“It is our priority to keep patrons safe from opening to closing,” he said.
The park uses a combination of methods to patrol the park on a daily basis that includes a team of uniformed officers as well as other plain clothes officers who walk the property, according to the park’s website. The park also has video surveillance monitoring.
Doug Kramer, director of safety and security, said the park does not disclose the number of officers on the park force, but confirmed they are sworn officers who are armed with the ability to write citations or make arrests. In addition, the park also employs some Mason police officers part time.
There is a location at the park where alleged violators can be detained, “if it comes to that,” Kramer said.
The majority of crimes park police see are thefts and the “occasional scuffle,” he said.
Kramer said the security staff spends much of their time reuniting people who become lost from their group and people who lose possessions.
A special “kid tracker” program helps youngsters who may become separated from their parents, Kramer said.
“The child is given a bracelet with the cell phone number of the parent. If they are lost, it makes reuniting them very quick,” he said.
In preparation of Saturday’s opening day Ohio Department of Agriculture director David Daniels was on hand at the park Friday discussing what the state and park do ensure the safety of guests on rides.
All rides at the park have been inspected by the state inspectors and will be checked daily by park staff, Daniels said.
Daniels advised park guests to know their limits when choosing rides.
“If you feel uncomfortable getting on one of these large coasters, just don’t. Find something a little bit smaller that won’t scare you as much,” he said.
About the Author
