Park police duties and mission remain the same
The Summit Metro Parks Board of Park Commissioners voted in October to authorize changing the name of the park district’s ranger department to the park police department.
Summit Metro Parks rangers are now known as Summit Metro Parks police, a change designed to make their public safety personnel and law enforcement role clearer to the public. Their duties and mission remain unchanged; the mission of the Summit Metro Parks police department is to provide safety and information to park visitors so they have a safe and enjoyable park experience. Officers strive to perform their duties with tact, diplomacy, discretion and impartiality to protect life, park resources, and maintain good order within the park district.
“In the past several years, other Ohio park districts have also made the move from ‘rangers’ to ‘police’ for similar reasons as Summit Metro Parks,” remarked Chief of Police Josh Hamblen. “Our new name reflects what we’ve always been: state-certified law enforcement officers dedicated to keeping our parks safe. We’re still the same team, with the same commitment to safety and stewardship, now under a title that better reflects our role. Visitors will still see the same trusted faces in uniform, ready to protect and serve.”
In 2026, park police officers will begin transitioning to updated uniforms, patches, badges and patrol vehicles featuring new park police branding.
To contact park police for non-emergencies, call 330-475-0029 (after hours, weekends and holidays). In emergencies, call 911.