ELYRIA — The Elyria Police Department has reached its budgeted staffing level for 2025 and completed the first phase of a new patrol vehicle design, according to information shared during the Nov. 3 Elyria City Council meeting.
Police Chief Walsh told council members that the department currently has 85 officers, including three recruits who are enrolled in the police academy and scheduled to graduate in December. The number reflects the department’s maximum authorized staffing for the year. Any additional hiring, he said, will depend on next year’s budget approval.
The department recently finished four patrol vehicles under a redesigned look. Walsh said the goal was to make the vehicles more professional and easier for residents to identify. The remaining vehicles are expected to be completed in the coming months.
Council members expressed support for the design changes and thanked the department for the progress. Discussion also included Ohio House Bill 44, which allows municipalities without civil service commissions to hire police officers without an entrance exam. Council members noted that the new law could increase lateral transfers between departments. Walsh said the department is monitoring the situation and will continue to track any impact on staffing levels.
No formal action was taken following the discussion.