Police Chief Chat

This past week, the Rolla Police Department handled 713 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 19 arrests, 8 alarms, 20 accidents, 36 traffic complaints, 10 check the well being, 124 traffic stops, 23 disturbance (including domestics), 17 suspicious nature, 18 assists of other agencies, 11 field interviews, 9 escorts, 10 leave without pays, 37 animal control, 5 mental health, 4 fingerprint requests, 2 fights and 5 abandon vehicles. This call total is up 25 calls from last week. Yet another busy week!

On Friday, November 11, 2011 we celebrated Veteran’s Day which is a day when the nation recognizes the men and women who have proudly served our country in the US Armed Services. Veteran’s from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and US Coast Guard were remembered for their patriotism, honor, duty and sacrifice as they boldly stepped forward in defense of our great nation. All veterans from the newest recruit just entering boot camp, the men and women fighting present day battles and to those entombed in Arlington deserve our respect, support, reflection and unending gratitude for allowing us to continue to live our lives as free Americans! Thank you to all our veterans for what you are about to do, what you are doing and what you have done!

The Rolla Police Department is very proud of our own Veteran heroes who have served in the past and are continuing to serve today. Our Veterans include S/Sgt Jim Macormic, Lt. Rick Williams, Sgt Kenny Moberly, Sgt. Will Loughridge, Sgt. Ken Nakanishi, Det. Robert Jones, Cpl. Adam Meyer, Cpl. John Frey, Spo. Luke Kearse, Pto. Chris Reeder, Pco. Larry Seest, ACO/ Mgr. John Redshaw, Telecommunicator Matt Goss, Res. Mike Watson, Res. Brandon Cole, Res. Mike Hargis, Res. Tim Boone, Res. Scott Langley, Res. Steve Roukie, VIPS Don Rowland, VIPS Don Reed, VIPS Keith LeCroix, and Spo. Tommy Davis and Pto. (Cadet) Phil Moss who are currently serving overseas. To you we owe our freedom!

This past week the Rolla Police Department conducted our bi-annual firearms training and qualifications. The training was orchestrated by S.W.A.T. Leader Spo. Luke Kearse and his team consisting of S/Sgt. Jim Macormic, Sgt. Jeremy Martens, Sgt. Ken Nakanishi, Cpl. John Frey, Cpl. Josh Campbell, Pco. Larry Seest, VIPS Director Vince Giacolone and Reserve Officer Dave Reynolds. The training was a 2-day event consisting of 2 hours of classroom instruction on weapon safety and function and range safety and procedure. The range training included speed and accuracy drills, precision drills and a qualification course for handguns, rifles and shotguns. By policy all Rolla Police Department commissioned officers are required to receive training and to qualify with their issued weapons twice a year. Great job guys!

On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, the Rolla Police Department S.W.A.T. team participated in a 2-day training program that included entry and suppression drills, range work and sniper/spotter scenarios. The S.W.A.T. team consists of patrol officers and supervisors who have undergone extensive training and conditioning to qualify them to complete missions that require special weapons and tactics that typical patrol units may not possess.

The Rolla Police Department will be joining efforts with statewide law enforcement November 18 for an aggressive "Click it or Ticket" mobilization to get more motorists to buckle up and save more lives. Despite evidence proving the benefits of wearing a seat belt, nearly one in four Missouri motorists are still not making it click. Seven out of 10 Missourians killed in traffic crashes are unbuckled. Local motorists should be prepared for stepped up "Click it or Ticket" enforcement, says Sgt. Tim Mayfield. "We'll be out there to remind you seat belts can - and do - save lives." Buckle Up and Arrive Alive! For more information on Missouri seat belt usage, visit www.saveMOlives.com.

In closing, this past Monday the Rolla City Council approved the plan to use money seized from illegal drug dealers to finance the purchase of 12 new Police patrol vehicles to replace the aging fleet currently in use. Many of our current patrol cars and specialty vehicles have accumulated well over 100,000 miles and spend more time in maintenance than they do in fleet operation. In addition the aging fleet has become a safety issue for our officers who spend many hours per shift in these vehicles. We are expecting delivery of the new vehicle in 60-90 days. In addition we were also able to purchase a new animal control truck from funds budgeted to replace the ’95 F-150 currently in use.

Have a great week!

Chief Mark Kearse