Police Chief Chat

This week, the Rolla Police Department handled 714 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 22 arrests, 35 accidents, 48 traffic complaints, 102 traffic stops, 29 follow up investigations, 12 suspicious nature calls, 11 loud noise complaints, 28 assists of other agencies, 6 fingerprint requests, 49 - 911 hang up calls, 3 trespassing complaints, 6 escorts, 5 narcotics complaints, 14 stealing complaints and 9 public relations contacts. This call total is down 56 calls from last week. Yet, another busy week!

Well, the Fall season has arrived! Each October the Rolla Police Department begins preparation for October 31st with our “Project Halloween”. This operation is very simple and designed to keep our children safe during this period of activity. The operation includes beefed up patrols by both our Patrol Division and our Volunteers in Police Services members. This year Halloween falls on Sunday evening, which is when the traditional Halloween festivities will be observed in our neighborhoods. The Downtown Business Association decided to host their annual “Have a Safe Trick or Treat Night” event on Saturday, October 30, 2010, from 4 – 7 p.m. Local business and other organizations will be handing out candy and other treats to trick or treaters on Pine Street between 6th St. and 12th St.

The idea of essentially 2 nights of Halloween prompts us to remind you that we will now have 2 nights of children and adults downtown and in our neighborhoods participating in the Halloween celebration. Please remember to use extreme caution when driving through these areas. We will have our officers out in force watching for unsafe actions, lost or missing children and traffic violations that create undo hazards for the participants. We would like to also offer a few safety tips to insure that you and your family have a safe and fun-filled Halloween:

1. Help your child pick out a costume that is fire-proof, reflective or light colored, with large eye openings and one that does not restrict movement.
2. If you display a candle-lit jack – o’- lantern be sure the placement is not too close to your home and away from the area trick or treaters will frequent.
3. Encourage children to travel in groups with at least one adult, and only frequent neighborhoods with which they are familiar.
4. Serve a hearty dinner prior to going out so the children will be less tempted to sample candy and treats that have not been checked by parents. Remember, “when in doubt throw it out!”
5. Teaching your children basic safety techniques such as, not getting into cars or talking to strangers, looking both ways before crossing streets and obeying cross walk margins, will make their Halloween experience safer.

By policy, the Rolla Police Department requires all commissioned police officers to qualify with handguns, rifles and shotguns twice a year in an effort to ensure officers maintain proficiency in the handling and use of these weapons. Typically the qualification sessions are scheduled in the Spring and Fall of the year and are preceded by training offered by our in house certified firearms instructors. Officers certified in firearm instruction include Senior Firearm Instructor Lt. Jim Macormic, Sgt. Kenny Moberly, Sgt. Jeremy Martens, Sgt. John Frey, Spo. Luke Kearse, Spo. Jason Copeland and Spo. Josh Campbell. Training typically includes reinforcing the basic essentials needed to properly and accurately shoot a firearm. They are position, grip, breath control, sight alignment, trigger squeeze and follow through.

This week, due to scheduling conflicts of the other firearms instructors, Lt. Jim Macormic was forced to conduct firearms training and qualifications single handedly. Jim began the training by briefly touching on the basics of firearm proficiency with an hour long block of instruction. Immediately following the session, officers reported to the qualification range where they were expected to qualify with their department issued handguns, patrol rifles and shotguns. Afterward, officers were then subjected to practical shooting scenarios that included moving target acquisition, low light / night firing and weapon reloading. Lt. Macormic was assisted by Volunteers in Police Services members Vince Giacolone, David Reynolds and Larry Seest who maintained range safety.

In closing, the Rolla Police Department Golden Shield Award’s Banquet will be held this weekend where officers, civilian personnel and communications personnel are recognized for service above and beyond the day to day requirements of their daily duties. Among the awards that could be presented are the Medal of Honor, Legion of Honor, Combat Cross, Wounded in Combat, Gallantry Star, Grand Cordon, Meritorious Service, Chief’s Achievement, Life-Saving, Samaritan, Judge JoAnn Mayberry Award and the Mayor’s Award. This is an annual event accompanied by a banquet which has been sponsored by the Behind the Badge organization.

Have a great week!

Chief Mark Kearse