Skip to main content
Park police car lit up with its emergency lights.

Park District Police

Wood County Park District Police Officers are certified Ohio Peace Officers who possess full law enforcement authority in the performance of their duties. They receive the same certification and training as other police officers serving within Wood County and throughout the State of Ohio. The Wood County Park District Police Department is certified through the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board.

Officers provide patrol coverage seven days a week utilizing marked patrol vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), bicycles, and foot patrols to ensure the safety and security of park visitors and properties.

Location & Contact

Wood County Park District Headquarters

18729 Mercer Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402

Office 419.353.1897 |  Fax 419.353.7765  | police@wcparks.org 

Emergencies: Dial 9-1-1

Non Emergency: Call Wood County Sheriff Office Dispatch 419-354-9001

Please remain calm during an emergency, during a call please: 

  • Provide your location in a calm manner, so the dispatcher may hear you clearly.
  • Be as descriptive as possible in providing your EXACT location, so that we may find and assist you quickly.

Vision Statement

Each Officer of the Wood County Park District Police Department is dedicated to providing the highest quality service to all members of the community, incorporating fairness and courtesy while preserving the dignity of each citizen in our endeavors.

alt=" "

Employment Opportunities

PARK POLICE OFFICERS

  • Status: Full-time; Pay Grade: 6
  • Starting Salary: $24.00 ($49,920.00)
  • Reports to: Park Police Chief

To apply for an available position, please submit resume, references, and employment application.

NOTE: To use the fillable .pdf fields, please download the document, add your content, and save under a new name before sending it in for consideration.

Please email application documents to klong@wcparks.org.

alt= " "
Be the good!
  • Park Police Officer - 1 Open Position

    Classification: Regular – Employee does not routinely supervise other employees.

    Requirements:

    • Ohio Peace Officer Certification and a high school diploma or G.E.D., Associate or Bachelor’s Degree preferred with a focus of study in law enforcement, natural resources, or other related field.
    • Must possess a valid driver’s license.
    • Employment prerequisites may include passing any or all of the following: comprehensive background investigation, polygraph testing, drug screen, psychological testing and/or an oral interview.

    The position of Park Officer directly involves, but is not limited to the following illustrative duties:

    1. Uniformly enforces all Park District rules and regulations, laws of the State of Ohio, and the laws of the United States of America; exercises all the powers of police officers within and adjacent to the lands under the jurisdiction and control of the board or when acting as otherwise lawfully authorized; patrols park lands and adjacent properties by motor vehicle, bicycle, and on foot; etc.

    2. Conducts investigations of criminal activity.

    3. Operates police equipment such as semi-automatic handgun, pump shotgun, rifles, Tasers, handcuffs, and baton.

    4. Responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of Park District issued equipment such as patrol car, firearms, computer equipment, etc.

    5. Prepares a variety of reports and court documents.

    6. May participate in bicycle patrol program.

    7. Assists in the development and implementation of various community policing programs.

    8. Performs maintenance duties as needed, including but not limited to: litter collection, cleaning restrooms, shelter cleaning, snow removal, and other duties as directed.

    9. Responsible for specific operational duties such as recordkeeping, property room management, closed circuit video camera operation, field training officer, range instructor, defensive tactics trainer, and First Aid/CPR instructor and other duties as directed.

    10. May serve as the leader for specific community groups involved in Adopt-ATrail, Adopt-A-Park, Park Watch, park advisory committees, and other community involvement programs.

    11. Develops and implements public programs pertaining to first aid, hunter safety, fishing, bicycle safety, trail use and safety, career programs, and other related areas of interest.

    12. Oversees parking, provides security and on-site emergency response for major events on Park District properties.

    13. Coordinate and administer Park District public hunting program.

    14. Responsible for rental facility meetings, closing and opening of parks.

    15. May assist with Park District burn crew.

    16. May attend training/seminars as assigned by the park police chief or director.

    17. Works with other Park District departments on projects as needed.

    18. Serves as a member of various Tactical Objectives Teams.

    19. Maintains current CPR and First Aid certifications.

    20. Works flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

    21. Performs other duties as assigned by the park police chief or director that are deemed appropriate and necessary for the position.

    22. This position may complete assignments using skills involving the operation of office equipment, computers, cleaning, typing, filing, public speaking, organization skills, writing, completing paperwork, working with chemicals or cleaning agents, motor vehicle operation, operating brooms, sweepers, mops or other janitorial equipment.

    23. Must be team oriented and willing to work to build an atmosphere of teamwork in the workplace with staff at all levels.

Programming and Education

Wood County Park Officers conduct a variety of programs during the course of the year.  Some of these programs are: Bike Safety, Fishing, Firearms Safety, First Aid and CPR, and Self Defense (R.A.D. Systems) Officers also offer student ride-along opportunities and career presentations.

Call our main office at 419-353-1897 or email police@wcparks.org if you are interested in a program led by park police.

alt=" "
Bike Safety!
  • First Aid and CPR

    First Aid and CPR classes are American Heart Association Certified and provide participants with an official certification card.

    With two instructors on staff the Park Police are able to provide CPR and First Aid training for groups up to 18 people. If your organization is interested in this program, please call us at (419) 353-1897.

  • Self Defense (R.A.D. Systems)

    Self-Defense Training (R.A.D. Self Defense class for women) will teach you basic self-defense and situational awareness skills. This course is great for someone going off to school or just as a refresher. The course is a total of 12 hours and can be taught over multiple days that work for your organization. 

    With two instructors on staff the Park Police are able to provide this training for females 13 and up. If your organization is interested in this program, please call us at 419-353-1897.

Officer Commendation / Complaint

All commendations or complaints will be courteously accepted by any department member and promptly given to the appropriate supervisor. Although written statements are preferred, a statement may also be filed verbally, either in person or by telephone.

Use the form below to submit a compliment or a complaint in regards to a Wood County Park District Police Officer. For in person or telephone statements, please contact Wood County Park District Headquarters at 18729 Mercer Rd. Bowling Green, Ohio 43402 or by phone at 419-353-1897. Please make sure to be as detailed as possible. 

Please note: The Chief or Sergeant may contact you to gather more information.

Records Requests

All records requests will be courteously accepted by any department member and promptly given to the appropriate supervisor. Use the form below to submit a records request in regards to a Wood County Park District Police Officer.