Toledo, Ohio – After 26 years of service, longtime officer Kevin Braun will take the helm of the Toledo Police Department on Nov. 1, succeeding retiring Chief Michael Troendle. Braun, a native of Toledo who joined the force in 2000, has risen through every rank, from sergeant to assistant chief, and says the department is ready to build on recent progress rather than start from scratch.

Continuity and professional growth

“We don’t need to reinvent the wheel here. We need to expand and grow on the progress that we’ve made,” Braun told reporters. He emphasized that professionalism is the cornerstone of safe policing, noting that lapses in professionalism often lead to trouble for departments across the country.

One of Braun’s top priorities is to enhance the department’s professionalism through expanded officer wellness programs and a focused recruitment drive. While Troendle noted that budget cuts have reduced class sizes, Braun remains optimistic about increasing the force from just under 600 officers to roughly 650 in the near future.

Recruitment and training goals

Braun outlined a vision of holding police academy classes every year and making them as large as resources allow. He acknowledged the fiscal realities, saying, “If that’s not the reality, what does this department look like?” Nonetheless, he expressed confidence that a steady pipeline of well‑trained officers will strengthen community safety.

Technology and public‑safety tools

When asked about the ongoing debate over license‑plate reading cameras—referred to locally as the “Flock” system—Braun said he understands both sides but stressed the tool’s importance. “It has been by far the most useful tool that we have ever had on this department,” he said.

The city council is scheduled to vote within the next two weeks on a resolution urging the city to end its Flock contract and remove the cameras. Braun warned that losing the technology would be “detrimental” and could set the department back significantly.

Looking ahead to 2027

Looking toward the next year, Braun expects the department to operate with just under 600 officers and aims to grow that number to 650, provided budgetary constraints can be addressed. He also plans to continue expanding technology investments that support both officer safety and effective policing.

“The hope is to have classes every year, have them be as large as we can possibly get them to be, but also understanding that in the background we have to be working and thinking about if that’s not the reality, what does this department look like?” Braun said.

Community impact

Local residents and community leaders have expressed optimism that Braun’s experience and steady hand will maintain public safety while fostering stronger ties between police and the neighborhoods they serve. By focusing on wellness, recruitment, and proven technology, Braun aims to ensure that Toledo’s police department remains a reliable guardian of the city’s families and values.

For a full recording of the media availability with Chief Troendle and incoming Chief Braun, listeners can visit the station’s website.

Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.