CIVIL QUESTIONS

Q: How does one bid on a foreclosed property? 

Answer: Foreclosure sales are held every Friday at 10:00 a.m. on the first floor of the Summit County Court House, located at 209 S. High Street, Akron, Ohio. The bidding process is competitive and the highest bidder purchases the property. Once bidding is completed, the winning bid purchases must submit 5% of the purchase price with the remaining balance to be paid within thirty days.

Q: May I view the property prior to the sale? 

Answer: There is no formal process to view the property prior to the sale. Some purchasers inquire about the property with the neighbors and others contact the utility companies about rates and usage prior to bidding.

Q: Is cash required in order to purchase or bid? 

Answer: The terms of payment: cash, money order, and cashiers check. Letters of credit or personal checks are not accepted.

Q: How long does it take to obtain the deed after the purchase?

Answer: Usually all paper work and confirmations take between 6 and 8 weeks and once that is completed, the deed is signed over.

Q: What if I can’t produce the balance in thirty days? 

Answer: If the balance is not received within thirty days the purchase is considered a loan with a 10% interest rate on the yearly balance. Also the person may be charged with contempt of court for failing to abide by the agreement.

Q: I received a tag on my door indicating the Sheriff has papers for me. Can you tell me what it is about?  

Answer: No, once notified you must report to the office of the Civil Division located in the basement of the Summit County Court House to obtain the papers. The deputy will not return. Please bring positive identification with you.

Q: I received a restraining order today ordering me out of the house. Can I go to the house and pick up some items? 

Answer: You must read the order in its entirety. All ex-parte orders require you to have a police officer escort you when returning to your house to pick up items. Any violation of the order could lead to arrest.

Q: I received an immobilization order on my car from a Judge. Can I drive to work?

 Answer: Only the Court of Violation can grant work-driving privileges. No deputy has that authority.

Q: I was served with an eviction order stating I must be off the property in three days. If I am not out by then what happens?

Answer: If the property is not vacated a deputy and a representative from the landlord’s attorney will gain entry to the property and any items inside will be taken to a storage unit. If the cost of the storage is not paid to the landlord within thirty days, any property stored will become theirs. The Sheriff does not place eviction property on the curb.

CRIMINAL QUESTIONS

Q: Can you tell me if there is a warrant or capias for my arrest over the phone? 

Answer: No, those questions can only be answered in person after the presentation of proper identification.

Q: Where do I post bond for a family member. 

Answer: Bond is posted at the Summit County Common Pleas Clerks Office, located at 53 University Ave. The phone number is (330) 643-2217.

Q: What Police Agency handles drug cases in Summit County?

Answer: Most of the larger police agencies in Summit County have their own narcotics units and investigate cases in their jurisdiction. The Summit County Drug Unit has jurisdiction throughout Summit County, and because it is also staffed with State and Federal Agents, can follow cases throughout the United States. Often the Summit County Drug Unit works closely with and supports local agency drug units.

Q: How can I get information to a narcotics investigator? 

Answer: The Summit County Drug Unit can be contacted 24 hours a day at (330) 643-2170. The information will be held in confidence and information may be left anonymously.

Q: How is a Detective assigned to a case? 

Answer: When a crime is reported to a deputy, they begin the field investigation and the report is processed through a Patrol Supervisor. Once it has been determined the case needs more investigation, the report is sent to the Detective Bureau. The case is then reviewed by an Investigative supervisor who makes the case assignment based on the Detective’s availability and caseload.

Q: How do I contact the Detective assigned to my case? 

Answer: Once a detective is assigned to your case, they will contact you. If you have not heard from a detective you may contact the Detective Bureau at (330) 643-2131 to determine if an investigator has been assigned to your case.

Q: Is there anyone I can speak with about domestic violence?

Answer: For an immediate response to a domestic violence situation, call the Sheriff’s Communications Unit to have a deputy dispatched. The Sheriff’s Office has deputies trained in dealing with domestic violence cases and may be contacted by requesting to speak with one at (330) 643-2181.

Q: How long after my birthday do I have to renew my driver’s license? 

Answer: The State of Ohio driver’s license expires on your birthday of the expiration year. There is no grace period allowing you to drive.

Q: Are my license plates good until the end of the expiration month? 

Answer: No, your license plates expire on your birth date and your vehicle may be towed for displaying expired plates.

Q: How do I get my car out of impound? 

Answer: If the vehicle has been towed for a traffic violation which includes an administrative suspension, the release must be obtained from the third floor of the Sheriff’s Patrol Bureau, 53 University Avenue, (330) 643-2147. Any release for a towed vehicle, not under suspension, may be obtained from the local Sheriff’s post. In all instances, you must show proof of ownership, insurance and identification. Once a release is obtained, present it to the impound lot operator for a release. Remember, without proof of insurance, the vehicle must be towed from the impound lot.

JAIL RELATED QUESTIONS (CLICK HERE)

COMMUNITY POLICING QUESTIONS

Q: Does the Sheriff’s Department fingerprint kids? 

Answer: As a public service, we will fingerprint children over the age of two upon request usually at a community event. We ask that your local police agency be contacted first to determine if they provide the service. In order to arrange for fingerprinting for your event, contact  Detective Walt Markowski at (330) 643-8642 in the Community Relations Office.

Q: Is there a fee for the fingerprints? 

Answer: The service is provided free of charge. On occasion we may request certain supplies be on hand including tables, chairs, and items to clean the children’s hands after the printing.

Q: What services are provided by the Summit County Sheriff's Off Records and Identification bureau, and what costs are associated with them?

Answer: Pleas click on the link to the right: Records/ID

Q: Is there any equipment or displays Sheriff Alexander can provide to be viewed at our community event?

Answer: There are items of equipment from the Sheriff’s Office that can be made available for display at community events. Items like the P.T.77 Cruiser, D.A.R.E. vehicles, Sheriff Alexander’s Mounted Patrol, and the Bomb Disposal unit, (when not in use) are available for display. Contact the Community Policing Office at (330) 643-8617 for more information.

Q: Do you have a Speaker’s Bureau? 

Answer: A Speaker’s Bureau is available for local events and deputies will speak on various subjects including self-defense for women, Neighborhood Watch, identity theft and many other subjects.  Sgt. Harold Britt at (330) 643-8617 for more information.

Q: What is Safety City? 

Answer: Safety City is a week long safety program for kindergarten age children that teaches traffic safety and other safety issues in a classroom setting. The program is taught by D.A.R.E. officers during the summer months at various primary schools in the Sheriff’s jurisdiction. For more information, call (330) 644-0085.

Q: Does Sheriff Alexander’s office have a "speed trailer" and how do I get it on my street? 

Answer: The Patrol Bureau operates two "smart trailers" for speed control in neighborhoods and heavily traveled roadways. To discuss traffic complaints and schedule the trailer, call Sgt. Brian Westover at (330) 643-8617.

EMPLOYMENT RELATED QUESTIONS

Q: What qualifications are required to become a Deputy Sheriff?

Answer: You must be twenty-one years old with no felony convictions and possess basic police officer training that is certified by the Ohio Peace Officer’s Training Commission  (OPOTA).

Q: How do I obtain the OPOTA training?

Answer: The Training Bureau of the Summit County Sheriff’s Office conducts a "Basic Peace Officer Training Academy" each September for qualified candidates. Each cadet must pass a rigorous background investigation and physical fitness examination prior to acceptance into the Academy.

Q: What is the cost of the Basic Peace Officer training?

Answer: The tuition for the Training Academy course in Basic Peace Officer Certification is $3,000.00, plus the cost of uniforms, firearm and duty equipment.

Q: How long is the Peace Officer Training course and what are the hours?

Answer: The Academy begins in September and ends in June, which includes seven weeks of "Basic Corrections" training. Class hours are from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Tuesday through Friday and 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. on Saturdays.

Q: How to I apply for the Academy?

Answer: Applications may be obtained from Sheriff Alexander’s Training Center located at 2825 Greensburg Rd. Green, OH 44720 (330) 896-4019. The office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Completed applications must be returned no later than May 1st.

Q: How is a deputy promoted to detective? 

Answer: The assignment to detective status is not a promotion but a lateral transfer. Assignment to the duties of a detective is just one of many duties a deputy may have in his/her career.
 

If you would like to submit a question CLICK HERE

(c) Copyright County of Summit 2005. All rights reserved.