Police Chief Chat

This past week, the Rolla Police Department handled 693 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 29 arrests, 27 stealings, 10 check the well being requests, 31 traffic complaints, 83 traffic stops, 13 suspicious nature calls, 2 open door calls, 5 public relations contacts, 29 assists of other agencies, 42 security checks, 8 telephone harassments and 17 accidents. This call total is down 22 calls from last week, yet another busy week!

On Tuesday, August 17, 2010, the South Central Drug Task Force, Rolla Police Department, Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, and St. James Police Department concluded a short term narcotics investigation in the 700 block of Grover Street in St. James, Missouri. As a result of the investigation, the following people were arrested and incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail: Jahod Thomas age 35, was arrested for possession of heroin with the intent to distribute. Christopher Fowler age 35, was arrested for possession of heroin with the intent to distribute. Sherry Clay age 37, was also arrested for possession of heroin with the intent to distribute along with Tyler Clinton age 26 for possession of heroin. The charges for which Thomas, Fowler, Clay, and Clinton were arrested are merely accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This past Tuesday was the opening day for the Rolla Public Schools and we are proud to say that with the increased patrols from both my staff, the Patrol Division and our VIPS volunteers and the increased attentiveness and care exercised by motorists in the area, the day went off without a hitch. Please remember to continue to exercise caution at intersections and in and around the schools and be sure to watch for students traveling to and from these areas. Also remember to observe the flashing amber lights and 20 m.p.h. speed limits posted at each school and expect moderate traffic congestion as well. And please pay close attention to our crossing guards. Let’s all work together to have a safe and fun school year.

Also on Tuesday of this week, representatives from the Rolla Police Department, St. James Police Department, University of Missouri S&T Police Department and the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and members of the Phelps County Emergency Services Board had the opportunity to view a demonstration of a new integrated computer system offered by the Archonix Company, that if purchased, would allow information sharing between each participating agency and provide one common format to simplify reporting and data entry. The program, although expensive would enhance communication and data sharing between the local entities. Department heads in attendance will be looking at the cost effectiveness of implementing this program. Currently each agency relies on their own in-house computer system and all information or data sharing is done so manually through other media resources.

On Wednesday afternoon the Rolla Police Department was honored with a visit from U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson who came to the Police Department to learn more about our Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) program. Congresswoman Emerson learned of the VIPS program through one of her staff members who was present during a Rolla Kiwanis Club meeting where VIPS Director Vince Giacolone provided information on the program. Also in attendance was District Representative Dan Brown, City Administrator John Butz and Rolla City Councilman Stan Spadoni. I had the opportunity to address the group on the VIPS concept and how I envisioned the success of the program here in Rolla. VIPS Director Vince Giacolone then gave a brief overview of the recruitment process, the services provided by VIPS and an introduction of our VIPS volunteers. This was followed by a brief building tour and an opportunity to view one of our VIPS patrol cars. Ms. Emerson was greatly impressed by the program and recommended that the information and concept be offered to more Missouri law enforcement agencies. Special thanks to Representative Dan Brown and City Administrator John Butz and Coucilman Stan Spadoni, who were already familiar with the program and accompanied Ms. Emerson.

On Thursday, August 19, 2010, officers from the Missouri S&T Police Department and the Rolla Police Department conducted a short-term undercover alcohol compliance operation at various businesses within the City of Rolla. During the course of the investigation, officers, with the assistance of two minors, visited twenty-one businesses and attempted to purchase alcoholic beverages. During the operation, 2 of the 21 businesses were found to be in violation of state law by selling an alcoholic beverage to a minor. As a result of the illegal sales, each of the sales clerks, were arrested at the scene and released on summons for “Supplying Liquor to a Minor”, which is a misdemeanor offense. The good news is that only 2 of the 21 businesses involved in the operation were found in violation. The remaining establishments were found to be in compliance with state law.

In closing, I would like to remind you that that Behind the Badge will be holding a fundraiser at the Pizza Inn of Rolla on Sunday, August 22, 2010, from 5-8 p.m. Pizza Inn will donate a percentage of the sales, and some of those proceeds will benefit the Rolla Police Department’s Annual Awards Banquet. Officers and BTB staff will be your servers. Bring the family out for a night of fun and good food. I will be the door greeter so come out and say hello and enjoy a great meal and bring your friends!

Chief Mark Kearse