Lt. Gov. Husted discusses recruitment, mental health strain with local law enforcement

WOOD COUNTY, Ohio — Monday, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted joined with sheriffs from across Northwest Ohio to discuss the strain local law enforcement offices are feeling right now.

“Really an opportunity for the lieutenant governor and the governor to hear directly from many of the chief law enforcement officers from throughout northwest Ohio - our country sheriffs," said Haraz Ghanbari, the state representative for Ohio District 3.

During the roundtable discussion, Husted and local sheriffs spoke heavily about the need to improve recruitment among law enforcement, in addition to upgrades in technology like body cameras.

“These folks go out and risk their lives, potentially every single day, and they need to know that they have the support of elected officials, like myself and Gov. DeWine. That we’re committing the resources to support them with technology and personnel and other support services they need," Husted said.

But while recruitment was one of the largest issues facing local law enforcement, another aspect of Monday’s discussion was regarding mental health and a lack of beds for those struggling and how that impacts police officers.

“Where does the person stay? They stay in jail. And that’s a huge disservice for my deputies that did not sign up to work in mental health hospital and it’s a huge disservice to the inmate who is in a terrible mental state. They need to be getting psychiatric care, and they’re not getting it," said Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn.

Husted explained Monday’s discussion was not only to learn ways to help local law enforcement agencies from the strains of recruitment and mental health but to remind Ohioans about the importance of first responders.

“The police officers in this state, the law enforcement officials are there to protect you. They’re your friends. They’re the ones that create safe communities, to protect your property, to protect you," Husted said.

Ghanbari added that those who are interested in law enforcement can work alongside their local agency to learn more.