About Holden Forests & Gardens

Safety & Security

at Holden Arboretum

The Holden Arboretum formed its first police department in 1974, but it wasn’t until 1999 that it was fully commissioned under the laws of the state of Ohio. The role of the department is to provide services that ensure the proper stewardship of our unique natural areas and collections. The police department also oversees the safety of Holden employees, volunteers, guests and the public.

The Holden Arboretum Police Department (HAPD) is led by a full-time chief of police, supported by two full-time, and additional part-time officers. With full law enforcement authority granted by state law under Ohio Revised Code 1702.80, the department follows policies and procedures mutually agreed upon with the surrounding jurisdictions. Each year, officers participate in a variety of law enforcement training programs to help ensure the safety of Arboretum guests.

Officers play an integral role in Holden Forests & Gardens’ safety program by reporting and correcting hazards, providing emergency services and first aid, conducting fire drills and minding the general physical safety of everyone on the Arboretum property, for any reason. Officers also represent the department at public events to help foster a good relationship with the public, including Goblins in the Garden at the Arboretum and Safety Town programs and school career days in the surrounding communities.

General services include:

  • General law enforcement, which includes enforcement of Ohio traffic and criminal codes, as well as mutual aid for police and fire departments in the surrounding communities
  • Road, foot and bicycle patrols
  • Assistance with way-finding, disabled vehicles, traffic control, jump starts and keys locked in cars
  • Investigations
  • Search and rescue
  • Non-criminal incidents involving wildlife, vehicles, missing persons and disturbance complaints
  • Special building and neighboring property checks
  • Wildlife management
  • Drone use at the Arboretum

The Holden Arboretum Police Department encourages guests to enjoy their visit and walk and hike with caution. Guests should contact the Police Department’s non-emergency number, 440.478.1291, if they see anything unusual or unsafe.

Give our officers your feedback:

2020 Review of Use of Force Incidents and Traffic Stops.

Important numbers:

  • Holden Police Non-Emergency: 440-478-1291
  • Emergency: 911
  • Holden Police anonymous tip line: 440-946-4400 x400
  • Sean O’Neil, Chief of Police: 440-602-3846
  • Holden Forest and Garden Arboretum Campus: 440-946-4400

Officer phone numbers:

  • Chief O’Neil: 440-946-4400 x246
  • Corporal Piotrowski: 440-946-4400 x233
  • Officer Greene: 440-946-4400 x1209
  • Officer Goodman: 440-946-4400 x1208
  • Officer Miloro: 440-946-4400 x1207
  • Officer Scott: 440-946-4400 x291

Holden Arboretum Police Department Code of Ethics

“As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality, and justice.

I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to me or to my agency. I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed both in my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the law and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.

I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations, animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.

I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of police service. I will never engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice.

I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and competence.

I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself to my chosen profession… law enforcement.”

Work with us!

The Holden Arboretum Police Department offers a unique work experience. While we answer calls for service, manage public safety, and provide mutual aid to our neighboring law enforcement partners and fire departments, much of our time also focuses on our customers. Whether it’s helping our members and guests with their visit or working with Arboretum staff to provide the best service possible, what truly makes HAPD unique is the natural environment we operate in. With hundreds of acres of property and miles of trail to patrol, what other police department can boast the scenery that we have to offer?

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