Mantua Township, formerly a part of Greenwich Township, was formed by an act passed on February 23, 1853. The first town meeting was held on March 9, 1853, at the Union School House, Carpenter’s Landing. At this meeting Joseph R. Norris, John Haines, and Elijah Chew were appointed to the position of "Overseer of Poor and Constables". During the second annual meeting held on March 8, 1854, the Township Committee elected a committee to make a series of by-laws by which the township would be governed. Charles Pearson, one of the first "Constables", was elected to this post in 1871.

•   On June 27, 1892, the Township Committee ordered the clerk to put up notices at different locations in the Township for all dogs running at large to be muzzled.

•  On December 26, 1893, the Committee passed an act for the protection against mad dogs. The Township Committee passed a proclamation that Lawrence Raymond, J. Mason Tomlin, and Charles Carter are authorized to kill and bury all dogs male or female found running at large.

•  On April 21, 1925, the Township of Mantua Committee passed on ordinance making it unlawful for any person or persons to drive, operate or use temporarily or permanently any auto, bus or buses or other motor vehicles for the carrying of passengers within the limits of the Township of Mantua without first having obtained a license from the Township Clerk. (Note: Fee was $10.00 for auto’s and $25.00 for buses. This was lowered on May 12, 1925 to autos-$5.00 and buses-$15.00)

•  In the early 1900s the state passed legislation enabling municipalities to appoint "Special Officers." On March 22, 1917, the Township Committee organized a temporary special police department using members of the township fire departments. The "Committee of Public Safety" was also formed to oversee the police force. The police chief was chosen, often being the current fire chief or company president.

•  During the years 1960 to 1968, the Township Committee budgeted and organized a police force of "Special Officers." These officers, working part-time, used their personal vehicles and some used citizen band radios for communications. In 1966, the Township purchased their first patrol vehicle, and in 1967 obtained their first two-way radio. A second patrol vehicle, second mobile radio and base station radio were obtained in 1968.

•  On July 9, 1968, an Ordinance establishing the Police Department in Mantua Township was passed. With the assistance of the Police Chief’s Association, Thomas R. Connell was sworn in as Mantua Township’s first Chief of Police on September 29, 1968. Chief Connell served the Township until his retirement in 1980.

• Ronald H. Walker took over as Chief of Police, retiring after 27 years with the Department, 18 as its Chief. 

•  Graham B. Land was sworn is as the Chief of Police on October 12, 1999 and retired on June 30, 2008. 

•  Rodney Sawyer is the Current Chief of Police.

   At the current time the Police Department consists of twenty-four officers, two  full time clerical staff. The Department currently has three (3) divisions, a Detective, Patrol, and Communications Division. From within these three divisions, various community- oriented programs are operated. The Department currently has three D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Officers, three Officers assigned to a newly created Bike Unit, and a new unit assigned the mission of Community Policing duties (Town Watch, safety programs, security awareness issues, etc.), K-9 Unit, in addition to a Highway Safety Unit.

   The Department’s goal is to provide pro-active and professional level of service to not only the residents of Mantua Township, but to all who find themselves in the need off assistance.

   You can reach the Department at the following telephone numbers:

   You may contact a specific officer by calling 468-1920 and leaving a message in their voice mail box. If you are calling after the normal business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday dial the same number and follow the instructions provided.