Friday, September 23, 2011

Police Chief Chat

Drug Watch: This past week, the Rolla Street Crimes Unit conducted an investigation in the 1600 block of Martin Springs Drive.. As a result of the investigation, (2) females were arrested after falsely identifying themselves to officers. It was during a search for narcotics when officers learned their true identity and discovered numerous warrants for their arrests. The search of the room also yielded methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Also this past week, the Rolla Street Crimes Unit conducted (2) methamphetamine laboratory investigations, netting (4) individuals who were arrested then interviewed revealing that they were purchasing methamphetamine ingredients legally then trading them to meth cooks for the narcotic.

Here in Drug Watch we would like to congratulate the members of the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department for their recent investigation that led to the arrest of a 56 year old Rolla man for cultivation of marijuana on property in northern Phelps County. Deputies reported discovering in excess of 150 plants ranging in size from three to nine feet in height. During a subsequent search of adjacent buildings a large amount of processed marijuana was also located. Samples of the plants and the processed marijuana were retained as evidence and the remaining plants were later destroyed. Great job guys!

This past week, the Rolla Police Department handled 712 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 20 arrests, 10 alarm calls, 26 accident reports, 29 traffic complaints, 8 check the well being requests, 138 traffic stops, 25 disturbance calls (including domestics), 13 suspicious nature complaints, 18 assists of other agencies, 7 narcotics violations, 11 security checks, 19 bank and funeral escorts, 6 mental health cases, 3 open doors, 4 telephone harassment complaints, 4 assault reports and 22 stealing complaints. This call total is up 133 calls from last week and yes, another busy week!

I would like to take this opportunity to announce recent appointments and promotions within the Rolla Police Department. First, I am proud to announce that Cpl. Derrick Dillon has been offered and has accepted a position as an investigator with our Criminal Investigations Unit. Cpl. Dillon began his law enforcement career with the Rolla Police Department as a Police Cadet in January of 2004. In April of 2004 upon completion of his law enforcement certification, Cpl. Dillon was then assigned as a patrolman. In April of 2006 Dillon attained the rank of Senior Patrol Officer then in September of 2006 he was promoted to Corporal. Cpl. Dillon has served on the S.W.A.T. team, is a Field Training Officer and is also a certified Crisis Negotiator. Cpl. Dillon’s new assignment will offer new challenges as a criminal investigator and I wish him the best.

On Wednesday of this week, S/Sgt. Rick Williams was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Lt. Williams began his law enforcement career with the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department where he served for 22 years. In July of 2000, Lt. Williams accepted a position with the Rolla Police Department as a School Resource Officer. Williams was then appointed as Community Police Officer where he served until being appointed Detective in the Criminal Investigations Unit in October of 2003. Williams served in that capacity until his promotion to S/Sgt in charge of Emergency Operations in October of 2006. Williams served in that capacity until his recent appointment to Lieutenant. Congratulations Rick!

On Monday night, the Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) personnel gathered at Rolla City Hall to provide an opportunity to members of the City Council to view the new VIPS patrol car. During the City Council meeting Mayor Bill Jenks presented Rolla Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Aaron Zalis and his staff at the Rolla Technical Institute with a Certificate of Appreciation for their contribution of the new VIPS patrol car to the Rolla Police Department, the City of Rolla and the community. VIPS Director, Officer Vince Giacolone presented a video production to council members of the progress of the new car as it was transformed from a near totally damaged vehicle, to that of a proud representation of the School/VIPS/Police/Community partnership. We truly appreciate our friends at the Rolla Public Schools and the staff and students at the Rolla Technical Institute for their contribution to this project.

In closing, I would like to invite you to attend the Celebration of Nations parade and festival offered by Missouri S&T as a way to enlighten the community on the true cultural diversity represented here at Missouri S&T. The parade will begin at the Havener Center and travel along State Street to 11th St. Then along 11th to Rolla Streets. From Rolla Street it will travel to 7th, up 7th to Pine, up Pine to 9th, then ending at the festival lots. The parade will feature entries from several different cultures and 5 different bands, floats, our new VIPS patrol car and many other features. The festival will offer food vendors, cultural displays, a 23 foot replica of the Eiffel Tower and a petting zoo among many other attractions.

Have a great week!


Chief Mark Kearse

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