As a member of the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), we have determined that it is imperative we stand together in opposition to Ohio Issue 1.

OACP stands together with the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, the Ohio Common Pleas Judge Association and the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association in opposing this misguided ballot proposal. Our reasons for opposing this initiative are aligned with our partners above.

Proponents of the issue claim that the amendment promotes neighborhood safety and drug treatment. As professionals who deal with this issue every day, these assertions are flawed. There is some valuable information out there from the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association that states Issue 1 will undermine treatment, hinder prosecution of drug traffickers, reduce sentences on violent offenders, and overburden local government, and the amendment is short-sighted.

I would encourage you to ask some questions about this issue and get out and vote.

Duane Weyand

Chief of Police,

Wilmington