn firsthand about our operations to foster a better understanding between police and the public.”

“Alumni of the program have become ambassadors for the police department and have assisted at events like Touch a Truck and the bike rodeo.”

Applicants must be at least 21 years old and either reside or work in West Chester Township. Class size is limited.

Curriculum for the Citizen Police Academy will include: Patrol operations, criminal investigations, special operations, traffic investigations and much more. Participants will visit the shooting range, the township jail, the forensics lab and ride along on patrol.

West Chester University is a series of informative programs offered to encourage better communication between West Chester Township government and the residents and businesses of the community.

Applications for the Citizen Police Academy are available online at West Chester Township’s official website, at the West Chester Administration Building and at the West Chester Police Department.

The administration building is located at 9113 Cincinnati-Dayton Road and the police department is located at 9577 Beckett Road, Suite 500.

For additional information, call 513-759-7280.

Posted in: News |

Tags: Tags: Citizen Police Academy, Citizen Police Academy West Chester, Erik Niehaus, West Chester Police, West Chester Police Chief Erik Neihaus, West Chester Police Department, West Chester University

To let West Chester and Liberty Township residents catch up with the news that they need to know, WestChesterBuzz.com will list and link to all of last week’s top local stories every Monday.

WestChesterBuzz.com also added a new video page last week. To view West Chester and Liberty Township related videos, visit westchesterbuzz.com/videos.

Boehner makes visit on eve of State of the Union – On the day before President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address, House Speaker John Boehner of West Chester told workers at the Vinylmax LLC facility in Hamilton that the government needs to help the economy by passing a budget. Employees of the company didn’t ask many questions, but the one that drew the biggest response was when someone asked Boehner if he was going to run for President in four years.

Julie Mercer of Pike Pet Pals takes Sarge out of the flexi USA warehouse on Saturday. Sarge, who wasn’t adopted or rescued, faced an uncertain future. Photo taken Feb. 9, 2013 by Carolyn Evans of www.phodographer.com.

Saving Sarge at My Furry Valentine – Sarge, who couldn’t be adopted through a Pike County dog shelter (Ohio) since he was part pit bull, faced an uncertain future. After a final attempt to get adopted or rescued failed at My Furry Valentine in West Chester, Cincinnati area animal lovers stepped up and, officially, this past Saturday Sarge was finally adopted.

West Chester settles with bar patron for $265K – West Chester Township recently reached a settlement with a Blanchester man, paying him $265,000 for a May 2012 incident in which township police repeatedly hit him with batons at a West Chester bar. Surveillance video of the incident was released to the media in June. It showed three officers approaching Jeremy Lewis, 29, on the deck of Win, Place or Show Sports Bar & Grill in West Chester Township about 2:30 a.m. May 6.

Postseason brackets released for Ohio state tournament – Both the Lakota East and Lakota West boys’ basketball programs wrapped up the 2012-2013 regular season with road games this past Friday and now get ready to start postseason play. The girls’ basketball postseason officially tipped off this past weekend.

Posted in: Business, Crime, Events, Government, News |

Tags: Tags: Erik Niehaus, flexi, flexi West Chester, Jeremy Lewis, John Boehner, John Boehner Cincinnati, John Boehner photos, John Boehner West Chester, My Furry Valentine, My Furry Valentine Cincinnati, My Furry Valentine Northern Kentucky, My Furry Valentine West Chester, Pet Adoption Day, pet adoption West Chester, Vinylmax, Vinylmax Hamilton, West Chester business, West Chester business news, West Chester photos, West Chester Police, West Chester Police Chief Erik Niehaus, West Chester Police Department

West Chester Township recently reached a settlement with a Blanchester man, paying him $265,000 for a May 2012 incident in which township police repeatedly hit him with batons at a West Chester bar.

Surveillance video of the incident was released to the media in June. It showed three officers approaching Jeremy Lewis, 29, on the deck of Win, Place or Show Sports Bar & Grill in West Chester Township about 2:30 a.m. May 6.

When the video was released, West Chester Police Chief Erik Niehaus explained his officers’ actions.

According to Niehaus, Lewis was suspected of being involved in an altercation earlier at the bar. Niehaus said Lewis took a “fighting stance to the officers” and refused their orders. The officers struck Lewis with their batons and used chemical irritants to subdue him.

Lewis faced three assault charges, as well as charges of obstructing official business and resisting arrest, but a Butler County grand jury declined to indict him.

As part of the agreement, which was signed by Lewis on Nov. 30, neither he nor his attorneys are allowed to comment on the incident.

The officers involved, Randall Farris, Paul Lovell and Gary Gabbard, remained on duty after the incident. West Chester Township spokeswoman Barb Wilson said all three officers were cleared of any wrongdoing after an internal investigation.

Posted in: Crime, Government, News |

Tags: Tags: Erik Niehaus, Jeremy Lewis, West Chester Police, West Chester Police Chief Erik Niehaus, West Chester Police Department

The West Chester Township Police Department is currently accepting applications for its next session of Citizen Police Academy, which is a 10-week program that will be offered on Tuesday evenings starting Sept. 18.

The program is offered as part of the community’s ongoing education program called West Chester University. The Citizen Police Academy is designed to give civilians a closer look at the workings of the police department, according to a recent press release given out by the township.

“The Citizen Police Academy was created to build a strong and lasting partnership between the Police Department and the community,” said West Chester Township Police Chief Erik Niehaus. “Participants will learn firsthand about our operations to foster a better understanding between police and the public.

“Alumni of the program have become ambassadors for the police department and have assisted at events like Touch a Truck and the bike rodeo.”

Applicants must be at least 21 years old and either reside or work in West Chester Township. Class size is limited.

Curriculum for the Citizen Police Academy will include: Patrol operations, criminal investigations, special operations, traffic investigations and much more. Participants will visit the shooting range, the township jail, the forensics lab and ride along on patrol.

West Chester University is a series of informative programs offered to encourage better communication between West Chester Township government and the residents and businesses of the community.

Applications for the Citizen Police Academy are available online at West Chester Township’s official website, at the West Chester Administration Building and at the West Chester Police Department.

The administration building is located at 9113 Cincinnati-Dayton Road and the police department is located at 9577 Beckett Road, Suite 500.

For additional information, call 513-759-7280.

Posted in: News |

Tags: Tags: Citizen Police Academy, Citizen Police Academy West Chester, Erik Niehaus, West Chester Police, West Chester Police Chief Erik Neihaus, West Chester Police Department, West Chester University

The West Chester Township Police Department is currently accepting applications for its next session of Citizen Police Academy, which is a 10-week program that will be offered on Tuesday evenings starting Sept. 18.

The program is offered as part of the community’s ongoing education program called West Chester University. The Citizen Police Academy is designed to give civilians a closer look at the workings of the police department, according to a recent press release given out by the township.

“The Citizen Police Academy was created to build a strong and lasting partnership between the Police Department and the community,” said West Chester Township Police Chief Erik Niehaus. “Participants will learn firsthand about our operations to foster a better understanding between police and the public.

“Alumni of the program have become ambassadors for the police department and have assisted at events like Touch a Truck and the bike rodeo.”

Applicants must be at least 21 years old and either reside or work in West Chester Township. Class size is limited.

Curriculum for the Citizen Police Academy will include: Patrol operations, criminal investigations, special operations, traffic investigations and much more. Participants will visit the shooting range, the township jail, the forensics lab and ride along on patrol.

West Chester University is a series of informative programs offered to encourage better communication between West Chester Township government and the residents and businesses of the community.

Applications for the Citizen Police Academy are available online at West Chester Township’s official website, at the West Chester Administration Building and at the West Chester Police Department.

The administration building is located at 9113 Cincinnati-Dayton Road and the police department is located at 9577 Beckett Road, Suite 500.

For additional information, call 513-759-7280.

Posted in: News |

Tags: Tags: Citizen Police Academy, Citizen Police Academy West Chester, Erik Niehaus, West Chester Police, West Chester Police Chief Erik Neihaus, West Chester Police Department, West Chester University

Surveillance camera video from a West Chester bar shows police striking a man repeatedly with batons during an arrest in May.

Police said he ignored their commands and took a fighting stance, but a Butler County grand jury this week declined to indict him in the incident and his attorney indicated West Chester Township is negotiating “a resolution.”

West Chester Police Chief Erik Niehaus is investigating the incident. The officers involved, Randall Farris, Paul Lovell and Gary Gabbard, remain on duty.

According to Jill Del Greco, public information officer with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, it’s up to each independent police department to determine policy on investigating matters like this internally or seeking assistance from an outside agency.

• Win Place & Show 911 call May 6

The video, released Thursday, shows the officers approaching Jeremy Lewis, 29, of Blanchester, on the deck of Win, Place or Show Sports Bar & Grill in West Chester Township after 2:30 a.m. May 6. Lewis was suspected of being involved in an altercation earlier at the bar. Niehaus said Lewis took a “fighting stance to the officers,” and refused their orders. The officers struck Lewis with their batons and used chemical irritants to subdue him. Lewis faced three assault charges as well as charges of obstructing official business and resisting arrest, but the grand jury didn’t indict him.

Lewis’ attorney Kenneth Crehan issued a statement Friday:

“Mr. Lewis was very disappointed to see the West Chester Police Department’s press release. Clearly, Chief Niehaus’ statements indicated that Mr. Lewis committed a crime even after all charges were thrown out by a Butler County grand jury. Mr. Lewis was also disappointed that it was reported he was beaten for only 10 seconds rather than the actual 40 seconds of beating with 34 baton blows and 3 shots of mace to the face. All of this can be seen on the unedited version of the surveillance footage.

“Regardless, Mr. Lewis’ goal is to resolve this matter as quickly and amicably as possible. We’re happy to report that West Chester has been in contact with us and we look forward to working towards a resolution.”

Crehan declined to say whether Lewis will pursue a lawsuit against the department.

West Chester Township spokeswoman Barb Wilson said the township doesn’t comment on pending litigation.

Lewis declined to comment through his attorney.

Posted in: Crime, News |

Tags: Tags: attorney Kenneth Crehan, Erik Niehaus, Jeremy Lewis, Jill Del Greco, Ohio Attorney General's Office, West Chester Police, West Chester Police Chief Erik Niehaus, West Chester Police Department

The West Chester Township Police Department is currently accepting applications for its next session of Citizen Police Academy, which is a 10-week program that will be offered on Tuesday evenings starting March 6.

The program is offered as part of the community’s ongoing education program called West Chester University. The Citizen Police Academy is designed to give civilians a closer look at the workings of the police department, according to a recent press release given out by the township.

“The Citizen Police Academy was created to build a strong and lasting partnership between the Police Department and the community,” said West Chester Township Police Chief Erik Niehaus. “Participants will learn firsthand about our operations to foster a better understanding between police and the public.”

Applicants must be at least 21 years old and either reside or work in West Chester Township. Class size is limited.

Curriculum for the Citizen Police Academy will include: patrol operations, criminal investigations, special operations, traffic investigations and much more. Participants will visit the shooting range, the township jail and the forensics lab.

West Chester University is a series of informative programs offered to encourage better communication between West Chester Township government and the residents and businesses of the community.

Applications for the Citizen Police Academy are available online at the West Chester Township’s official website, at the West Chester Administration Building and at the West Chester Police Department.

The administration building is located at 9113 Cincinnati-Dayton Road and the police department is located at 9577 Beckett Road, Suite 500.

For additional information, call 513-759-7280.

Posted in: News |

Tags: Tags: Citizen Police Academy, Citizen Police Academy West Chester, Erik Niehaus, West Chester Police, West Chester Police Chief Erik Neihaus, West Chester Police Department, West Chester University

The West Chester Township Police Department is currently accepting applications for its next session of Citizen Police Academy, which is a 10-week program that will be offered on Wednesday evenings starting Sept. 14.

The program is offered as part of the community’s ongoing education program called West Chester University. The Citizen Police Academy is designed to give civilians a closer look at the workings of the police department, according to a recent press release given out by the township.

““The Citizen Police Academy was created to build a strong and lasting partnership between the Police Department and the community,” said Police Chief Erik Niehaus. “Participants will learn firsthand about our operations to foster a better understanding between police and the public.”

Applicants must be at least 21 years old and either reside or work in West Chester Township. Class size is limited.

Curriculum for the Citizen Police Academy will include: Patrol Operations, Criminal Investigations, Special Operations, Traffic Investigations and much more. Participants will visit the shooting range, the township jail and the forensics lab.

West Chester University is a series of informative programs offered to encourage better communication between West Chester Township government and the residents and businesses of the community.

Applications for the Citizen Police Academy are available online at the West Chester Township’s official website, at the West Chester Administration Building and at the West Chester Police Department.

The administration building is located at 9113 Cincinnati-Dayton Road and the police department is located at 9577 Beckett Road, Suite 500.

For additional information, call 513-759-7280.

Posted in: News |

Tags: Tags: Citizen Police Academy, Erik Niehaus, West Chester Police, West Chester Police Department, West Chester University

The West Chester Township Police Department is currently accepting applications for its next session of Citizen Police Academy, which is a 10-week program that will be offered on Wednesday evenings starting Feb. 9 and continuing until April 13.

The program is offered as part of the community’s ongoing education program called West Chester University. The Citizen Police Academy is designed to give civilians a closer look at the workings of the police department, according to a recent press release given out by the township.

“Citizen Police Academy helps build strong and lasting partnerships between the police department and the community we serve,” Police Chief Erik Niehaus said in the release.

“Alumni of the program have become ambassadors for the police department and have assisted at events like Touch a Truck and the bike rodeo.”

Applicants must be at least 21 years old and either reside or work in West Chester Township. Class size is limited.

Curriculum for the Citizen Police Academy will include: Patrol Operations, Criminal Investigations, Special Operations, Traffic Investigations and much more. Participants will visit the shooting range, the township jail, the forensics lab and ride along on patrol.

West Chester University is a series of informative programs offered to encourage better communication between West Chester Township government and the residents and businesses of the community.

Applications for the Citizen Police Academy are available online at the West Chester Township’s official website, at the West Chester Administration Building and at the West Chester Police Department.

The administration building is located at 9113 Cincinnati-Dayton Road and the police department is located at 9577 Beckett Road, Suite 500.

For additional information, call 513-759-7280.

Posted in: News |

Tags: Tags: Citizen Police Academy, Erik Niehaus, West Chester Police, West Chester Police Department, West Chester University