Policing with purpose: Chief McCann’s insights on duty, challenges, and community

Police Chief Ryan McCann has dedicated himself to tackling challenges, fostering community relationships, and striving for a safer environment. He shared insights into the intricacies of his job, the impact it has had on him personally, and the ongoing battle against drugs in the community.

Helping people and facing challenges

One of the chief’s favorite aspects of his job is the opportunity to help people. He emphasized the various ways situations are handled, acknowledging that outcomes don’t always align with expectations. Even when an arrest isn’t made, the focus is on making the best of each circumstance and finding resolutions. McCann stressed the importance of witness cooperation.

“Without sufficient information, convictions become challenging. If you see something, say something,” explained McCann. “Sometimes people are hesitant to ‘put their name on it,’ but it is of the utmost importance that the police work with facts over assumptions in each case we handle.”

Becoming better through leadership

Having served as chief for over a decade, McCann highlighted the personal growth and responsibility that have come with the position. He emphasized the need for officers with true character, shaping a team the public can trust. Family-oriented and committed to ensuring community safety, McCann believes his role has given him a more respectable outlook, with a focus on trust and accountability.

“Being chief for 11 years has given me a more respectable outlook. I’m responsible for my officers, ensuring they fit the criteria of respect and character. Trust is crucial, and we have an excellent team of officers, no matter if they are on or off duty,” said McCann.

Dealing with the heaviness of the job

While acknowledging that some experiences are unforgettable, he emphasized the necessity of moving forward and responding to calls without letting the weight of every problem linger. Balancing family life, Chief McCann credited Lieutenant Carter for helping to carry the load, which allows him breaks unless a matter is gravely serious. The department prioritizes family by accommodating officers’ schedules and working collaboratively to avoid using personal time or vacation for scheduling conflicts.

“To deal with the heaviness, you focus on making it home safe to your family. While some things you’ll never forget, you have to move forward. I recognize that I can respond to a call, but I can’t fix every problem,” said McCann.

Securing funding for the department

Chief McCann has equipped the department with state-of-the-art gear through various grants, notably from the Ohio State Eagles Charity Fund and the Ohio Criminal Justice System Grants. The funds have been crucial in acquiring essential equipment, from dogs to computers, ensuring the department’s efficiency without burdening the council or using taxpayer dollars whenever possible.

“Every year I try to put in for any grants I can, and we have seen a lot of success with that. Over all the years I’ve been doing it, we have received well over $100,000 and have been able to add important resources to the department that help us do our job. The last two years we were even able to get 5% bonuses for each officer, and we got them before Christmas. That was pretty cool to see happen,” said McCann.

Fighting the hardest battle: drugs

Identifying drugs as the primary battle, he highlighted the ongoing struggle to keep drugs out of the community. He expressed the need for facilities to help those struggling with addiction, advocating for alternatives to incarceration. While acknowledging the necessity to penalize distributors, McCann stressed the importance of providing support and facilities for users to break free from addiction.

“The most important battle our officers fight is against drugs. It’s an ongoing struggle, and we need facilities for those who want to get clean. Distributors need to go to jail—let me make that clear—but users need to get help,” explained McCann.

A message to the community

In Cadiz, Chief Ryan McCann stands as a pillar of leadership, navigating challenges, building community connections, and ensuring the safety of its residents. Through this exclusive interview, we gain a deeper understanding of the person behind the badge, committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those he serves.

“I know it’s tough to call the police,” said McCann. “But call. Leave a message if you have to, and I will get back to you. We are here for you and will try to alleviate the situation as much as we can.”