Colonel Paul McClellan
Superintendent
Ohio State Highway Patrol

Now is an exciting time in the history of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Homeland Security remains in the forefront of America’s attention. These new responsibilities have resulted in many changes in the Patrol. All of these changes remind me of one of my favorite quotes by Charles Darwin. He said, "It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."

The look of the Patrol on the road has changed in the interest of safety with the Patrol fleet color changing from gray to white and the addition of a new light bar. Though the color change and light bar are the most visible changes in the Patrol, these are just a few of the many changes that are improving safety, both for the public and our officers.

Operationally, the Patrol has recently changed a great deal. Technology is being placed inside patrol cars with computer terminals and enhanced digital radio systems. This allows troopers and dispatchers to react quicker than ever to the needs of motorists on Ohio’s roadways.

One such change is the inter-operability of communications provided by MARCS; the new 800-mega hertz digital network that is vastly improving officer safety and efficiency in Ohio. In addition, shared intelligence capabilities have been improved by the new State of Ohio Intelligence Report. This new system provides all Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS) users with the ability to submit incident information that may be useful to other law enforcement agencies in the state.

Additionally, LEADS has undergone a tremendous amount of change, with a new format that allows for graphics such as photos and fingerprints which can be viewed during inquiries.

Another change is the critical need for local and state law enforcement to aid in national security. Ohioans rely on the Patrol - not just for the detection and apprehension of criminals - but also as an information source to keep Ohio safe from terrorism. Knowledge, and the sharing of information with the public, is a valuable tool for crime prevention, public safety, and Homeland Security.

These are just a few of the many changes the Patrol is facing. We aim to not simply adjust to these changes, but to leverage these changes by exploring the new opportunities they allow to improve our safety efforts for the residents of Ohio.

It’s about safety.