Chapter 737 | Public Safety

Section
Section 737.01 \| Director of public safety. Effective: October 2, 1969 Latest Legislation: House Bill 279 - 108th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF In each city there shall be a department of public safety, which shall be administered by a director of public safety. The director shall be appointed by the mayor and need not be a resident of the city at the time of his appointment but shall become a resident thereof within six months after his appointment unless such residence requirement is waived by ordinance.
Section 737.02 \| General duties - records - contracts. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Under the direction of the mayor, the director of public safety shall be the executive head of the police and fire departments and the chief administrative authority of the charity, correction, and building departments. He shall have all powers and duties connected with and incident to the appointment, regulation, and government of such departments except as otherwise provided by law. He shall keep a record of his proceedings, a copy of which, certified by him, shall be competent evidence in all courts. Such director shall make all contracts in the name of the city with reference to the management of such departments, for the erection or repair of all buildings or improvements in connection therewith, and for the purchase of all supplies necessary for such departments.
Section 737.021 \| Division of traffic engineering and safety in department of public safety. Effective: November 1, 1965 Latest Legislation: House Bill 927 - 106th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The legislative authority of a city may create and abolish, by ordinance, a division of traffic engineering and safety within the department of public safety. The director of public safety of such city shall be the executive head of such division. He shall have all powers and duties connected with and incident to the appointment, regulation, and government of such division, and shall make such rules and regulations as he may deem necessary for the government and operation of the division. He shall keep a record of all his proceedings in connection with the administration of such division. A copy of such proceedings, when certified by him, shall be competent evidence in all courts. Such division may be staffed by traffic and safety engineers and such other employees as determined by the legislative authority.
Section 737.022 \| Authority of director of public safety to promulgate certain traffic regulations. Effective: September 29, 2011 Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) As used in this section: (1) "Occupy or use," with respect to a public way, means to create parking spaces and install, repair, maintain, replace, and operate parking meters or other similar devices for the purpose of providing on-street parking. (2) "Public agency" includes any county, municipal corporation, port authority, regional transit authority, airport authority, or transportation improvement district created pursuant to the laws of this state. (3) "Public parking franchise" means a property right and privilege to occupy and use one or more public ways for the operation of an on-street parking system in all or in one or more portions of the area within the corporate limits of a municipal corporation or to construct, install, repair, maintain, and operate parking meters or other devices or facilities on public property owned or controlled by the municipal corporation. (4) "Public way" means the surface of, and the space within, through, on, across, above, or below, any public street, road, highway, lane, path, alley, court, sidewalk, boulevard, parkway, or drive owned or controlled by a municipal corporation. (B) In order to expedite the flow and direction of traffic, to eliminate congestion on public ways, and to provide for the safety of passengers in motor vehicles and pedestrians, the legislative authority of a municipal corporation may by ordinance make and issue, or, in the case of the legislative authority of a city, authorize the director of public safety to make and issue rules and regulations concerning: (1) The number, type, and location of traffic control devices and signs; (2) The regulation or prohibition of parking on public ways or public property; (3) The regulation of the right-of-way at intersections of streets, alleys, and highways; (4) The regulation or prohibition of turns at intersections; (5) The creation, abolition, and regulation of through routes and truck routes; (6) The creation, abolition, and regulation of pedestrian crosswalk and safety zones; (7) The creation, abolition, and regulation of bus loading and unloading zones and business loading zones; (8) The creation, abolition, and regulation of traffic lanes, and passing zones; (9) The regulation of the direction of traffic on public ways and the creation and abolition of one way public streets, roads, alleys, courts, or drives; (10) Such other subjects as may be provided by ordinance, which shall not be limited by the specific enumeration of subjects by this section. (C) The legislative authority of a municipal corporation having rules and regulations with respect to parking on public ways or public property for the purposes specified in division (B) of this section may establish and maintain reasonable fees and charges for the privilege of parking in locations permitted by those rules and regulations and may construct, install, maintain, repair, replace, and operate parking meters or other devices or facilities on public ways and public property for the collection of those fees and charges. The operation of meters, devices, and facilities may be managed and operated by municipal officials and employees or by any other person or public agency retained by the municipal corporation for those purposes, as determined by the legislative authority. (D) As an alternative to the operation of parking meters, devices, and facilities in the manner specified in division (C) of this section, the legislative authority of a municipal corporation having rules and regulations with respect to parking on public ways or public property for the purposes specified in division (B) of this section may grant to a person or public agency a public parking franchise permitting that person or agency to occupy and use certain public ways or to construct, install, maintain, repair, replace, and operate parking meters or other devices or facilities on public property on and subject to terms and conditions specified in a franchise agreement approved by the legislative authority; provided, that no such public parking franchise shall be granted for a term of more than thirty years. The legislative authority may require the person or public agency receiving such a public parking franchise to pay to the municipal corporation a lump sum fee, a periodic fee, or both for the property rights and privileges granted. Public parking franchises shall be subject to regulation by the legislative authority of the municipal corporation and shall not be deemed to be a public utility or an entity otherwise subject to regulation by any state agency or commission. (E) Rules and regulations made and issued in accordance with division (B) of this section shall be issued in the manner and subject to the conditions and limitations as prescribed by ordinance of the legislative authority of such city. Copies of rules and regulations issued pursuant to this section, when certified by the director of public safety, shall be competent evidence in all courts. Violation of any such rules and regulations shall be as specified by the legislative authority, either a criminal misdemeanor punishable as provided by the ordinances of such municipal corporation or a civil infraction for which a charge is prescribed. The enforcement of rules and regulations violations of which constitute criminal misdemeanors shall be by authorized law enforcement officers.
Section 737.03 \| Management of certain institutions - contracts and expenditures. Effective: October 3, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The director of public safety shall manage and make all contracts with reference to police stations, fire houses, reform schools, infirmaries, hospitals other than municipal hospitals operated pursuant to Chapter 749. of the Revised Code, workhouses, farms, pesthouses, and all other charitable and reformatory institutions. In the control and supervision of those institutions, the director shall be governed by the provisions of Title VII of the Revised Code relating to those institutions. The director may make all contracts and expenditures of money for acquiring lands for the erection or repairing of station houses, police stations, fire department buildings, fire cisterns, and plugs, that are required, for the purchase of engines, apparatus, and all other supplies necessary for the police and fire departments, and for other undertakings and departments under the director's supervision, but no obligation involving an expenditure of more than the amount specified in section 9.17 of the Revised Code shall be created unless first authorized and directed by ordinance. In making, altering, or modifying those contracts, the director shall be governed by sections 735.05 to 735.09 of the Revised Code, except that all bids shall be filed with and opened by the director. The director shall make no sale or disposition of any property belonging to the city without first being authorized by resolution or ordinance of the city legislative authority. Last updated September 25, 2023 at 2:48 PM
Section 737.04 \| Mutual aid contracts for police protection. Effective: September 29, 2011 Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The legislative authority of any municipal corporation, in order to obtain police protection or to obtain additional police protection, or to allow its police officers to work in multijurisdictional drug, gang, or career criminal task forces, may enter into contracts with one or more municipal corporations, townships, township police districts, joint police districts, or county sheriffs in this state, with one or more park districts created pursuant to section 511.18 or 1545.01 of the Revised Code, with one or more port authorities, or with a contiguous municipal corporation in an adjoining state, upon any terms that are agreed upon, for services of police departments or the use of police equipment or for the interchange of services of police departments or police equipment within the several territories of the contracting subdivisions. Chapter 2744. of the Revised Code, insofar as it applies to the operation of police departments, shall apply to the contracting political subdivisions and to the police department members when they are rendering service outside their own subdivisions pursuant to the contracts. Police department members acting outside the subdivision in which they are employed, pursuant to a contract entered into under this section, shall be entitled to participate in any indemnity fund established by their employer to the same extent as while acting within the employing subdivision. Those members shall be entitled to all the rights and benefits of Chapter 4123. of the Revised Code, to the same extent as while performing service within the subdivision. The contracts may provide for: (A) A fixed annual charge to be paid at the times agreed upon and stipulated in the contract; (B) Compensation based upon: (1) A stipulated price for each call or emergency; (2) The number of members or pieces of equipment employed; (3) The elapsed time of service required in each call or emergency. (C) Compensation for loss or damage to equipment while engaged in rendering police services outside the limits of the subdivision owning and furnishing the equipment; (D) Reimbursement of the subdivision in which the police department members are employed for any indemnity award or premium contribution assessed against the employing subdivision for workers' compensation benefits for injuries or death of its police department members occurring while engaged in rendering police services pursuant to the contract.
Section 737.041 \| Providing police service without contract. Effective: September 29, 2011 Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The police department of any municipal corporation may provide police protection to any county, municipal corporation, township, township police district, or joint police district of this state, to a park district created pursuant to section 511.18 or 1545.01 of the Revised Code, to a port authority, to any multijurisdictional drug, gang, or career criminal task force, or to a governmental entity of an adjoining state without a contract to provide police protection, upon the approval, by resolution, of the legislative authority of the municipal corporation in which the department is located and upon authorization by an officer or employee of the police department providing the police protection who is designated by title of office or position, pursuant to the resolution of the legislative authority of the municipal corporation, to give the authorization. Chapter 2744. of the Revised Code, insofar as it applies to the operation of police departments, shall apply to any municipal corporation and to members of its police department when the members are rendering police services pursuant to this section outside the municipal corporation by which they are employed. Police department members acting, as provided in this section, outside the municipal corporation by which they are employed shall be entitled to participate in any pension or indemnity fund established by their employer to the same extent as while acting within the municipal corporation by which they are employed. Those members shall be entitled to all the rights and benefits of Chapter 4123. of the Revised Code to the same extent as while performing services within the municipal corporation by which they are employed.
Section 737.05 \| Composition and control of police department. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The police department of each city shall be composed of a chief of police and such other officers, patrolmen, and employees as the legislative authority thereof provides by ordinance. The director of public safety of such city shall have the exclusive management and control of all other officers, surgeons, secretaries, clerks, and employees in the police department as provided by ordinances or resolution of such legislative authority. He may commission private policemen, who may not be in the classified list of the department, under such rules and regulations as the legislative authority prescribes.
Section 737.051 \| City auxiliary police unit - city parking enforcement unit. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The legislative authority of a city may establish, by ordinance, an auxiliary police unit within the police department of the city, and provide for the regulation of auxiliary police officers. The director of public safety shall be the executive head of the auxiliary police unit, shall make all appointments and removals of auxiliary police officers, subject to any general rules prescribed by the legislative authority by ordinance, and shall prescribe rules for the organization, training, administration, control, and conduct of the auxiliary police unit. Members of the auxiliary police unit shall not be in the classified service of the city. (B)(1) The legislative authority of a city may establish, by ordinance, a parking enforcement unit within the police department of the city, and provide for the regulation of parking enforcement officers. The director of public safety shall be the executive head of the parking enforcement unit, shall make all appointments and removals of parking enforcement officers, subject to any general rules prescribed by the legislative authority by ordinance, and shall prescribe rules for the organization, training, administration, control, and conduct of the parking enforcement unit. The director may appoint parking enforcement officers who agree to serve for nominal compensation, and persons with physical disabilities may receive appointments as parking enforcement officers. (2) The authority of the parking enforcement officers shall be limited to the enforcement of ordinances governing parking in accessible parking locations and fire lanes and any other parking ordinances specified in the ordinance creating the parking enforcement unit. Parking enforcement officers shall have no other powers. (3) The training the parking enforcement officers shall receive shall include instruction in general administrative rules and procedures governing the parking enforcement unit, the role of the judicial system as it relates to parking regulation and enforcement, proper techniques and methods relating to the enforcement of parking ordinances, human interaction skills, and first aid. Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:02 AM
Section 737.052 \| Felony conviction precludes or terminates employment. Effective: January 1, 2004 Latest Legislation: House Bill 490 - 124th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) As used in this section, "felony" has the same meaning as in section 109.511 of the Revised Code. (B)(1) The director of public safety shall not appoint a person as a chief of police, a member of the police department of the municipal corporation, or an auxiliary police officer on a permanent basis, on a temporary basis, for a probationary term, or on other than a permanent basis if the person previously has been convicted of or has pleaded guilty to a felony. (2)(a) The director of public safety shall terminate the employment of a chief of police, member of the police department, or auxiliary police officer who does either of the following: (i) Pleads guilty to a felony; (ii) Pleads guilty to a misdemeanor pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement as provided in division (D) of section 2929.43 of the Revised Code in which the chief of police, member of the police department, or auxiliary police officer agrees to surrender the certificate awarded to the chief of police, member of the police department, or auxiliary police officer under section 109.77 of the Revised Code. (b) The director shall suspend from employment a chief of police, member of the police department, or auxiliary police officer who is convicted, after trial, of a felony. If the chief of police, member of the police department, or auxiliary police officer files an appeal from that conviction and the conviction is upheld by the highest court to which the appeal is taken or if the chief of police, member of the police department, or auxiliary police officer does not file a timely appeal, the director shall terminate that person's employment. If the chief of police, member of the police department, or auxiliary police officer files an appeal that results in that person's acquittal of the felony or conviction of a misdemeanor, or in the dismissal of the felony charge against that person, the director shall reinstate that person. A chief of police, member of the police department, or auxiliary police officer who is reinstated under division (B)(2)(b) of this section shall not receive any back pay unless that person's conviction of the felony was reversed on appeal, or the felony charge was dismissed, because the court found insufficient evidence to convict that person of the felony. (3) Division (B) of this section does not apply regarding an offense that was committed prior to January 1, 1997. (4) The suspension from employment, or the termination of the employment, of the chief of police, member of the police department, or auxiliary police officer under division (B)(2) of this section shall be in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.
Section 737.06 \| Chief of police. Effective: May 6, 1963 Latest Legislation: House Bill 121 - 105th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The chief of police shall have exclusive control of the stationing and transfer of all patrolmen, auxiliary police officers, and other officers and employees in the police department, and police auxiliary unit, under such general rules and regulations as the director of public safety prescribes.
Section 737.07 \| Hours of work for policemen in cities - leave of absence. Effective: November 19, 1969 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 28 - 108th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF In each city, except in case of necessary appearances in court and emergency special duty assignments, not to exceed eight hours constitute a day's work and not to exceed forty-four hours constitute a week's work for policemen. Annually, in each city, each policeman shall be given not less than two weeks' leave of absence with full pay.
Section 737.08 \| Composition and control of city fire department. Effective: April 5, 2007 Latest Legislation: House Bill 401 - 126th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The fire department of each city shall be composed of a chief of the fire department and other officers, firefighters, and employees provided for by ordinance. Neither this section nor any other section of the Revised Code requires, or shall be construed to require, that the fire chief be a resident of the city. (B) No person shall be appointed as a permanent full-time paid member, whose duties include fire fighting, of the fire department of any city, unless either of the following applies: (1) The person has received a certificate issued under former section 3303.07 of the Revised Code or section 4765.55 of the Revised Code evidencing satisfactory completion of a firefighter training program. (2) The person began serving as a permanent full-time paid firefighter with the fire department of a village or other city prior to July 2, 1970, and receives a fire training certificate issued under section 4765.55 of the Revised Code. (C) No person who is appointed as a volunteer firefighter of a city fire department shall remain in that position, unless either of the following applies: (1) Within one year of the appointment, the person has received a certificate issued under former section 3303.07 of the Revised Code or section 4765.55 of the Revised Code evidencing satisfactory completion of a firefighter training program. (2) The person began serving as a permanent full-time paid firefighter with the fire department of a village or other city prior to July 2, 1970, or as a volunteer firefighter with the fire department of a township, fire district, village, or other city prior to July 2, 1979, and receives a fire training certificate issued under section 4765.55 of the Revised Code. (D) The director of public safety shall have the exclusive management and control of other surgeons, secretaries, clerks, and employees provided for by ordinance or resolution of the legislative authority of the city.
Section 737.081 \| Criminal records check. Effective: April 9, 2003 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 258 - 124th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The fire chief of a city fire department may request the superintendent of BCII to conduct a criminal records check with respect to any person who is under consideration for appointment or employment as a permanent, full-time paid firefighter or any person who is under consideration for appointment as a volunteer firefighter. (B)(1) The fire chief of the city fire department may request that the superintendent of BCII obtain information from the federal bureau of investigation as a part of the criminal records check requested pursuant to division (A) of this section. (2) A fire chief authorized by division (A) of this section to request a criminal records check shall provide to each person for whom the fire chief intends to request a criminal records check a copy of the form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of section 109.578 of the Revised Code and a standard impression sheet to obtain fingerprint impressions prescribed pursuant to division (C)(2) of section 109.578 of the Revised Code, obtain the completed form and impression sheet from the person, and forward the completed form and impression sheet to the superintendent of BCII at the time the criminal records check is requested. (3) Any person subject to a criminal records check who receives a copy of the form and a copy of the impression sheet pursuant to division (B)(2) of this section and who is requested to complete the form and provide a set of fingerprint impressions shall complete the form or provide all the information necessary to complete the form and shall provide the impression sheet with the impressions of the person's fingerprints. If a person fails to provide the information necessary to complete the form or fails to provide impressions of the person's fingerprints, the appointing authority shall not appoint or employ the person as a permanent full-time paid firefighter or a volunteer firefighter. (C)(1) Except as otherwise provided in division (C)(2) of this section, an appointing authority shall not appoint or employ a person as a permanent, full-time paid firefighter or a volunteer firefighter if the fire chief has requested a criminal records check pursuant to division (A) of this section and the criminal records check indicates that the person previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the following: (a) A felony; (b) A violation of section 2909.03 of the Revised Code; (c) A violation of an existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses described in division (C)(1)(a) or (b) of this section. (2) Notwithstanding division (C)(1) of this section, an appointing authority may appoint or employ a person as a permanent, full-time paid firefighter or a volunteer firefighter if all of the following apply: (a) The fire chief has requested a criminal records check pursuant to division (A) of this section. (b) The criminal records check indicates that the person previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the offenses described in division (C)(1) of this section. (c) The person meets rehabilitation standards established in rules adopted under division (E) of this section. (3) If a fire chief requests a criminal records check pursuant to division (A) of this section, an appointing authority may appoint or employ a person as a permanent, full-time paid firefighter or volunteer firefighter conditionally until the criminal records check is completed and the fire chief receives the results. If the results of the criminal records check indicate that, pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, the person subject to the criminal records check is disqualified from appointment or employment, the fire chief shall release the person from appointment or employment. (D) The fire chief shall pay to the bureau of criminal identification and investigation the fee prescribed pursuant to division (C)(3) of section 109.578 of the Revised Code for each criminal records check conducted in accordance with that section. The fire chief may charge the applicant who is subject to the criminal records check a fee for the costs the fire chief incurs in obtaining the criminal records check. A fee charged under this division shall not exceed the amount of fees the fire chief pays for the criminal records check. If a fee is charged under this division, the fire chief shall notify the applicant at the time of the applicant's initial application for appointment or employment of the amount of the fee and that, unless the fee is paid, the applicant will not be considered for appointment or employment. (E) The appointing authority shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to implement this section. The rules shall include rehabilitation standards a person who has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to an offense listed in division (C)(1) of this section must meet for the appointing authority to appoint or employ the person as a permanent, full-time paid firefighter or a volunteer firefighter. (F) A fire chief who intends to request a criminal records check for an applicant shall inform each applicant, at the time of the person's initial application for appointment or employment, that the applicant is required to provide a set of impressions of the person's fingerprints and that the fire chief requires a criminal records check to be conducted and satisfactorily completed in accordance with section 109.578 of the Revised Code. (G) As used in this section: (1) "Appointing authority" means any person or body that has the authority to hire, appoint, or employ permanent, full-time paid firefighters and volunteer firefighters under section 737.08 of the Revised Code. (2) "Criminal records check" has the same meaning as in section 109.578 of the Revised Code. (3) "Superintendent of BCII" has the same meaning as in section 2151.86 of the Revised Code.
Section 737.082 \| Employee status of volunteer firefighter. Effective: March 23, 2015 Latest Legislation: House Bill 201 - 130th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF A volunteer firefighter appointed pursuant to this chapter is a bona fide volunteer and not an employee for purposes of section 513 of the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act," 124 Stat. 119 (2010), 26 U.S.C. 4980H, if, for providing those fire protection services, the volunteer receives any of the benefits provided in Chapter 146., 4121., or 4123. or section 9.65, 505.23, 3333.26, 3923.13, or 4113.41 of the Revised Code. Last updated November 23, 2021 at 3:52 PM
Section 737.09 \| Chief of fire department. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The chief of the fire department shall have exclusive control of the stationing and transferring of all firemen and other officers and employees in the department, under such general rules and regulations as the director of public safety prescribes.
Section 737.10 \| Additional patrolmen and firemen in emergency situation. Effective: January 17, 1977 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 545 - 111th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF In case of riot or other like emergency, the mayor may appoint additional patrolmen and officers for temporary service in the police department, or additional firemen and officers for temporary service in the fire department, who need not be in the classified list of such department. Such additional persons shall be employed only for the time during which the emergency exists. The mayor may call upon the sheriff of the county in which all or part of the municipal corporation lies or the sheriff of any adjoining county, the mayor or other chief executive of any municipal corporation in the same or any adjoining county, and the chairman of the board of township trustees of any township in the same or any adjoining county, to furnish such law enforcement or fire protection personnel, or both, together with appropriate equipment and apparatus, as may be necessary to preserve the public peace and protect persons and property in the requesting municipal corporation in the event of riot. Such aid shall be furnished to the mayor requesting it, insofar as possible without withdrawing from the political subdivision furnishing such aid the minimum police and fire protection appearing necessary under the circumstances. In such case, law enforcement and fire protection personnel acting outside the territory of their regular employment shall be considered as performing services within the territory of their regular employment for purposes of compensation, pension or indemnity fund rights, workers' compensation, and other rights or benefits to which they may be entitled as incidents of their regular employment. The municipal corporation receiving such aid shall reimburse the political subdivision furnishing it the cost of furnishing such aid, including compensation of personnel, expenses incurred by reason of the injury or death of any such personnel while rendering such aid, expenses of furnishing equipment and apparatus, compensation for damage to or loss of equipment or apparatus while in service outside the territory of its regular use, and such other reasonable expenses as may be incurred by any such political subdivision in furnishing such aid. Nothing in this section shall be construed as superseding or modifying in any way any provision of a contract entered into pursuant to section 737.04 of the Revised Code. Law enforcement officers acting pursuant to this section outside the territory of their regular employment have the same authority to enforce the law as when acting within the territory of their regular employment.
Section 737.11 \| General duties of police and fire departments. Effective: July 29, 1998 Latest Legislation: House Bill 302 - 122nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The police force of a municipal corporation shall preserve the peace, protect persons and property, and obey and enforce all ordinances of the legislative authority of the municipal corporation, all criminal laws of the state and the United States, all court orders issued and consent agreements approved pursuant to sections 2919.26 and 3113.31 of the Revised Code, all protection orders issued pursuant to section 2903.213 or 2903.214 of the Revised Code, and protection orders issued by courts of another state, as defined in section 2919.27 of the Revised Code. The fire department shall protect the lives and property of the people in case of fire. Both the police and fire departments shall perform any other duties that are provided by ordinance. The police and fire departments in every city shall be maintained under the civil service system. A chief or officer of a police force of a municipal corporation may participate, as the director of an organized crime task force established under section 177.02 of the Revised Code or as a member of the investigatory staff of such a task force, in an investigation of organized criminal activity in any county or counties in this state under sections 177.01 to 177.03 of the Revised Code.
Section 737.111 \| Fines, rewards and fees of police department credited to general fund. Effective: July 1, 1985 Latest Legislation: House Bill 201 - 116th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF All fines imposed as discipline or punishment upon members of the police department of a municipal corporation by the authority having charge or control thereof, all rewards, fees, or proceeds of gifts and emoluments allowed by such authority paid and given for or on account of any extraordinary service of any member of the department, and moneys arising from the sale of unclaimed property or money, after deducting all expenses incident thereto, shall be credited to the general fund of the municipal corporation.
Section 737.112 \| Fines, proceeds and fees of fire department credited to general fund. Effective: July 1, 1985 Latest Legislation: House Bill 201 - 116th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF All fines imposed as discipline or punishment upon members of the fire department of a municipal corporation by the authority having charge or control thereof, the proceeds of all suits for penalties for the violation of state statutes and municipal ordinances with the execution of which such department is charged, license fees or other fees payable thereunder, and fees received by such municipal corporation for any services performed or inspections made by the fire department, except fees charged and received by the municipal corporation from other subdivisions for fire protection or fire fighting therein shall be credited to the general fund of the municipal corporation.
Section 737.12 \| Suspension of police and fire personnel. Effective: October 16, 1996 Latest Legislation: House Bill 566 - 121st General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Except as provided in section 737.052 of the Revised Code, the chief of police and the chief of the fire department have the exclusive right to suspend any of the deputies, officers, or employees in their respective departments and under their management and control, for incompetence, gross neglect of duty, gross immorality, habitual drunkenness, failure to obey orders given them by the proper authority, or for any other reasonable and just cause. If an employee is suspended under this section, the chief of police or the chief of the fire department, as the case may be, shall forthwith certify that fact in writing, together with the cause for the suspension, to the director of public safety, who, within five days from the receipt of that certification, shall proceed to inquire into the cause of the suspension and render judgment on it. If the charge is sustained, the judgment may be for the person's suspension, reduction in rank, or dismissal from the department. The judgment shall be final except as otherwise provided by law. The director, in any investigation of charges against a member of the police or fire department, shall have the same powers to administer oaths and to secure the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and papers that are conferred upon the mayor.
Section 737.13 \| Classification of service - rules and regulations. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The director of public safety of a city shall classify the service in the police and fire departments in conformity with the ordinance of the legislative authority thereof determining the number of persons to be employed in the departments, and shall make all rules for the regulation and discipline of such departments, except as otherwise provided by law.
Section 737.14 \| Relief for members of police or fire department. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The legislative authority of a municipal corporation may provide by general ordinance for the relief, out of the police or fire funds, of members of either department temporarily or permanently disabled in the discharge of their duty. This section does not impair, restrict, or repeal any law authorizing the levy of taxes in municipal corporations to provide for firemen, police, and sanitary police pension funds, and to create and perpetuate boards of trustees for the administration of such funds.
Section 737.15 \| Appointment of village marshal. Effective: March 31, 2003 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 245 - 124th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Each village shall have a marshal, designated chief of police, appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the legislative authority of the village, who need not be a resident of the village at the time of appointment but shall become a resident thereof within six months after appointment by the mayor and confirmation by the legislative authority unless such residence requirement is waived by ordinance, and who shall continue in office until removed therefrom as provided by section 737.171 of the Revised Code. No person shall receive an appointment under this section after January 1, 1970, unless, not more than sixty days prior to receiving such appointment, the person has passed a physical examination, given by a licensed physician, a physician assistant, a clinical nurse specialist, a certified nurse practitioner, or a certified nurse-midwife, showing that the person meets the physical requirements necessary to perform the duties of village marshal as established by the legislative authority of the village. The appointing authority shall, prior to making any such appointment, file with the Ohio police and fire pension fund a copy of the report or findings of said licensed physician, physician assistant, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse practitioner, or certified nurse-midwife. The professional fee for such physical examination shall be paid for by such legislative authority.
Section 737.16 \| Appointment of deputy marshals, police officers, night guards and special police officers. Effective: March 31, 2003 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 245 - 124th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The mayor shall, when provided for by the legislative authority of a village, and subject to its confirmation, appoint all deputy marshals, police officers, night guards, and special police officers. All such officers shall continue in office until removed therefrom for the cause and in the manner provided by section 737.19 of the Revised Code. No person shall receive an appointment under this section after January 1, 1970, unless the person has, not more than sixty days prior to receiving such appointment, passed a physical examination, given by a licensed physician, a physician assistant, a clinical nurse specialist, a certified nurse practitioner, or a certified nurse-midwife, showing that the person meets the physical requirements necessary to perform the duties of the position to which the person is to be appointed as established by the legislative authority of the village. The appointing authority shall, prior to making any such appointment, file with the Ohio police and fire pension fund a copy of the report or findings of said licensed physician, physician assistant, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse practitioner, or certified nurse-midwife. The professional fee for such physical examination shall be paid for by the legislative authority.
Section 737.161 \| Village auxiliary police unit - parking enforcement unit. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The legislative authority of a village may establish, by ordinance, an auxiliary police unit within the police department of the village, and provide for the regulation of auxiliary police officers. The mayor shall be the executive head of the auxiliary police unit, shall make all appointments and removals of auxiliary police officers, subject to any general rules prescribed by the legislative authority by ordinance, and shall prescribe rules for the organization, training, administration, control, and conduct of the auxiliary police unit. The village marshal shall have exclusive control of the stationing and transferring of all auxiliary police officers, under such general rules as the mayor prescribes. (B)(1) The legislative authority of a village may establish, by ordinance, a parking enforcement unit within the police department of the village, and provide for the regulation of parking enforcement officers. The mayor shall be the executive head of the parking enforcement unit, shall make all appointments and removals of parking enforcement officers, subject to any general rules prescribed by the legislative authority by ordinance, and shall prescribe rules for the organization, training, administration, control, and conduct of the parking enforcement unit. The mayor may appoint parking enforcement officers who agree to serve for nominal compensation, and persons with physical disabilities may receive appointments as parking enforcement officers. (2) The authority of the parking enforcement officers shall be limited to the enforcement of ordinances governing parking in accessible parking locations and fire lanes and any other parking ordinances specified in the ordinance creating the parking enforcement unit. Parking enforcement officers shall have no other powers. (3) The training the parking enforcement officers shall receive shall include instruction in general administrative rules and procedures governing the parking enforcement unit, the role of the judicial system as it relates to parking regulation and enforcement, proper techniques and methods relating to the enforcement of parking ordinances, human interaction skills, and first aid. Last updated March 13, 2023 at 9:34 AM
Section 737.162 \| Felony conviction precludes or terminates employment. Effective: January 1, 2004 Latest Legislation: House Bill 490 - 124th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) As used in this section, "felony" has the same meaning as in section 109.511 of the Revised Code. (B)(1) The mayor shall not appoint a person as a marshal, a deputy marshal, a police officer, a night watchperson, a special police officer, or an auxiliary police officer on a permanent basis, on a temporary basis, for a probationary term, or on other than a permanent basis if the person previously has been convicted of or has pleaded guilty to a felony. (2)(a) The mayor shall terminate the employment of a marshal, deputy marshal, police officer, night watchperson, special police officer, or auxiliary police officer who does either of the following: (i) Pleads guilty to a felony; (ii) Pleads guilty to a misdemeanor pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement as provided in division (D) of section 2929.43 of the Revised Code in which the marshal, deputy marshal, police officer, night watchperson, special police officer, or auxiliary police officer agrees to surrender the certificate awarded to that person under section 109.77 of the Revised Code. (b) The mayor shall suspend from employment a marshal, deputy marshal, police officer, night watchperson, special police officer, or auxiliary police officer who is convicted, after trial, of a felony. If the marshal, deputy marshal, police officer, night watchperson, special police officer, or auxiliary police officer files an appeal from that conviction and the conviction is upheld by the highest court to which the appeal is taken or if that person does not file a timely appeal, the mayor shall terminate that person's employment. If the marshal, deputy marshal, police officer, night watchperson, special police officer, or auxiliary police officer files an appeal that results in that person's acquittal of the felony or conviction of a misdemeanor, or in the dismissal of the felony charge against that person, the mayor shall reinstate that person. A marshal, deputy marshal, police officer, night watchperson, special police officer, or auxiliary police officer who is reinstated under division (B)(2)(b) of this section shall not receive any back pay unless that person's conviction of the felony was reversed on appeal, or the felony charge was dismissed, because the court found insufficient evidence to convict that person of the felony. (3) Division (B) of this section does not apply regarding an offense that was committed prior to January 1, 1997. (4) The suspension from employment, or the termination of the employment, of a marshal, deputy marshal, police officer, night watchperson, special police officer, or auxiliary police officer under division (B)(2) of this section shall be in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.
Section 737.17 \| Probationary period - final appointment. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF All appointments made under sections 737.15 and 737.16 of the Revised Code shall be for a probationary period of six months' continuous service, and none shall be finally made until the appointee has satisfactorily served his probationary period. At the end of the probationary period the mayor shall transmit to the legislative authority of the village a record of such employee's service with his recommendations thereon and he may, with the concurrence of the legislative authority, remove or finally appoint the employee.
Section 737.171 \| Procedure for removal of village marshal. Effective: October 16, 1996 Latest Legislation: House Bill 566 - 121st General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Except as provided in section 737.162 of the Revised Code, if the mayor of a village has reason to believe that a duly appointed marshal of the village has been guilty of incompetency, inefficiency, dishonesty, drunkenness, immoral conduct, insubordination, discourteous treatment of the public, neglect of duty, or any other acts of misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance in the performance of the marshal's official duty, the mayor shall file with the legislative authority of the village written charges against that person setting forth in detail the reason for the charges and immediately shall serve a true copy of the charges upon the person against whom they are made. Charges filed under this section shall be heard at the next regular meeting of the legislative authority occurring not less than five days after the date those charges have been served on the person against whom they are made. The person against whom those charges are filed may appear in person and by counsel at the hearing, examine all witnesses, and answer all charges against that person. At the conclusion of the hearing, the legislative authority may dismiss the charges, suspend the accused from office for not more than sixty days, or remove the accused from office. Action of the legislative authority removing or suspending the accused from office requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all members elected to it. In the case of removal from office, the person so removed may appeal on questions of law and fact the decision of the legislative authority to the court of common pleas of the county in which the village is situated. The person shall take the appeal within ten days from the date of the finding of the legislative authority.
Section 737.18 \| General powers of village police officers. Effective: September 3, 1986 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 74 - 116th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The marshal shall be the peace officer of a village and the executive head, under the mayor, of the police force. The marshal, and the deputy marshals, policemen, or nightwatchmen under him shall have the powers conferred by law upon police officers in all villages of the state, and such other powers, not inconsistent with the nature of their offices, as are conferred by ordinance. A marshal, deputy marshal, or police officer of a village may participate, as the director of an organized crime task force established under section 177.02 of the Revised Code or as a member of the investigatory staff of such a task force, in an investigation of organized criminal activity in any county or counties in this state under sections 177.01 to 177.03 of the Revised Code.
Section 737.19 \| Powers and duties of village marshal. Effective: October 16, 1996 Latest Legislation: House Bill 566 - 121st General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The marshal of a village has exclusive authority over the stationing and transfer of all deputies, officers, and employees within the police department of the village, under the general rules that the mayor prescribes. (B) Except as provided in section 737.162 of the Revised Code, the marshal of a village has the exclusive right to suspend any of the deputies, officers, or employees in the village police department who are under the management and control of the marshal for incompetence, gross neglect of duty, gross immorality, habitual drunkenness, failure to obey orders given them by the proper authority, or for any other reasonable or just cause. If an employee is suspended under this section, the marshal immediately shall certify this fact in writing, together with the cause for the suspension, to the mayor of the village and immediately shall serve a true copy of the charges upon the person against whom they are made. Within five days after receiving this certification, the mayor shall inquire into the cause of the suspension and shall render a judgment on it. If the mayor sustains the charges, the judgment of the mayor may be for the person's suspension, reduction in rank, or removal from the department. Suspensions of more than three days, reduction in rank, or removal from the department under this section may be appealed to the legislative authority of the village within five days from the date of the mayor's judgment. The legislative authority shall hear the appeal at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The person against whom the judgment has been rendered may appear in person and by counsel at the hearing, examine all witnesses, and answer all charges against that person. At the conclusion of the hearing, the legislative authority may dismiss the charges, uphold the mayor's judgment, or modify the judgment to one of suspension for not more than sixty days, reduction in rank, or removal from the department. Action of the legislative authority removing or suspending the accused from the department requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all members elected to it. In the case of removal from the department, the person so removed may appeal on questions of law and fact the decision of the legislative authority to the court of common pleas of the county in which the village is situated. The person shall take the appeal within ten days from the date of the finding of the legislative authority. (C) The marshal of a village shall suppress all riots, disturbances, and breaches of the peace, and to that end may call upon the citizens to aid the marshal. The marshal shall arrest all disorderly persons in the village and pursue and arrest any person fleeing from justice in any part of the state. The marshal shall arrest any person in the act of committing an offense against the laws of the state or the ordinances of the village and forthwith bring that person before the mayor or other competent authority for examination or trial. The marshal shall receive and execute proper authority for the arrest and detention of criminals fleeing or escaping from other places or states. In the discharge of the marshal's duties, the marshal shall have the powers and be subject to the responsibilities of constables, and, for services performed by the marshal or the marshal's deputies, the same fees and expenses shall be taxed as are allowed constables.
Section 737.20 \| Disposition of fines and penalties. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF All fees, costs, fines, and penalties collected by the marshal shall immediately be paid to the mayor, who shall report to the legislative authority of the village monthly the amount thereof, from whom, and for what purpose collected, and when paid to the mayor.
Section 737.21 \| Municipal fire regulations, department, companies, and rescue units. Effective: October 23, 1961 Latest Legislation: House Bill 511 - 104th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The legislative authority of a municipal corporation may establish all necessary regulations to guard against the occurrence of fires, protect the property and lives of its citizens against damage and accidents resulting therefrom, and for such purpose may establish and maintain a fire department, provide for the establishment and organization of fire engine and hose companies and rescue units, establish the hours of labor of the members of its fire department who shall not be required to be on duty continuously more than six days in every seven, and provide such bylaws and regulations for the government of such companies and their members as is necessary and proper.
Section 737.22 \| Appointment of fire chief or fire prevention officer and firefighters. Effective: October 3, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) Each village establishing a fire department shall have a fire chief as the department's head, appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the legislative authority of the village, who shall continue in office until removed from office as provided by sections 733.35 to 733.39 of the Revised Code. Neither this section nor any other section of the Revised Code requires, or shall be construed to require, that the fire chief be a resident of the village. In each village not having a fire department, the mayor shall, with the advice and consent of the legislative authority of the village, appoint a fire prevention officer who shall exercise all of the duties of a fire chief except those involving the maintenance and operation of fire apparatus. The legislative authority of the village may fix the compensation it considers best. The appointee shall continue in office until removed from office as provided by sections 733.35 to 733.39 of the Revised Code. Section 737.23 of the Revised Code shall extend to the officer. (B) The legislative authority of the village may provide for the appointment of permanent full-time paid firefighters as it considers best and fix their compensation, or for the services of volunteer firefighters, who shall be appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the legislative authority, and shall continue in office until removed from office. (1) No person shall be appointed as a permanent full-time paid firefighter of a village fire department, unless either of the following applies: (a) The person has received a certificate issued under former section 3303.07 of the Revised Code or section 4765.55 of the Revised Code evidencing satisfactory completion of a firefighter training program. (b) The person began serving as a permanent full-time paid firefighter with the fire department of a city or other village prior to July 2, 1970, and receives a fire training certificate issued under section 4765.55 of the Revised Code. (2) No person who is appointed as a volunteer firefighter of a village fire department shall remain in that position, unless either of the following applies: (a) Within one year of the appointment, the person has received a certificate issued under former section 3303.07 or section 4765.55 of the Revised Code evidencing satisfactory completion of a firefighter training program. (b) The person has served as a permanent full-time paid firefighter with the fire department of a city or other village prior to July 2, 1970, or as a volunteer firefighter with the fire department of a city, township, fire district, or other village prior to July 2, 1979, and receives a certificate issued under section 4765.55 of the Revised Code. (3) No person shall receive an appointment under this section unless the person has, not more than sixty days prior to receiving the appointment, passed a physical examination, given by a licensed physician, a physician assistant, a clinical nurse specialist, a certified nurse practitioner, or a certified nurse-midwife, showing that the person meets the physical requirements necessary to perform the duties of the position to which the person is to be appointed as established by the legislative authority of the village. The appointing authority shall, prior to making an appointment, file with the Ohio police and fire pension fund or the local volunteer fire fighters' dependents fund board a copy of the report or findings of that licensed physician, physician assistant, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse practitioner, or certified nurse-midwife. The professional fee for the physical examination shall be paid for by the legislative authority of the village. Last updated September 25, 2023 at 2:49 PM
Section 737.221 \| Criminal records check. Effective: April 9, 2003 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 258 - 124th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The fire chief of a village fire department may request the superintendent of BCII to conduct a criminal records check with respect to any person who is under consideration for appointment or employment as a permanent, full-time paid firefighter or any person who is under consideration for appointment as a volunteer firefighter. (B)(1) The fire chief of the village fire department may request that the superintendent of BCII obtain information from the federal bureau of investigation as a part of the criminal records check requested pursuant to division (A) of this section. (2) A fire chief authorized by division (A) of this section to request a criminal records check shall provide to each person for whom the fire chief intends to request a criminal records check a copy of the form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of section 109.578 of the Revised Code and a standard impression sheet to obtain fingerprint impressions prescribed pursuant to division (C)(2) of section 109.578 of the Revised Code, obtain the completed form and impression sheet from the person, and forward the completed form and impression sheet to the superintendent of BCII at the time the criminal records check is requested. (3) Any person subject to a criminal records check who receives a copy of the form and a copy of the impression sheet pursuant to division (B)(2) of this section and who is requested to complete the form and provide a set of fingerprint impressions shall complete the form or provide all the information necessary to complete the form and shall provide the impression sheet with the impressions of the person's fingerprints. If a person fails to provide the information necessary to complete the form or fails to provide impressions of the person's fingerprints, the appointing authority shall not appoint or employ the person as a permanent full-time paid firefighter or a volunteer firefighter. (C)(1) Except as otherwise provided in division (C)(2) of this section, an appointing authority shall not appoint or employ a person as a permanent, full-time paid firefighter or a volunteer firefighter if the fire chief has requested a criminal records check pursuant to division (A) of this section and the criminal records check indicates that the person previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the following: (a) A felony; (b) A violation of section 2909.03 of the Revised Code; (c) A violation of an existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses described in division (C)(1)(a) or (b) of this section. (2) Notwithstanding division (C)(1) of this section, an appointing authority may appoint or employ a person as a permanent, full-time paid firefighter or a volunteer firefighter if all of the following apply: (a) The fire chief has requested a criminal records check pursuant to division (A) of this section. (b) The criminal records check indicates that the person previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the offenses described in division (C)(1) of this section. (c) The person meets rehabilitation standards established in rules adopted under division (E) of this section. (3) If a fire chief requests a criminal records check pursuant to division (A) of this section, an appointing authority may appoint or employ a person as a permanent, full-time paid firefighter or volunteer firefighter conditionally until the criminal records check is completed and the fire chief receives the results. If the results of the criminal records check indicate that, pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, the person subject to the criminal records check is disqualified from appointment or employment, the fire chief shall release the person from appointment or employment. (D) The fire chief shall pay to the bureau of criminal identification and investigation the fee prescribed pursuant to division (C)(3) of section 109.578 of the Revised Code for each criminal records check conducted in accordance with that section. The fire chief may charge the applicant who is subject to the criminal records check a fee for the costs the fire chief incurs in obtaining the criminal records check. A fee charged under this division shall not exceed the amount of fees the fire chief pays for the criminal records check. If a fee is charged under this division, the fire chief shall notify the applicant at the time of the applicant's initial application for appointment or employment of the amount of the fee and that, unless the fee is paid, the applicant will not be considered for appointment or employment. (E) The appointing authority shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to implement this section. The rules shall include rehabilitation standards a person who has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to an offense listed in division (C)(1) of this section must meet for the appointing authority to appoint or employ the person as a permanent, full-time paid firefighter or a volunteer firefighter. (F) A fire chief who intends to request a criminal records check for an applicant shall inform each applicant, at the time of the person's initial application for appointment or employment, that the applicant is required to provide a set of impressions of the person's fingerprints and that the fire chief requires a criminal records check to be conducted and satisfactorily completed in accordance with section 109.578 of the Revised Code. (G) As used in this section: (1) "Appointing authority" means any person or body that has the authority to hire, appoint, or employ permanent, full-time paid firefighters and volunteer firefighters under section 737.22 of the Revised Code. (2) "Criminal records check" has the same meaning as in section 109.578 of the Revised Code. (3) "Superintendent of BCII" has the same meaning as in section 2151.86 of the Revised Code.
Section 737.222 \| Employee status of volunteer firefighter. Effective: March 23, 2015 Latest Legislation: House Bill 201 - 130th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF A volunteer firefighter appointed pursuant to this chapter is a bona fide volunteer and not an employee for purposes of section 513 of the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act," 124 Stat. 119 (2010), 26 U.S.C. 4980H, if, for providing those fire protection services, the volunteer receives any of the benefits provided in Chapter 146., 4121., or 4123. or section 9.65, 505.23, 3333.26, 3923.13, or 4113.41 of the Revised Code. Last updated November 23, 2021 at 3:52 PM
Section 737.23 \| Schooling of officers and firemen of fire department. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The legislative authority of a municipal corporation may send any of the officers and firemen of its fire department to schools of instruction designed to promote the efficiency of firemen, and, if authorized in advance, may pay their necessary expenses from the funds used for the maintenance and operation of such department.
Section 737.24 \| Legislative authority may purchase engines and equipment. Effective: October 23, 1961 Latest Legislation: House Bill 511 - 104th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The legislative authority of a municipal corporation may purchase the necessary fire engines and such other equipment as is necessary for the extinguishment of fires and the saving of lives, and may establish lines of fire alarm telegraph within the limits of the municipal corporation.
Section 737.25 \| Buildings for department. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The legislative authority of a municipal corporation may provide or erect necessary and suitable buildings containing rooms for fire engines, and other equipment, and provide for the meetings of the fire and hose companies.
Section 737.27 \| Investigation of fires. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The legislative authority of a municipal corporation may invest any officer of the fire or police department with the power, and impose on him the duty, to be present at all fires, investigate the cause thereof, examine witnesses, compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and papers, and to do and perform all other acts necessary to the effective discharge of such duties. Such officer may administer oaths, make arrests, and enter, for the purpose of examination, any building which, in his opinion, is in danger from fire. The officer shall report his proceedings to the legislative authority at such times as are required.
Section 737.28 \| Erection of houses and business structures - removal. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The legislative authority of a municipal corporation may regulate the erection of houses and business structures and prohibit the erection of buildings within such limits as it deems proper, unless the outer walls are constructed of noncombustible material, and, on the petition of the owners of not less than two thirds of the ground included in any square or half-square, may prohibit the erection thereon of any building, or addition to any building more than ten feet high, unless the outer walls are made of iron, stone, brick and mortar, or of some of them, and may provide for the removal of any building or additions erected in violation of such prohibition.
Section 737.29 \| Property recovered by police. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Stolen or other property recovered by members of the police force of a municipal corporation shall be deposited and kept in a place designated by the mayor. Each such article shall be entered in a book kept for that purpose, with the name of the owner, if ascertained, the person from whom taken, the place where found with general circumstances, the date of its receipt, and the name of the officer receiving it. An inventory of all money or other property shall be given to the party from whom taken, and in case it is not claimed by some person within thirty days after arrest and seizure it shall be delivered to the person from whom taken, and to no other person, either attorney, agent, factor, or clerk, except by special order of the mayor.
Section 737.31 \| Disposition to claimant. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF If, within thirty days, the money or property recovered under section 737.29 of the Revised Code is claimed by any other person, it shall be retained by the custodian thereof until after the discharge or conviction of the person from whom it was taken and so long as it is required as evidence in any case in court. If such claimant establishes to the satisfaction of the court that he is the rightful owner, the money or property shall be restored to him, otherwise it shall be returned to the accused person, personally, and not to any attorney, agent, factor, or clerk of such accused person, except upon special order of the mayor after all liens and claims in favor of the municipal corporation have first been discharged and satisfied.
Section 737.32 \| Sale or donation of unclaimed property. Effective: September 29, 2011 Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Except as otherwise provided in this section and unless the property involved is required to be disposed of pursuant to another section of the Revised Code, property that is unclaimed for ninety days or more shall be sold by the chief of police of the municipal corporation, marshal of the village, or licensed auctioneer at public auction, after notice of the sale has been provided by publication once a week for three successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code. The proceeds of the sale shall be paid to the treasurer of the municipal corporation and shall be credited to the general fund of the municipal corporation. If authorized to do so by an ordinance adopted by the legislative authority of the municipal corporation and if the property involved is not required to be disposed of pursuant to another section of the Revised Code, the chief of police or marshal may contribute property that is unclaimed for ninety days or more to one or more public agencies, to one or more nonprofit organizations no part of the net income of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual and no substantial part of the activities of which consists of carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, or to one or more organizations satisfying section 501(c)(3) or (c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
Section 737.33 \| Expenses of storage and sale - notice. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Upon the sale of any unclaimed or impounded property as provided in section 737.32 of the Revised Code, if any such unclaimed or impounded property was ordered removed to a place of storage or stored, or both, by or under the direction of a chief of police of municipal corporation or marshal of the village, any expenses or charges for such removal or storage, or both, and costs of sale, provided the same are approved by such chief of police or marshal, shall first be paid from the proceeds of such sale. Notice shall be given by registered mail, thirty days before the date of such sale, to the owner and mortgagee, or other lien holder, at their last known address.
Section 737.37 \| Power of legislative authority to regulate. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The legislative authority of a municipal corporation may make such regulations pertaining to public buildings as it considers necessary for the public safety.
Section 737.40 \| Voluntary motor vehicle decal registration program. Effective: September 29, 2011 Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The legislative authority of a municipal corporation may establish, by ordinance or resolution, a voluntary motor vehicle decal registration program to be controlled by the director of public safety of the municipal corporation and conducted by the police department of the municipal corporation. The legislative authority may establish a fee for participation in the program in an amount sufficient to cover the cost of administering the program and the cost of the decals. (B) Any resident of the municipal corporation may enroll a motor vehicle that he owns in the program by signing a consent form, displaying the decal issued under this section, and paying the prescribed fee. The motor vehicle owner shall remove the decal to withdraw from the program and also prior to the sale or transfer of ownership of the vehicle. Any law enforcement officer may conduct, at any place within this state at which the officer would be permitted to arrest the person operating the vehicle, an investigatory stop of any motor vehicle displaying a decal issued under this section when the vehicle is being driven between the hours of one a.m. and five a.m. A law enforcement officer may conduct an investigatory stop under this division regardless of whether the officer observes a violation of law involving the vehicle or whether he has probable cause to believe that any violation of law involving the vehicle has occurred. (C) The consent form required under division (B) of this section shall: (1) Describe the conditions for participation in the program, including a description of an investigatory stop and a statement that any law enforcement officer may conduct, at any place within this state at which the officer would be permitted to arrest the person operating the vehicle, an investigatory stop of the motor vehicle when it is being driven between the hours of one a.m. and five a.m. (2) Contain other information identifying the vehicle and owner as the director of public safety of the municipal corporation or the chief of police considers necessary. (D) The state director of public safety, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, shall adopt rules governing the color, size, and design of decals issued under this section and the location where the decals shall be displayed on vehicles that are enrolled in the program. (E) Divisions (A) to (D) and (G) of this section do not require a law enforcement officer to conduct an investigatory stop of a vehicle displaying a decal issued under this section or under a program described in division (G) of this section. (F) As used in this section: (1) "Investigatory stop" means a temporary stop of a motor vehicle and its operator and occupants for purposes of determining the identity of the person who is operating the vehicle and, if the person who is operating it is not its owner, whether any violation of law has occurred or is occurring. An "investigatory stop" is not an arrest, but, if an officer who conducts an investigatory stop determines that illegal conduct has occurred or is occurring, an "investigatory stop" may be the basis for an arrest. (2) "Law enforcement officer" means a sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable, police officer of a township or joint police district, marshal, deputy marshal, municipal police officer, or state highway patrol trooper. (G) Any motor vehicle decal registration program that was in existence on June 1, 1993, and administered by a municipal corporation shall not be required to conform in any manner to this section and may continue to be administered in the manner in which it was administered on that date.
Section 737.41 \| Municipal probation services fund. Effective: September 29, 2015 Latest Legislation: House Bill 64 - 131st General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The legislative authority of a municipal corporation in which is established a municipal court, other than a county-operated municipal court, that has a department of probation shall establish in the municipal treasury a municipal probation services fund. The fund shall contain all moneys paid to the treasurer of the municipal corporation under section 2951.021 of the Revised Code for deposit into the fund. The treasurer of the municipal corporation shall disburse the money contained in the fund at the request of the municipal court department of probation, for use only by that department for specialized staff, purchase of equipment, purchase of services, reconciliation programs for offenders and victims, other treatment programs, including community addiction services providers, determined to be appropriate by the chief probation officer, and other similar expenses related to placing offenders under a community control sanction. (B) Any money in a municipal probation services fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the treasury of the municipal corporation but shall be retained in the fund. (C) As used in this section: (1) "County-operated municipal court" has the same meaning as in section 1901.03 of the Revised Code. (2) "Community addiction services provider" has the same meaning as in section 5119.01 of the Revised Code. (3) "Community control sanction" has the same meaning as in section 2929.01 of the Revised Code.