Divisions

The Field Operations Division is tasked with protecting the Park District's natural resources, visitors, employees and facilities. The uniformed officers of the Field Operations Division patrol by foot, bicycle and in marked cruisers 24-hours a day, year-round, to ensure the safety and protection of Cleveland Metroparks. They respond to emergencies and calls for service, investigate crimes and complaints, and enforce state laws and Park District regulations.

The Honor Guard represents the Park District and Police Department at memorial services, funerals, parades, opening ceremonies, special events, and official meetings. The dedicated and professional police officers of the Honor Guard train throughout the year, and have participated in events including Cleveland's Saint Patrick's Day Parade, the Gold Cup Horse Show, and the Greater Cleveland and Ohio Peace Officer Memorial ceremonies.

The Police Department's state and nationally-certified police K-9s are used for search and rescue, apprehending fleeing suspects and detecting illegal drugs and explosives. K-9 Unit officers continuously update their skills by participating in regional training exercises throughout the year, statewide instruction, and national training conferences. The K-9 Unit is very successful, and often called upon to assist other local law enforcement agencies.

Read more about the K-9 Unit

The Cleveland Metroparks Police Marine Unit was established as a full-time unit in 2016. As the footprint of the Cleveland Metroparks grew along Greater Cleveland’s lakefront, the need for a unit that would specialize in law enforcement and search and rescue was necessary for the safety and welfare of all Cleveland Metroparks visitors. The Marine Unit is a full-time function of the police department that specializes in Maritime Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Boater Education and Ice Rescue Operations. The Marine Unit actively patrols over 30 miles of Cuyahoga County lakefront as well as the Cuyahoga and Rocky Rivers.

During Search and Rescue Operations, the Marine Unit can be called upon to assist state and federal agencies anywhere in the over 730 square mile of Cuyahoga County’s portion of Lake Erie. Search and Rescue efforts provided by the Marine Unit are directly responsible for the safe rescue of hundreds of recreational boaters. The Marine Unit is assigned to the Special Operations Division of the Police Department and comprised of both full-time and part-time officers. Full-time officers are selected through a competitive process for assignment and report directly to the Marine Unit Supervisor.

Questions for the CMPD Marine Patrol can be directed to: [email protected]
 

As early as 1923, police motorcycles have been used by the Cleveland Metroparks Police Department. Police motorcycles have many functions including traffic enforcement, patrol duties, escorts, public relations and parades. The Motorcycle Unit was re-established in April of 2020 when the Cleveland Metroparks Police Department debuted its first all-electric, dual-sport, heavy-duty Zero Motorcycle. In March of 2021, a second Zero Motorcycle was added to the fleet – both donated by the First Energy Foundation. The Cleveland Metroparks Police Department was the first agency in Ohio to create an all-electric motorcycle unit. In May of 2023, the unit expanded with the addition of two Harley Davidson Electra Glide Police Model motorcycles. The department currently has four Certified Police Motorcycle Operators, all of whom have undergone extensive training to meet the demands of this specialized unit.

Questions for the CMPD motorcycle unit can be directed to: [email protected]

The Mounted Unit was established in 1921, to meet the Park District's special law enforcement needs. With over 25,000 acres of land, and hundreds of miles of trails, the Mounted Unit is essential to the protection and safety of Cleveland Metroparks. The Mounted Unit is highly-regarded throughout Northeast Ohio, and has received many professional awards. The Mounted Unit has represented Ohio law enforcement in two presidential inaugural parades.

Donations to the Police Department Mounted Unit Fund are a unique way for individuals and organizations to support Mounted Unit officers and their horses. Click here for more information.

The Cleveland Metroparks Police Department is a member of the Southwest Enforcement Bureau, a multi-jurisdictional SWAT team. This specialized team is made up of 19 different communities and political subdivisions, all of whom contribute funding and personnel to equip and staff this team.