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Concern over police regularly parking in ambulance spots at Ohio hospital

Police union president said officers may park at the trauma center out of necessity and the department has never received a complaint

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Members of the public are concerned that police vehicles are taking up parking spots for ambulances at a local hospital.

Columbus Police cruisers are often seen parked in the ambulance-only spots and lanes outside the emergency department at Grant Medical Center, Fox 28 reports.

A viewer said ambulances may be delayed by not finding parking, which could affect the time it takes for a patient to receive treatment.

Fraternal Order of Police President Jason Pappas said he has never received a complaint about parking at the hospital, and that officers often park close to the level one trauma center out of necessity, not convenience.

“We could be following up on a serious traffic crash, we could be transporting domestic violence victims to the hospital,” Pappas said. “Often times we accompany sex assault victims to the hospital.”