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Le Mars police chief outlines staffing gains, grant timeline and accreditation push
Summary
Chief Kevin Vandevict told the Le Mars City Council the police department added three hires in 2025, now has 18 officers, equipped patrol cars with ballistic gear, received a $97,000 COPS grant set to expire in October 2027, and launched a multi-year accreditation review that could affect future federal grant eligibility.
Chief Kevin Vandevict delivered his ninth annual report to the Le Mars City Council, stressing staffing gains, equipment upgrades and a planned accreditation review that city leaders say could protect future grant funding.
Vandevict said the department hired three officers in 2025, bringing the sworn total to 18. "We have more applicants than we have people to hire," he told the council, noting the hires included one replacement for a retirement, one COPS-funded position and one additional post that expanded the department.
The chief highlighted operational metrics to justify equipment requests: officers collectively drive about 160,000 miles a year and cover roughly 3,200…
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