Le Mars police chief outlines staffing gains, grant timeline and accreditation push
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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 shifts. He also noted that roughly 80% of traffic stops result in warnings. "I am proud of this department," Vandevict said.
Vandevict said the department invested in officer safety after a February 2024 call that involved recent gunfire, adding ballistic helmets and shields to every patrol car with help from local grants. He reported that the department took in $97,000 from a COPS grant and told the council those funds are expected to be depleted around October 2027.
On policy and oversight, Vandevict described a two-year internal review of about 80 policies led with staff member Justin and said the department has begun a formal accreditation process with an independent group from Des Moines. He estimated accreditation could take 18 months to two years and said completing it would help qualify the department for future federal grant opportunities.
Packet statistics showed about 14,000 total departmental activities in 2025 and indicated increases from 2024 in complaints investigated, citations and warnings, arrests and accidents. Vandevict also reported zero homicides in 2025, down from three in 2024. Arrest- and charge-related figures listed in the packet included 612 arrests and 707 charges in 2025.
Council members asked follow-ups about retention and enforcement patterns; Vandevict said retention efforts, competitive wages and regional cooperation have reduced poaching and that certified officers from other agencies have recently joined the department. He also said Detective Jeff Kramer now attends regional intelligence meetings with Sioux City and other area agencies to share information about repeat offenders.
Next steps identified in the report include finishing the remaining field training for recent hires, implementing the revised shift schedule to increase overlap among officers, holding community town halls on issues such as scams and active-shooter response, and continuing the accreditation work.
The presentation concluded with a 20-year activity comparison and photos of officers engaged in community policing.