Police report: three new officers enter training, Riverwalk patrols to increase; trade-in and donation approved

Police Chief Chad Dick delivered the department’s monthly update, reporting that three new officers graduated and entered the field training officer process and that telecommunicator Mason Herszog is progressing in training.

Chief Dick said the department recorded 1,313 calls for service in May, including about 50 crashes (44 property-damage crashes and six personal-injury crashes), 344 traffic warnings, 66 traffic citations and 46 criminal arrests. Detectives opened 12 new investigations, conducted 19 interviews and served six search warrants. Chief Dick also noted the communications center processed 407 emergency 911 calls and maintained an average ring time of 2.58 seconds, well under a national benchmark of 10 seconds.

Council and the chief said patrols at the Riverwalk will be increased following recent calls and public concerns; by state statute, officers must first give warnings to persons on public property. The council approved removing asset number 600216, a 2018 Dodge Charger, from fixed inventory for trade-in as part of the new-vehicle purchase package. The motion carried by voice vote.

Fire Chief Kenny Hooken informed the council of a $1,000 donation from Ned and Dar Goings restricted to the fire department’s use but unrestricted within that department; the council voted to accept the donation.

Council members did not request further public-safety agenda items; staff will proceed with fleet decommissioning and trade-in processing as equipment is outfitted.