Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Reports topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Police and fire departments report May activity; police call volume below 3‑year average while criminal investigations rise
Summary
Police reported 741 calls for service in May (below a 3‑year average of 832) but a 38% increase in new criminal cases; the fire department reported 53 calls in May (32 EMS) and highlighted training and mutual aid. Council asked about staffing and budget impacts; chiefs provided updates.
Chief Schmitz summarized the Police Department’s May 2026 report: 741 calls for service (slightly below the three‑year average of 832), 34 new cases (about 38% above the three‑year average), 14 arrests, 29 citations and 506 self‑initiated field activities. He noted increased enforcement and investigative activity and that squad miles for the month were 4,340. Schmitz said department budget is at about 91.6% of the fiscal year and that hiring/testing is underway with several candidates in the pipeline.
Chief Soul presented the Fire Department’s May report: 53 calls in May (32 EMS, 10 fire, 10 service), year‑to‑date call totals, driver training, CERT participation and urban search‑and‑rescue training with Iowa Task Force One. He noted mutual aid activity and the department’s recent community service work with public works.
Council members asked about fuel and staffing impacts on budgets; chiefs responded that staffing levels and eventual full staffing would influence mileage and overtime lines. Both departments will continue to monitor staffing and report back as needed.
