SIDNEY — Concerns have emerged within the community regarding the safety of Sidney’s residents in light of recent events focused on issues in Springfield. While the City of Sidney recognizes the national dialogue surrounding immigration, both legal and illegal, the safety of those who live, work, and visit Sidney remains the City’s top priority.
The City of Sidney’s focus remains on fostering a safe and welcoming community for all residents, regardless of their background. The City understands the importance of addressing concerns with transparency and accuracy, and they are committed to dispelling rumors and misinformation that may cause unnecessary fear or prejudice.
Sidney Police Chief Mark McDonough stated, “In recent public settings, it’s been requested that Sidney Police Department arrest Haitians, regardless of their legal status. While we collaborate closely with and support other public safety agencies, our police department remains committed to following proper protocols when responding to all service calls. It’s important to note, that our staff ensures there are no violations to the Constitutional rights of anyone who interacts with our officers, whether as a victim, witness, or suspect regardless of race, creed, immigration, or work status.”
The mission of the Sidney Police Department is: “Service will be delivered with fairness, compassion, and integrity to safeguard life, and property, and prevent crime.” This allows the department to consistently adapt to the ever-changing challenges to ensure the highest level of service and protection for our community.
Chief McDonough explained, “Always remember the saying ‘See Something, Say Something.’ Policing is not completed in a vacuum and we ask our community members to assist our agency in reporting suspicious or criminal behaviors. Our agency will stop individuals based on reasonable suspicion or reliable information, arresting only when probable cause exists. Searches will comply with the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which we follow daily.”
Furthermore, Sidney is not classified as a “sanctuary city,” nor does it appear on any lists concerning such relocations. They have not received any credible reports or knowledge of large groups being transported to Sidney, legally or illegally.
There have been no reports of immigrants harming pets, particularly in Sidney. This has been clarified when the story about a Canton woman allegedly eating a cat was fact-checked; the individual in question is an Ohio native with no Haitian heritage. The City of Sidney can confirm that there have been no reports of any immigrants eating cats or dogs in Sidney or Shelby County.
In addition, the SPD actively engages in community outreach programs designed to build trust and cooperation between law enforcement and community members. These programs include the Citizens Police Academy, Teen Academy, and Public Safety Cadets. By strengthening the bond between the police and the community, they aim to create a more cohesive and supportive environment for everyone.
Discussions in this community relating to Springfield have been prevalent, but the City of Sidney said in a news release “By understanding the current facts and parameters of the situation, we can better understand how this may not relate to Sidney.”
City Manager Andrew Bowsher stated, “Springfield has faced challenges in managing the increased healthcare, housing, education, and infrastructure demand. Several initiatives are already underway to address these issues, such as providing English classes, driving courses, and financial education focused on the U.S. banking system. In Sidney, we have been planning for sustained, systematic growth for our entire community for decades.”
Across the country, there have been labor shortages and a significant decline in birth rates, creating challenges for the workforce in the future. Sidney, Ohio has a proud history of being an economic engine for the state and a manufacturing powerhouse of blue-collar workers. The City of Sidney understands the moral fiber of the Midwest and build things that make Ohio and the country move, excel, and grow. This City will continue serving all residents by building Sidney into a great place to live, work, and play.
City Manager Bowsher added, “The City of Sidney also dispels any rumors that the housing projects currently under construction are specifically for Haitian or other immigrant populations. On the contrary, private developers have chosen to build in Sidney because of our business-friendly mindset, critical planning, jobs, and the economic growth that we are experiencing. Although geographically close, our two cities are vastly different in scope, size, population, demographics, and most notably, housing shortages.”
The City of Sidney encourages all citizens to stay informed through reliable sources and to participate in community dialogues that promote understanding and unity.
“Together, we can ensure that Sidney remains a safe, inclusive, and thriving place to live,” the City of Sidney said.
