BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—In an announcement directed to the citizens, business owners, and elected officials of Bucyrus, Police Chief Jon Dorsey has declared that either he or a designated officer will attend all upcoming council and committee meetings for the remainder of the year.
This decision comes in response to past disruptions that have hindered the professional conduct expected during these meetings:
“This is something a lot of people feel shouldn’t be necessary however I cannot allow my department to be disrupted again due to your sophomoric behavior. As you are all aware my department is short staffed, and I do not have the resources to have three police officers come off the road to respond to a city meeting where there is supposed to be professional business conducted. This is a warning to everyone as nobody is exempt. If I deem you are acting in a manner where you are disturbing a lawful meeting, I or my officers will charge you with ORC 2917.12.” Dorsey said. He emphasized that all attendees should expect a level of professionalism, warning that any disruptive behavior would not be tolerated.
Chief Dorsey clarified that his presence at the meetings is not politically motivated and does not represent any particular party:
“I will not interfere with your rules and regulations nor infringe on anybody’s freedoms or rights. I nor members of my department are not here to intimidate or threaten anyone with removal from the meeting simply if you don’t like each other. This is not a political decision as I am not aligned with anyone in this room nor representing a party. I am here to merely keep the peace. Outbursts and continued interruptions are no longer going to be tolerated.” Chief Dorsey said.
In addition, the chief pointed out the role of the Sergeant-at-arms during council proceedings as outlined in Bucyrus City Ordinance Chapter 111.21. According to the ordinance, the Chief of Police or their designee is tasked with maintaining order during meetings. Steps for removing disruptive individuals include issuing warnings and ultimately removing them if compliance is not met.
The chief reiterated that the council president (Kurt Fankhauser), would issue notices to speakers to cease any disruptive activities before the Sergeant-at-arms intervenes.
He elaborated that if an individual does not comply with warnings, they could face arrest and a fourth-degree misdemeanor charge resulting in a $250 fine and a possible 30 days in jail.
Chief Dorsey’s statements seek to clear up any previous misunderstandings about enforcement during meetings, with the hope that future gatherings can proceed in a professional manner, free from disruptions that compromise the city’s governance.