Circleville Mayor Michelle Blanton brought Rob Ware, the new Safety Director, to the August meeting, saying, “We’re making a tour of the non-profits this week, and you are one of the groups we wanted to meet.”
When Ware introduced himself, he said, “I wanted to meet the civic organization people who are passionate about the City of Circleville, and reassure you that we have many outstanding public safety professionals, some young, eager and energetic officers that are here for the right reasons and are here to serve you all. I’ve been greatly encouraged by the reception I got from the staff.”
Ware acknowledged the dark clouds that have hung over the Circleville Police force for the past 12-14 months, but he was very upbeat about this core group of police officers that he described as “still excited about this profession.”
Ware said it was his job to give all the officers the tools they need to do their job in a way that the citizens will appreciate. He also recognized the need to provide stability while the city administration handles past problems. Ware confirmed the need to work with the outside consultant which City Council just hired, but will focus on the issues that he finds are of greatest importance.
Regarding the recent allegations made against some of the department’s members, Ware said, “One thing I want to remind everyone is — there are processes that an investigation needs to follow — a certain level of privacy and discreet handling of information.
“The public is eager to know what is happening and be given more information. However, we have an obligation, both legally and contractually, to protect due process. But more importantly, we have an obligation to determine what allegations are founded, and what are not. It’s easy to accuse somebody of wrongdoing. The important thing is to make sure that it’s a credible allegation.”
Ware invited the audience to consider a hypothetical situation where they were accused of a wrongful act, and if those details were untrue, how damaging it would be to their reputation. “The presumption is that you’re not guilty until we can prove that you are,” he said.
Ware’s experience and professionalism left the audience with the clear impression that he will have the right people in place that will do the right things in the right way, and pledged to get to the bottom of any issues that are outstanding, share those findings, and take appropriate actions.
“I’m not willing to risk my career to cover up wrongdoing,” he said.
Ware declared that he believes in community policing and working with disadvantaged families, saying “Everyone’s a part of our community. I’ve done a lot of collaboration with non-governmental agencies to help people with addictions — to get them into recovery and into the workforce which makes them productive elements of the community paying taxes.”
Ware stressed the need to build trust in the community and recognized the need for his officers to understand and have empathy for everyone’s story.
“We are one of the few professionals that can go in and seize your civil liberties under the cover of law,” he said. “We can also seize those civil liberties outside the cover of law — and that’s what we don’t want to happen. We want to do everything legally, ethically and with the proper tools.”
Ware expressed concern that many citizens have formed an opinion about the Circleville Police without ever having had any personal interaction. “They’re forming an opinion based on a lack of information — because we can’t share.”
Ware shared his belief that coming to Circleville without any connections to the city is a positive because he can be unbiased.
“I want us to be the best of the best.”
Ware shared with the audience that he referees college and high school sports — NCAA softball and swimming, and five major high school sports. He also shared that he has a son in his first year as a deputy sheriff in another county.
In other matters before Uptown Circleville, President Jeff Rawlins praised the work of Wayne Linthicum and Jennifer Tomlinson for the excellent organization, effort and results of the Uptown Classic 3-on-3 basketball tournament held in July.
“From my perspective, I think it went extremely well,” said Rawlins. “I didn’t get a single complaint!”
Rawlins expressed appreciation to all of the volunteers — for the Friday set-up, the Saturday registration and refereeing, and the final tear down and storage. Tomlinson was praised for her success in gathering the needed sponsorships that allowed the event to finish with a modest profit.
“We had perfect weather; you couldn’t ask for better,” said Tomlinson, President of Ink My Logo.
The next report concerned the Santa House and the Christmas activities scheduled for Saturday, December 7th in Ted Lewis Park, a change from last year when it was held at Pumpkin Show Park. Linda Chancey, Secretary and Chair of Organization, reported receiving excellent cooperation from the Park Board, the Eagles and both Rotary clubs.
Finally, City Council member Sheri Theis, on behalf of the City Council and the City Administration, presented all of the members of Uptown Circleville with a Certificate of Appreciation.
“Thank you so very much for all of your efforts, for all that you are doing,” Theis said.
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