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Mount Airy police report: 0 opioid overdoses in May, call volume up 33% from last year; canine unit nets narcotics
Summary
Police Chief Genever reported zero opioid overdoses in May, an increase in calls for service from 480 to 641 year-over-year, ongoing recruitment and training, and multiple canine scans that produced narcotics recoveries during the period reported.
Mount Airy Police Department Chief Genever briefed the council on officer training, recruitment, canine deployments and monthly call statistics during the regular meeting.
Training and programs: Senior officer Bridges completed a “car tech” training course intended to help drivers, especially older residents, learn new vehicle features; the department plans to schedule public sessions. The department is processing four entry-level applicants who will proceed to testing and polygraph exams and is finalizing a part-time evidence/property technician hire.
Canine deployments and narcotics: The department’s canine team (Officer Everett and K9 Paisley) conducted seven canine scans within town limits; six scans produced positive alerts and narcotics were recovered, with one scan returning negative results. Chief Genever said transient traffic related to events in the Monterey area contributed to those incidents and encouraged residents to report suspicious activity.
Overdose and call-volume data: Chief Genever told the council the department recorded zero opioid overdoses for May. Call volume rose from 480 calls for service last year to 641 this year — a 33.54% increase, the chief said; the higher volume includes a greater amount of self-initiated officer activity.
Community events and mutual aid: The chief noted department participation in community events, including support for the four-county Lions Club carnival this week and participation in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
Why it matters: The statistics indicate increased demand on the department’s resources and recent successful canine enforcement activity; recruitment and evidence-position hires are intended to address capacity.
Direct quotes: Chief Genever said, “we have 0 opioid overdoses reported for the month of May.” He also summarized the department’s canine work: six positive alerts with narcotics recovered and one negative scan.
