The Mentor Police Department Specials Unit consists of two part-time officers to support the Patrol Division. Both of these officers are certified peace officers through the State of Ohio. They function in the same manner as full time officers, and carry out the same duties when on patrol. Their training is equivalent to full time officers, and they must receive updated training each year. Each month there is a training session covering topics related to department policy and city and state law. They also receive video training and updates regarding the departments computer system.

As in past years, the Specials continue to work the Fourth of July fireworks detail, the Greater Cleveland Triathlon, the It’s Better in Mentor Festival, and Halloween night. When available, they also fill in on shifts to supplement manpower.

The Special Officers work a traffic enforcement program that was started in 2005. They address different traffic problems in the city by working pre-scheduled four hour blocks each month. These blocks are scheduled monthly. They worked at various times and focus on selective enforcement in traffic calming locations, school zones, and any other areas that were brought to their attention.