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Orono-area police report: low activity, officer vacancy and siren concerns
Summary
Orono-area police told the Mound City Council they handled only incremental call-volume increases in January, are recruiting to refill one vacancy and explained use-of-sirens rules after residents complained about frequent daytime sirens.
An Orono-area police representative updated the Mound City Council on Jan. activity during the Feb. 11 meeting, saying the department logged only a modest rise in calls and is hiring to replace one officer who resigned.
The officer noted roughly 25 additional calls had been added since his last update and that officers continue routine winter operations, including plowing and responding to weather-related incidents. He said the department has posted the open position; the posting closes Feb. 28 and two applicants had applied as of the meeting.
Councilors raised resident complaints about multiple daytime sirens. The police representative said sirens and lights must be used when vehicles pass stop signs or stoplights in an emergency and that neighboring agencies' responses could contribute to the audible activity. "They have to use their lights and sirens," he said, adding the department must also ensure officers drive safely while responding.
On hiring, the representative said the departing officer was a newer hire who pursued a different career path; the department is seeking candidates to rebuild its staffing levels. The council asked for clarification about postings and the representative said the open posting closes Feb. 28 and there were two applicants so far.
No formal council action was taken on the report. The discussion included follow-up requests by councilors to clarify which agency(s) were generating daytime siren activity and to continue recruitment efforts.
