FROM: Jody Matherly, Chief of Police DATE: February 13, 2008

TO: Honorable Mayor Gordon Canfield

Honorable City Council

Russell Behrens, City Manager

Citizens of the City of Grinnell

The Grinnell Police Department proudly presents the 2007 Annual Report to our community. It details the various activities of the department, including crime statistics and the law enforcement initiatives taken to combat crimes. It is also an opportunity to let the community see the various roles we take part in to keep our community a safe place to live, work, visit and play.  

We began the year very excited about the planning of the new Public Safety Building, funded in part by the Local Option Sales Tax. Our architect firm is FEH of DesMoines. They have been working with the Mayor’s Public Safety Building Task Force, comprised of 15 members of our community. We have valued the input of this task force. Grinnell Fire Chief Dan Sicard and I worked together to design a building that will be efficient and inviting; a place to be proud of and sustainable for many years. We are incorporating Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design concepts (LEED) into the plan. Everyone’s goal is to make it a focal point for the community at a reasonable cost to build and operate. The building will be approximately 30,000 sq. feet at a cost of approximately $6 million. The construction is expected to start in June, 2008 with a move-in date targeted for October, 2009.

The city and county continue to discuss the possibility of a combined communications (dispatch) center. Presently, Grinnell dispatches its own Police and Fire services while the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office dispatches all other cities. Those talks are ongoing.

Capt Tim Sittig resigned from our department to take a job as Chief of Police in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. His training and experience here helped prepare him to take the top-cop job there. He was a valuable asset to our department and I am confident he will lead his new department to its highest potential.

Theresa Petersen was promoted to the rank of Captain. She has many years experience as a police supervisor and will do well in her new leadership role.

Heath Jepson was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He was previously a sergeant but was assigned as a patrol officer as the result of a re-structuring of the department in 2004. Sgt. Jepson is a welcome addition back to the command staff.

We prepared our police officers for a promotional test in January, 2008, to fill a vacant Sergeant’s position. Four officers (Hughes, Anderson, Wray and Tiedemann) will take the test.

The Poweshiek County Emergency Management Coordinator, Dan DeMott resigned for a teaching position in Texas. His replacement is Karen Meek, a Poweshiek County resident with governmental experience. She has been a welcome addition to our organizations. We continue to house the EMA office in our public safety building. With Karen’s assistance, we also continue to train in Weapons of Mass Destruction to meet federal requirements for implementing the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS). All of our officers are now certified beyond the level required by the federal guidelines.

We continue to work on a committee with Grinnell School District and with Grinnell College on Emergency Response during critical incidents. Ofc. Jeff Hughes is assigned as the liaison for that project.

We instituted the Taser, non-lethal stun device program this past year. With two officers seriously injured during an arrest of a scissor wielding suspect in December, 2006, which resulted in a disability retirement for at least one, it was necessary to evaluate how to reduce the chance of injury to officers as well as arrestees. The Taser device uses technology to incapacitate dangerous, combative, or high-risk subjects who pose a risk to law enforcement officers, innocent citizens, or themselves in a manner that is generally recognized as a safer alternative to other uses of force.

We maintain current information on our city/police webpage (www.grinnelliowa.gov). The information includes a "daily blotter" (reveals the current calls for service we handled) as well as posting current job openings for police officer and reserve police officer positions. We also receive crime tips and crime reports on the site. There are links to road conditions, weather maps and other useful information. I invite you to visit this useful site.

STAFFING:

The Grinnell Police Department is presently budgeted for 17 employees (15 sworn police officers and 2 civilian employees). Of the 15 sworn, there is one (1) Chief of Police, one (1) Captain, two (2) Sergeants and eleven (11) Police Officers.

The employees are assigned as follows:

Chief and Captain- Day shift handling departmental administration, planning, coordinating, and special projects as well as responsibility of overall operations.

Sergeants- One (1) assigned to each 12-hour day and night patrol shift handling departmental administration and shift personnel (2 Sergeants total).

Police Officers- Four (4) assigned to both 12-hour patrol shifts and one (1) assigned to the evening shift (9 police officers total).

Traffic Safety Officer (TSO) – One (1) assigned to this newly created position allows us to focus on identifying violators of traffic laws and taking appropriate action, with the goal of ultimately reducing the number of traffic crashes that occur in our community. This officer will also be trained in advanced crash investigation and is the coordinator for traffic enforcement grants, the speed trailer, and other traffic oriented initiatives and equipment. (10^th police officer)

Task Force Officer- One police officer assigned to the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement (MINE) Task Force (11^th police officer).

Civilians- one police administrative assistant/dispatcher and one data entry clerk/typist (2 total).

The department focused on implementing ideas to improve recruitment and retention of officers. Like the past couple years, we had a number of turnovers in police officer positions, a very common problem in the United States. With the prospect of a new building, advanced use of technology as highlighted in last years annual report, and the expected growth Grinnell will be experiencing, new officers will have all the elements desired for a rewarding career in local law enforcement. We hired one non-certified officer who graduated from the police academy in July and four (4) certified officers in the. One certified officer then left for another career after three months. Also, Sgt. Hanssen retired after serving over 25 years of service as the result of an injury sustained on-duty.

The officer: population ratio is one measurement used to determine staffing needs. If the Grinnell College population (nearly 1,500 students) is counted, our estimated inhabitants are approximately 10,000 citizens. With 15 officers, that places us at 1.50 officers per 1000 citizens, which is the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recommended standard. If the college is not fully counted and we use 9,200 residents as our number, the per capita is 1.63, slightly above the standard. The average in Iowa is 1.68 officers per 1000 citizens, the national average for cities with populations of 10,000 or less is 3.3 officers and the national average overall is 2.3 officers, which we fall well below. However, with the approval to staff a 15^th officer over the 14 budgeted for in 2006, it puts us in a better position to address crime and safety issues. These statistics alone do not establish whether a police department is suitably staffed. Many other variables are to be considered. We’ll continue to measure and evaluate those variables as needed.

The acceptable response time of our officers for calls for service is one important indicator of proper staffing and use of resources. Response time is defined as from the time the citizen requests police service until an officer arrives on scene. Presently, the overall average response time is approximately one (1) minute. In two-hour increments, the range is an average high of eight (8) minutes to a low of under one (1) minute. In 2007 we responded to 453 priority one calls in 2007, an increase of 49 calls from 2006. There were 425 in 2005. Priority one calls is defined as life-threatening situations, in-progress crimes, medical emergencies, injury car accidents and similar. Officers’ response to those calls averaged 1.3 minutes.

CRIME:

We experienced an increase of 13% in reported crime for 2007. Some of the more significant increases were seen in drug cases, alcohol offenses and drunk driving. Conversely, we saw a decrease in sexual abuse and domestic violence incidents. There are many factors that influence crime rates such as population, age and gender composition of population, education levels, prevalent family structures, economic conditions including poverty level and unemployment rate, operational and investigative emphasis of the police department, and attitude of the citizenry toward crime, including its reporting practices.

The statistical portion of this report was primarily generated from our in-house computer system, utilizing Sleuth Records Management System (RMS), Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems and Officer’s Daily Activity Log. Bearing in mind that a computer is only as good as the data entered, there is a 10-15% negative margin of error in these statistics. Officers actually respond to and investigate, as well as initiate more activity than what is presented.

Calls for service (combined citizen generated and officer initiated activity such as calls for service, incident [crime] reports, arrests, crash reports, traffic citations and parking tickets issued) for 2007 was 10,170 a 1% increase over 2006. The all time high for calls for service in Grinnell is 11,553 in 2001. These variations are caused by several factors, including the crime rate, number of officers employed and reporting accuracy. The average calls for service for the past five years are 10,036.

Incident reports (criminal cases) filed and investigated in 2007 increased by 13%, with 1,495 crimes reported. These account for all reportable crimes in Grinnell. In the past 20 years, the all time high is 1,523 cases in 1998 and the low was 985 in 2002. The number of reported crimes appears to have risen dramatically in 1994, but in reality it was in part due to new technology allowing for more accurate statistics. The average number of crimes reported in the past five years is 1,289. We continue to train our officers in crime prevention, detection and investigation to address crime issues, thereby trying to reduce incidents of law breaking. Officers also remain highly visible, proactive and responsive to our citizens’ concerns and suggestions to achieve this goal.

It is the more serious crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, theft, motor vehicle theft and arson) that are tracked yearly by the U.S. Department of Justice (U.S.D.O.J.). These crimes are considered by experts to be the most serious and the most commonly reported crimes occurring in the nation. The total number of these crimes has, in the past, been considered a city’s "crime index". However, it is no longer labeled crime index by the U.S.D.O.J. Effective June 2003, the crimes were divided into two (2) categories: violent crimes (homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft and arson). In Grinnell, there were 31 violent crimes or 3.1 per 1000 inhabitants (0 murder, 6 rape, 2 robbery, 23 aggravated assault) and 299 property crimes or 29.9 crimes per 1000 inhabitants (58 burglary, 215 larceny-theft, 18 motor-vehicle theft, 4 arson). Violent and property crimes combined there was a 4% decrease from last year. In Iowa’s most recent statistics in 2005 there were 2.9 violent crimes and 29 property crimes per 1000 inhabitants. Nationally in 2005, there were 4.7 violent crimes and 34.3 property crimes committed per 1000 inhabitants.

Following is a comparison of Grinnell 2007 and Iowa cities 2005 statistics (latest available) similar in population:

Other incidents such as domestic violence went down 25% in 2007. We responded to 109 domestic problems compared to 146 the prior year. Not all of these resulted in arrest as an officer may respond and find no violation of the law. While causal factors for domestic violence vary, police response coupled with assistance from other community resources can reduce these offenses. While the Domestic and Sexual Assault Response Team (DSART) which was started in September of 2003 lost its grant funding in 2007, the residual from this project appears to have had a positive effect. This group consisted of members from the Grinnell Police Department, Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office, Poweshiek County Attorney’s Office, and the Poweshiek County’s Domestic Violence Alternatives. The purpose or mission of this team was to further strengthen the network and bonds of agencies and disciplines that deal with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. DSART received a grant in 2004 in the amount of $185,000 under the U.S. Department of Justice, Rural Domestic Violence and Child Victimization Enforcement Grant Program. It was intended to address the unique problems faced by rural victims of domestic violence, the goal of DSART. Our goal locally was to see the frequency of domestic related offenses drop, and that appears to have been achieved.

Disturbances dropped 21% while alcohol related crimes increased 26% in 2007. There were 151 (the same amount in 2005) of these combined peace and order type offenses compared to 175 in 2006. Police response to reduce peace and order crimes is only one part of the solution as these events are part of a widespread, societal issue. A quick response and swift action involving these types of calls can greatly reduce the chance of other crimes taking place, such as assault or destruction of property. We continue to work with Grinnell College and Grinnell School District on alcohol and substance abuse issues to assist their students and administration in handling these matters, should they occur.

There were a total of 215 reported thefts in 2007, a decrease of 7%. In addition, fraud cases (identity theft, credit card theft, etc.) rose to 22 cases, up 29%. With computers available to nearly every household in the United States, opportunities to commit fraud continue to increase. Officers spend a significant amount of time investigating and arresting individuals responsible for theft.

There were 104 narcotics cases in 2007, an increase of 49%. It is the highest in the past five (5) years, with the lowest being 68 in 2003. Drug use and sales is a nexus for many other crimes in the United States. Grinnell is not a safe haven from this problem, but we continue to take a proactive approach to reduce the occurrences. We continue to see an increase in the theft and abuse of prescription drugs. Resources at the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Task Force (MINE) are being used to combat the war on drugs. MINE is a position that a Grinnell officer is assigned to via the Byrne JAG (Justice Assistances Grants). This grant funds 75% of the officer’s salary and benefits.

Sexual abuse cases dropped significantly by 63%, from 16 in 2006 to 6 in 2007. Sexual abuse cases, like all crime, vary from year to year. It is difficult to determine exactly what the root of the problem is in this area. However, statistically the victim generally knows or is related to the perpetrator. This means there are other societal issues that are partially responsible for these crimes. The Grinnell Police Department stays current in training to respond and investigate these types of crimes.

The burglary (breaking and entering) rate in Grinnell increased slightly from 58 occurrences in 2006 to 62 in 2007, a 7% increase. The all time high is 99 incidents in 2000. These statistics may also reflect some burglaries to vehicles due to data classification variations.

Assaults, including intimidation were at 83 incidents, an increase of 14% from 2006. This is the second highest occurrence in the past five (5) years. The highest was 134 in 2000. Many assaults occur from alcohol related and drug induced situations.

There were 808 arrests in 2007, a significant increase of 37% from 2006. This can be attributed to many variables, one being thorough criminal investigations to identify and arrest those responsible for violating the law. It is an important correlation for arrests to increase as reported crimes increase.

There were 81 juveniles arrested (some with multiple offenses charged) in 2007, the highest number in the past five years. This is a 56% increase from 52 in 2006. In the past ten years, the high was 183 juvenile arrests in 2000. The following are a breakdown of some of the juvenile offenses: 30 for Theft, 9 for Alcohol Offenses (OWI, Public Intoxication, Possession Under Legal Age), 8 for Drugs, 5 for Curfew and 6 for Tobacco. Two were charged with Robbery. A small number were charged with Assault, Destruction of Property or Burglary.

Our clearance rate for criminal cases in 2007 was 75%. The clearance rate is those cases that are solved, either by an arrest warrant issued or by exceptional means (i.e., when elements beyond the control of law enforcement prevent the placing of formal charges

against the offender [a victim refused to cooperate, the suspect died, prosecution was declined or extradition is declined]). The national average for clearance rates is 46% for violent crimes and 16% for property crimes. Grinnell’s high clearance rate is largely due to the training, diligence and professionalism of our entire department. Even the most highly trained criminal investigator cannot succeed without the initial officer properly responding to the scene, conducting a thorough investigation and accurately documenting it.

There are no discernible patterns in any of the crimes occurring in Grinnell, although any increase is of concern. As stated prior, many issues factor in to determine crime patterns and the resources necessary to prevent it. We pride our officers in dealing with the small problems before they become bigger. Proven methods such as community policing and problem-solving policing, coupled with aggressive enforcement efforts are the key to keeping our crime rate low. We have focused on reaching out to the community to reinforce that we need to be partners in reducing crime, as well as educating our schools, our citizens and our businesses on what they can do to prevent crime.

TRAFFIC SAFETY:

Traffic safety in Grinnell continues to be a top priority as our citizens continue to advocate more trails for bicycles and pedestrians. Traffic citations decreased from 1015 in 2006 to 831 in 2007. There were 415 warnings given in 2007. By issuing warnings, the officers are taking enforcement action by giving the motorist a chance to take their own corrective action, part of the discretion officers use on a daily basis. Since arrests significantly increased this year, officers’ availability to be proactive in traffic enforcement may have been compromised. The inability to enforce traffic laws can have a direct impact on correcting traffic violations, which can negatively impact reductions in crash statistics.

There was a 38% increase in vehicle crashes causing property damage this year, with 211 occurring. The better news is that injury accidents decreased by 28%, from 29 to 21. There were 44 hit and run crashes, the same number as last year. Some crashes may not be reported because they are considered "minor damage" or the incident may occur on private property. There were no fatal crashes or critical-injury accidents in our city in 2007.

Strict enforcement of traffic laws has proven to have a positive affect on driving patterns. Many citizens will change their driving behavior if there is a belief that when they do violate traffic laws, they will be detected and held responsible. The goal is to have a dramatic impact on reducing the accident rate.

After evaluating officers’ available time to be proactive on traffic enforcement, beginning in 2007 the police department is assigning an officer to a newly created position; Traffic Safety Officer (TSO). The TSO will be assigned to enforce traffic laws and use a selective enforcement approach. That means he/she will enforce laws based on violations occurring during a certain time of day, location and day of the week. For example, speeding is a serious offense when you examine the facts: according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, over 20% of all fatal crashes are caused by operating a vehicle in an erratic, reckless, careless, or negligent manner. Speeding is one of the most common offenses committed by the aggressive driver; 5% of fatal crashes are caused by driving too fast for conditions or in excess of posted speed limits. The TSO will drive a low profile police traffic car designed to allow the officer to observe traffic flowing without deterrence; that is without the officer being easily detected by motorists. The objective is to monitor traffic and take appropriate action when violations occur. While the goal is to reduce the frequency of crashes, traffic enforcement can have a negative connotation. Because of the punitive consequences attached to traffic enforcement, many do not have an appreciation for the positive benefits. Having been a police officer for 25 years, I can say that for every motorist upset about being cited for a traffic violation, there is a much larger number that appreciate being able to drive, bicycle and walk safely with their family upon the roadways of our community. The TSO will also receive advance training in detection and enforcement of alcohol related driving offenses as well as crash investigation techniques.

We continue to employ some of the department’s traffic enforcement grant money in various ways. One method is a "wolf pack" technique. That translates to instead of one officer assigned to enforce traffic on three different days, we assign three officers together for a period of time. This gives the impression that the "police are everywhere" and keeps the motorist alert to their driving behavior. This grant money is from the Governor’s Highway Traffic Safety Bureau, Iowa Department of Public Safety. This special Traffic Enforcement Program (s.T.E.P.) grant has been awarded to us every year for the past few years.

Since 2005, we continue utilize a speed trailer to deter speeding motorists. This device uses a radar unit to tell the motorist their speed, as well as displaying the posted speed limit. When an officer isn’t available to deter violators of traffic laws, the trailer does the job. It also gathers data of vehicle frequency and speed, thereby allowing us to target enforcement in problem areas when the violations are occurring. This is an example of using technology to free up our officers (a limited resource) for other duties.

Officers made 63 Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) arrests in 2007, up from 36 in 2006. Considering nearly 50% of all fatal crashes involve the use of alcohol, that is an important mission. Our department will continue to train all officers in OWI enforcement and streamline any procedures that take up too much of an officer’s time to improve the process of arresting and processing drunk drivers. If officers are comfortable in working in the OWI process, their enforcement effort will generally increase. We trained the Grinnell Police Reserve officers and Poweshiek County Reserve officers in 2006 in identifying and arresting drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

There were 1344 parking tickets issued in 2007, up from 1184 in 2006. Parking violations can cause vision obstructions, jeopardize pedestrian safety (especially near schools and college) and hamper snow removal efforts. Parking regulations will continue to be enforced on a consistent basis.

A new Grinnell city code was fully adopted in 2007. It now encompasses most traffic laws and some minor criminal offenses. Now the City of Grinnell receives 90% of all fines written under city code. This helps off-set the costs of enforcement efforts. Previously, the State of Iowa received the money.

RESERVE POLICE OFFICERS

The Grinnell Police Reserve Unit was led this year by Officer Ben Anderson while the Corporal assigned to that detail was off on extended leave for a duty-related injury. Presently there are five (5) reserves. They achieved many hours of training each year. The unit continues to hold monthly meetings and work to achieve and maintain their State of Iowa reserve certification. The unit assisted with the following events: July 4^th, Happy Days, Homecoming parade and Ag Days. They also provide security for the High School sporting events and activities. Two (2) officers are on the Warrant Service Entry Team (WSET). The reserves worked well over their minimum standards this year and assisted our staff in many ways. The reserves are a valuable asset to our department and we continue to seek qualified and civic minded individuals to join this team.

TRAINING

Training of our entire staff remains a priority for the police department. There are mandatory training requirements put in place by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and recertification hours for instructors to maintain their abilities to instruct. Captain Sittig and Sergeant Petersen coordinated the training division.

Officers spent 511 hours on in-service training in 2007. Our goal in 2008 will be to conduct more in-house training by utilizing our own instructors and local expertise.

We continued to devote some training to domestic preparedness. Through this training all officers and employees of the police department are Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) trained which is required by Federal Rule in order to receive Federal funding for equipment, training, and reimbursement should there be a State of Emergency occurring in our area.

The Grinnell Police Department Warrant Service Entry Team merged with the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office in 2005 to form the Poweshiek County Joint Emergency Response Task Force. This provides for more manpower during critical incidents and expands the role of the team from warrant service to also include other critical incidents such as terrorist attacks, hostage or barricaded person calls or disasters. This included additional Tactical training and updating response plans.

CRIME PREVENTION

The department continues to work with the community in crime prevention programs and methods. It is our responsibility to foster the relationships with our community and businesses that builds these successful programs. Ofc. Chris Wray and Ofc. Fred Foreman led the crime prevention efforts. Many other officers also contributed. Requests for safety assessments of businesses and residences increased. The department spent many hours on crime prevention programs, many of them highlighted below.

Hosted Grinnell’s Fifth Annual National Night Out program with the Grinnell Optimist Club. Wal-Mart and the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce were sponsors. It is a police and community partnership that is designed to:

o Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness

o Generate support for and participation in anticrime programs

o Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships

o Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back

Pat Hatting and Ofc. Wray were the co-chairs of this event.

The Davis Area Neighborhood Watch continues to operate by citizens living in that area. Ofc. Foreman is assigned as their liaison.

Conducted periodic bicycle and foot patrol operations in the downtown area, in residential neighborhoods and at Grinnell College, promoting community interaction and deterring crime through high visibility. A new police bicycle was purchased. We have a total of four.

Continued participation in the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Task Force (MINE). Our officer did several presentations to various groups (schools, businesses, etc) on narcotics issues.

The nuisance animal enforcement effort continues to increase to raise owners’ awareness and the goal of voluntary compliance of city animal laws. Officers are enforcing the animal license requirement on a consistent basis. This keeps animals accounted for and encourages owners to be more responsible. The Northside Vet Clinic is our city shelter.

Participated in the Grinnell City Public Safety Committee.

The evidence and property room and quartermaster was managed by Ofc. Anderson.

Capt. Petersen is a certified Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) instructor and handles the department’s work schedule, special events and is the commander of the sergeants. She will also begin working in a liaison capacity with Grinnell Schools and Grinnell College.

Sgt. Jepson is a defensive tactics and PR 24 instructor. He also serves as the department’s firearms instructor. This year he conducted self-defense classes for local realtors.

Cpl. Tiedemann is an ASP (defensive baton) instructor, coordinates the police reserves and WSET training and is quartermaster.

Capt. Sittig served as the Grinnell-Newberg Community School District’s Truancy Officer, Grinnell College Parking Committee and member of the International Association of the Chiefs of Police.

Chief Matherly serves as the Mayor’s designee for the County E-911 Board and alternate for Emergency Management Board and is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Iowa Police Executive Forum.

Ofc. Foreman is a member of the Midwest Gang Association, an organization devoted to identifying gangs and sharing intelligence on gang members and activities. He was also assigned to the MINE task force this past year. He gave a career day talk to students at Bailey Park School.

Ofc. Anderson and Cpl. Tiedemann are the union stewards for the patrolman’s union. They are a vital part of our overall process in labor relations. A 3-year Collective Bargaining Agreement was negotiated.

Ofc. Fricke is the department fleet coordinator, ensuring the police vehicles are well maintained.

Ofc. Hughes serves as a regional representative for the Law Enforcement Intelligence Network (L.E.I.N.) and teaches college courses in sociology. He is the 1^st Vice President of the Iowa Chiefs of Police and Peace Officers Association.

Ofc. Gray was assigned to the speed trailer and other traffic related duties. He also conducted a bicycle registration day a local apartment picnic.

Ofc. Wray talked to Davis School students about crime scene investigations.

Continued the criminal investigator position as agreed upon in the Grinnell Police Officers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement. Inv. Wray is presently assigned to that duty.

Facilitated many tours of the police and fire departments to various groups and individuals.

Kept our Internet website (linked to www.grinnelliowa.gov) current by using it for special projects, the hiring process, traffic/weather condition links and calls for service information.

Chief Matherly maintained contact with Grinnell College administrators and security managers. Chief Matherly talked to their Student Government. The working relationship and communication with the college staff and students continues to be excellent.

Worked on projects and enhanced a strong relationship with Grinnell Regional Medical Center.

The State of Iowa inspected and approved the annual inspection of our holding facilities (jail). All officers, especially jail administrator Capt. Theresa Petersen, should be commended for their diligence in keeping their training and inmate records up to date.

Ofc. Fricke continues to work on the proposal for a police/fire memorial for our fellow police/fire fallen comrades. It may be erected in or near the new public safety building. He proposed that the police association, fire volunteers and the city all partner in this tribute to those who have given their lives protecting our citizens. This project continues.

We continue to support PALS (Poweshiek Animal League Shelter) by attending their annual dog walk (we sold city animal licenses) and working with them on animal issues.

Continued participation in the Grinnell Middle School Olweus Bully Prevention Program.

Officers talked to/participated in functions with many civic organizations, Grinnell Schools (Health Fair), the senior Chamber of Commerce at Mayflower, Seniors at Brookside South, attended several Grinnell College student orientation events, Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office golf fundraiser benefiting their K-9 program, class on deviant behavior to Grinnell High School, the Grinnell Airport Fly-in breakfast, Galaxy and Wal-Mart Halloween safety program, many tours of the police department.

 

 

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

Jody L. Matherly

Chief of Police

 

 

 

 

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