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Police say statewide cyber tips have surged; investigators stretched as soccer-complex vandalism rises
Summary
At a Batesville City Council meeting, Police Chief Scar Bro told councilors that statewide cyber-tip reports rose from about 8,000 in 2024 to roughly 15,000 in 2025, straining investigators; he also reported vandalism at the city soccer complex and steps to restore cameras and identify suspects.
Police Chief Scar Bro told the Batesville City Council that investigators are handling a growing volume of internet-based child-exploitation tips and that department staff are feeling the strain.
"In 2024, the cyber tips for the state was at about 8,000. In 2025, the tips are up to 15,000 and I would imagine 2026 is going to be more than that," Chief Scar Bro said. He said one investigator assigned to an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force is especially busy with emotionally taxing cases.
Chief Scar Bro also described recent interagency training that exposed local officers to breaching and tactical scenarios used by larger regional departments, and said portions of that training produced practical tactics officers can apply in everyday operations.
Councilors asked about vandalism at the city's soccer complex. Chief Scar Bro said roughly 23 garbage cans were destroyed in a recent weekend incident and that individuals riding four-wheelers and motorcycles had damaged benches and field infrastructure. ‘‘We believe it is juveniles,’’ he said, adding that investigators are working to identify suspects and to redeploy surveillance equipment.
The chief said a narcotics pole camera had been taken offline while it was relocated, and the device was vandalized before it could be moved to a new location. He said department leaders are pursuing replacement cameras and quoting out a plan to add a secure cage in the evidence room to better protect guns and narcotics evidence.
The council did not enact new policy during the discussion; the chief requested that the council continue to expect written reports from other department leaders and for staff to circulate a delayed report from Chief McCullum once available.
