News: Geauga security bill clears Ohio House

Posted at 3:31 PM EDT (1931 GMT)

Apr. 6th, 2005 -- Yesterday the Ohio House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill that would give Geauga Lake the ability to create its own police department. The park has argued that its own police force would provide a deterrent to crime and would free up municipal police officers for other duties.

Specifically, the bill would allow the amusement park to send people to police training schools, at the park's expense. These officers would be granted the same powers as other police officers, although before the park can hire the officers, police chiefs in nearby jurisdictions must approve them.

The bill passed solidly, with 91 representatives approving it and only 2 voting no. It is expected to pass the Senate and will become effective immediately if Ohio's governor signs it.

See Vindy.com for more.