Rocky Fork Revitalization Committee calls for dedicated police district to strengthen safety in Paint Township

Courtesy of John Ingersoll
Rocky Fork Revitalization Committee

The Rocky Fork Revitalization Committee has formally submitted a proposal to create a dedicated Township Police District serving Paint Township, with a focus on the Rocky Fork Lake region. The initiative seeks to improve public safety, reduce emergency response times, and support economic revitalization efforts. 

The proposal was presented to Paint Township Trustees at their monthly meeting on Thursday, Aug. 28.

Growing Public Safety Challenges

The Rocky Fork Lake Region has experienced significant population growth and tourism in recent years, placing increasing strain on local law enforcement resources. Current challenges include:

• Delayed emergency response times impacting residents and visitors.

• Inconsistent law enforcement coverage due to limited staffing.

• Rising concerns about crime prevention and public health issues.

A dedicated Police District would allow Paint Township to increase law enforcement presence, respond more quickly to emergencies, and build stronger partnerships with the community.

“Public safety is the foundation of our community’s future. This proposal gives Paint Township residents the power to decide how to protect that future," the Rocky Fork Revitalization Committee stated.

Goals of the Police District

• Improve Response Times: Ensure consistent and timely law enforcement coverage.

• Strengthen Community Relations: Build trust and collaboration between police and residents.

• Promote Transparency & Accountability: Provide local oversight of policing.

• Support Economic Growth: Make Rocky Fork a safer, more attractive destination for residents, visitors and businesses.

Proven Success in Neighboring Communities

Nearby townships — including Lynchburg, Leesburg and Mowrystown — have successfully established police districts funded through local tax levies. These districts have improved response times, law enforcement visibility, and community trust, offering a proven model for Paint Township to follow.

Research by the committee found that the Rocky Fork Region generates more calls handled by the Sheriff’s Office than any other township outside the region.

Investment in a dedicated law enforcement presence would benefit not only the Rocky Fork Lake Region but also would improve overall public safety coverage for other Highland County townships.

This rising call volume highlights the urgent need for dedicated resources to improve response times, reduce strain on countywide services, and ensure equitable law enforcement coverage.

Public Health Perspective

Research by the committee found that between 2022 and 2025, the Highland County Health Department investigated over 130 public health nuisances in Paint Township, with the Rocky Fork region representing the most active nuisance area in the county. Expanding law enforcement capacity will help address these concerns, reduce crime, and protect the health and well-being of residents and visitors.

Committee Statement

“This proposal is about giving Paint Township residents a voice in their public safety,” said John Ingersoll, spokesperson for the Rocky Fork Revitalization Committee. “By putting the decision to the voters, we empower taxpayers to choose how their resources are used and ensure that Rocky Fork remains a safe, thriving part of Highland County.”

Commitment to Transparency

The Committee emphasized that this proposal is not an endorsement or opposition to any individual Township Trustee or decision-maker. Instead, it reflects a commitment to ensuring that Paint Township residents have a direct voice in determining their law enforcement needs.

Next Steps

The proposal asks Paint Township Trustees to allow residents to vote on the creation of a Police District in an upcoming election — giving taxpayers the power to decide how to invest in local safety and security.

About the Rocky Fork Revitalization Committee

The Rocky Fork Revitalization Committee is a community-led group dedicated to improving quality of life, public safety, and economic opportunity in the Rocky Fork Lake region of Paint Township, Ohio.