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2008 Annual Report

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CITY OF GRINNELL, IOWA

 

Interoffice

MEMORANDUM

 

FROM: Jody Matherly, Chief of Police                                    

DATE:  January 23, 2009

TO: Honorable Mayor Gordon Canfield

        Honorable City Council

        Russell Behrens, City Manager

        Citizens of the City of Grinnell

            

SUBJECT: Grinnell Police Department 2008 Annual Report

 

This Grinnell Police Department 2008 Annual Report 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.   

 

This year was busy with the planning and the groundbreaking on October 17th of the new Public Safety Building, funded in part by the Local Option Sales Tax. Our architect firm is FEH of Des Moines. They worked well 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, along with our staff, 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 plans. 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 $6.1 million. The construction is expected to be completed by October, 2009.

 

The city and county continue to plan and implement 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 and rural areas. The target date for implementation is July, 2009.

 

Ofc. Chris Wray and Ofc. Ben Anderson were promoted to the rank of Sergeant. They are a welcome addition to the command staff.

 

We continue to house the Poweshiek County Emergency Management Agency Office (EMA) office in our public safety building. With EMA coordinator Karen Meek’s assistance, we maintain our training 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. With the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office building a new office, the plan is for EMA to move the office to Montezuma.  

 

We maintain our work with Grinnell School District and with Grinnell College on Emergency Response Plans as well as other issues such as parking.

 

Several Officers were recognized in 2008 for going above and beyond the call of duty. The following awards were given:

 

1) Sgt Chris Wray and Ofc. Dickenson- Commendation of Heroism (Lifesaving)

2) Sgt Ben Anderson- Chief’s Commendation

3) Ofc. Steve Peek- Letter of Commendation

4) All of the Police Reserves- Letter of Commendations

5) Ofc. Jeremy Stevenson- Commendation of Valor (nominated for Sullivan Bros Award)

 

We gave our officers a new look for summer uniforms this year. Officers now have the option of wearing a blue, short-sleeve polo shirt and pants that are more functional (more pockets, etc) and more comfortable. These uniforms are being purchased with the assistance of the Grinnell Police Officers Association.

 

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 respond to) as well as posting current job openings for police officer and reserve police officer positions as needed. 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. Two of the officers graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy on December 12th. We are presently fully staffed.

 

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- Nine (9) assigned to 12-hour patrol shifts (9 police officers total).

Traffic Safety Officer (TSO) – One (1) assigned to focus on identifying violators of traffic laws and take 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. (10th police officer)  

           

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

 

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

 

The department continues to focus on implementing ideas to improve recruitment and retention of officers. We had a number of turnovers in police officer positions, a common problem in the United States. With the prospect of a new building, advanced use of technology and the expected growth Grinnell will be experiencing, new officers will have many reasons to live and work in Grinnell for a rewarding career in law enforcement. This year, we hired one (1) certified officer from Michigan (Ofc. Steve Peek) and two (2) non-certified officers (Ofc. Joe Meyer- Newton and Ofc. David Menninga- Grinnell) who both graduated from the police academy in December. Cpl. Clayton Tiedemann retired in June due to an on-duty injury.

 

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 15th 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.

 

Below is a chart comparing Grinnell Police staffing with similar Iowa cities:

 

 

City

Population

Total

employees

Sworn

Civilian

Grinnell

        9,200

17

15

2

Pow. Co Sheriff

        9,764

12

11

1

Norwalk

        8,413

13

11

2

Mount Pleasant

        8,918

15

13

2

Perry

        9,001

19

13

6

Fairfield

        9,354

19

13

6

LaMars

        9,375

16

14

2

Waverly

        9,396

17

16

1

Storm Lake

        9,855

22

18

4

Carroll

        9,976

21

15

6

Pella

      10,280

20

14

6

Fort Madison

      10,841

23

18

5

Oskaloosa

      11,033

17

15

2

Average

         9,647

18

14

3

 

 

 

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 from the time the citizen requests police service until an officer arrives on scene.  Presently, the overall average response time is approximately six (6) minutes. In two-hour increments, the range is an average high of 38 minutes to a low of under one (1) minute. In 2008 we responded to 560 priority one calls, an increase of 107 calls from 2007. There were 404 in 2006. Priority one calls is defined as life-threatening situations, in-progress crimes, medical emergencies, personal-injury car accidents and similar. Officers’ response to those calls averaged nearly three (3) minutes.

 

 CRIME:

 

We experienced a decrease of 2% in reported crime for 2008. Some of the more significant increases were seen in burglary cases, sex abuse cases, domestic violence, and disturbance calls. We saw a decrease in controlled substances, assault and alcohol offenses. 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 2008 was 10,637 a 5% increase over 2007.  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 10,203.

 

Incident reports (criminal cases) filed and investigated in 2008 decreased by 2%, with 1,467 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 (from 744 in 1994 to 1244 in 1994), but in reality it was in large part due to new technology allowing for more accurate statistics. The average number of crimes reported in the past five years is 1,332. 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 27 violent crimes or 2.7 per 1000 inhabitants (based on pop.10,000) (0 murder, 10 rape, 4 robbery, 13 aggravated assault) and 307 property crimes or 30.7 crimes per 1000 inhabitants (74 burglary, 220 larceny-theft, 5 motor-vehicle theft, 8 arson). Violent and property crimes combined there was a 1% increase from last year. In Iowa’s most recent statistics in 2007 there were 3.1 violent crimes and 26.9 property crimes per 1000 inhabitants. Nationally in 2007, there were 4.6 violent crimes and 32.6 property crimes committed per 1000 inhabitants.

 

Following is a comparison of Grinnell 2008 and Iowa cities 2007 (latest available) statistics similar in population:

 

 

 

CITY

POPULATION

CRIMES

 

 

VIOLENT

PROPERTY

Grinnell

9,299

27

307

Pow. Co Sheriff

9,764

10

189

Norwalk

8,413

6

121

Mount Pleasant

8,918

35

270

Perry

9,001

46

144

Fairfield

9,354

25

254

LaMars

9,375

29

257

Waverly

9,396

74

163

Storm Lake

9,855

42

418

Carroll

9,976

6

158

Pella

10,280

26

188

Fort Madison

10,841

20

285

Oskaloosa

11,033

32

309

Average

9,654

29

236

 

 

Other incidents such as domestic violence calls went up 40% in 2008. We responded to 153 domestic problems compared to 109 the prior year. Not all of these resulted in arrest as an officer may have responded and found 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. Any increase in these types of calls is a concern.

 

Disturbances rose 29% while alcohol related crimes decreased 17% in 2008. There were 179 of these combined peace and order type offenses compared to 151 in 2007. 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. We also incorporate problem solving policing; increasing visibility and taking strict enforcement action on the minor crimes to alleviate more serious crimes that could result.

 

There were a total of 220 reported thefts in 2008, an increase of 2%.  In addition, fraud cases (identity theft, credit card theft, etc.) rose to 26 cases, up 18%. 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. Some instances occur from in a foreign country, making apprehension of the perpetrator(s) even more difficult.  

 

There were 68 narcotics cases in 2008, a decrease of 35%. 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 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 increased by 67%, from 6 in 2007 to 10 in 2008. 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 from 62 occurrences in 2007 to 74 in 2008. The all time high is 99 incidents in 2000. Several juveniles committed residential and commercial burglaries in 2008, causing a large amount of damage. These were solved by our investigators and are presently progressing through the judicial system. These statistics may also reflect some burglaries to vehicles due to data classification variations.

 

Assaults, including intimidation were at 77 incidents, a decrease of 7% from 2007. The highest was 134 in 2000. Many assaults occur from alcohol related and drug induced situations.

 

There were 675 arrests in 2008, a decrease of 17% from 2007.

 

There were 84 juveniles arrested (some with multiple offenses charged) in 2008, the highest number in the past five years. This is a 4% increase from 81 in 2007. In the past ten years, the high was 183 juvenile arrests in 2000. The following are a breakdown of some of the juvenile offenses: 22 for Theft, 12 for Alcohol Offenses (OWI, Public Intoxication, Possession Under Legal Age), 7 for Drugs, 1 for Curfew and 2 for Tobacco. Seven (7) were charged with Burglary. A small number were charged with Assault, Destruction, Interference with Official Acts or serious violations of motor vehicle laws.

 

Our clearance rate for criminal cases in 2008 was 73%. 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 17% for property crimes. Grinnell’s high clearance rate is largely due to the training, diligence and professionalism of our entire department, as well as the cooperation of our community. 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. Traffic citations increased 13% from 831 in 2007 to 938 in 2008. There were 464 warnings for traffic violations given in 2008. 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.

 

There was a 7% decrease in vehicle crashes causing property damage this year, with 196 occurring. Injury accidents increased only slightly, by 5%, from 21 to 22. There were 49 hit and run crashes. Some crashes may not be reported to the state (according to statistical reporting criteria) 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 2008.

 

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.

 

In 2007 the police department assigned an officer to Traffic Safety Officer (TSO). The TSO is 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 drives 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.[1] The TSO receives 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. Other times, officers may be assigned in separate areas to cover more roads in those areas where traffic violations occur most.  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 37 Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) arrests in 2008, down from 63 in 2007. Considering nearly 50% of all fatal crashes involve the use of alcohol, enforcing OWI laws is an important mission. Our department will continue to train all officers in OWI enforcement. 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 1674 parking tickets issued in 2008, up from 1344 in 2007. 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 Jeremy Stevenson. Presently there are six (6) reserves. They achieve many hours of training each year. This year, they began the new training requirements mandated by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) to maintain their State of Iowa reserve certification. The unit continues to hold monthly meetings. The unit assisted with the following events: July 4th, Happy Days, Homecoming parade and Ag Days. They also provide security for High School sporting events and activities. 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. We continue to exceed those requirements.

 

Captain Petersen coordinates the training division.   

 

Officers spent 491 hours on in-service training in 2008. We conduct both in-house training by utilizing our own instructors and local expertise as well as send officers and civilian employees to training in other places.

 

The Poweshiek County Assistant Attorney Rebecca Petig continues to facilitate training for our officers. This includes updates on OWI, mandatory reporting and other legal issues.  

 

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.

 

Captain Theresa Petersen graduated from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command Class #268, hosted by the Iowa Department of Public Safety in Des Moines. This leadership and police management school is a university-based education program intended for mid and upper-level management personnel. More than 7000 students have successfully completed the program.

 

Sgt Wray and Sgt Anderson will attend first-line supervisor school in 2009.

 

TACTICAL TEAM:

 

The Grinnell Police Department Warrant Service Entry Team merged with the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office in 2005 to form the Poweshiek County Joint Response Task Force (PCJRTF). This team provides more manpower during critical incidents and expands the role of the team from warrant service to include other critical incidents such as terrorist attacks, hostage or barricaded person calls or disasters. This includes additional Tactical training and updating response plans. Team leaders attended advanced training in the Fall, 2008. All team members will attend advanced training in the Spring, 2009.

 

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. Kary Kinmonth and Ofc. Dan Johnson 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.

 

ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS AND PROGRAMS

 

  • Hosted Grinnell’s Sixth Annual National Night Out (NNO) program with the Grinnell Optimist Club. Wal-Mart and the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce were sponsors, and were assisted by the Grinnell Middle School. NNO is a police and community partnership that is designed to:
    • Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
    • Generate support for and participation in anticrime programs
    • Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships
    • Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back

Pat Hatting and Ofc. Kary Kinmonth 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. We have a total of four (4) bicycles.

 

  • Continued participation in the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Task Force (MINE). Our officer does 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 was managed by Ofc. Anderson.

 

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

 

  • Ofc. Jepson is a defensive tactics, ASP (baton) and PR 24 (baton) instructor. He also serves as the department’s firearms instructor. 

 

  • Chief Matherly serves as the Mayor’s designee for the County E-911 Board and alternate for Emergency Management Board. He 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 is assigned to the MINE task force. 

 

  • Ofc. Fricke and Ofc. Johnson are the union stewards for the patrolman’s union. They are a vital part of the overall process in labor relations. A 3-year Collective Bargaining Agreement was negotiated in 2007.

 

  • Investigator Fricke is the department fleet coordinator, ensuring the police vehicles are well maintained. Ofc. Gray assists. 

 

  • Ofc. Gray was assigned to the speed trailer and other traffic related duties. 

 

  • Continued the criminal investigator position as agreed upon in the Grinnell Police Officers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement. Inv. Fricke 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. 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 conducted the annual inspection of our holding facilities (jail). The jail administrator is Capt. Theresa Petersen.

 

  • 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 activities when possible and working with them on animal issues.  

 

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

 

  • Other presentations and talks:

 

 

Grinnell Police Department Crime Prevention Projects

Program/Project Name

Description

Officer

Date

KGRN "Let's Talk"

monthly radio talk

210

monthly

Meetings with International Visitors

Periodic meetings with Visitors from foreign countries

210

 

Safe Routes to School Committee

monthly meetings for SRTS

210

monthly

Career Day @Bailey Park

Talked to students about becoming a Policeman

221

2/26/2008

GRMC Baby Fair

handed out child/infant safety pamphlets

221

3/29/2008

Grinnell Rotary Club

Illicit Drug Use Talk

219

4/1/2008

Grinnell Middle School

Talked to Autistic/Special Needs children

221

4/11/2008

Special Needs Children

Tour of PD/Squad cars

215

6/24/2008

Security Assessment

Security Assessment of City Hall

215/218

6/27/2008

Talk @ Davis School

Officer Friendly/Safety Issues

215

7/30/2008

2008 National Night Out

Neighborhood Crime Prevention

222,224,221 212, 218, 210, 223, 215, 225

8/5/2008

Community Talk @Baptist Church

Talk about General Police job functions/responsibilities

212

8/6/2008

Jeld-Wen

Emergency Response Plan Review

210, 501

8/29/2008

Iowa Valley Criminal Justice class

gave tour of PD and talked about elements of arrest/legal procedures

210

9/15/2008

Child Safety Seat inspection

Inspect/Install child seats

212

9/20/2008

Galaxy GAGBRAG bicycle ride

traffic control and talk with attendees

 

9/20/2008

Christian School

Talk to students about drugs

215

9/24/2008

After School Program

"Stranger Danger"

215

10/22/2008

U of I Credit Union

Robbery/Bank Alarms

215

10/22/2008

GRMC Women's Health Fair

SAFETY ISSUES

210/215

10/23/2008

Grinnell Middle School Safety Fair

Stranger Danger

215/212

10/24/2008

Iowa Valley media class

mock press conference

210

10/27/2008

Talked to Kiwanis Club

Public Safety Building Update

210

10/28/2008

Bailey Park School

Story Time Reader

215/242

11/14/2008

 

 

Department Command Structure December 2008

GRINNELL POLICE DEPARTMENT

 

 

 

Calls for Service Summary

 

 

Type of Call

2007

2008

% Difference

Calls for Service

5353

5579

+4%

Incident Reports

1495

1467

-2%

Traffic Enforcement

2238

2649

+18%

Motor Vehicle Crashes

276

267

-3%

Arrests

808

675

-17%

Total Calls for Service

10170

10637

+5%

Controlled Substance Cases

104

68

-35%

Assault cases

83

77

-7%

Burglary cases

62

74

+19%

Sex Abuse cases

6

10

+67%

Theft cases

215

220

+2%

Domestic Abuse calls

109

153

+40%

Disturbance calls

117

151

+29%

Alcohol Offense calls

34

28

-17%

Animal Complaints

499

539

+8%

Arson

4

8

+100%

Robbery

2

4

+100%

Fraud

22

26

+18%

Traffic Enforcement

2007

2008

 

Citations/Violations

831

938

+13%

OWI – Operating While Intoxicated

63

37

-41%

Parking Tickets

1344

1674

+25%

Totals

2238

2649

+18%

Motor Vehicle Crashes

2007

2008

 

Property Damage

211

196

-7%

Personal Injury

21

22

+5%

Hit and Run

44

49

+11%

Totals

276

267

-3%

Other Activity

2007

2008

 

Business checks*

9991

18495

+85%

Foot Patrol*

475

1519

+220%

Bike Patrol*

10

20

+100%

                                                                               *generated from officers’ daily activity reports

 

                                                                                                                       Calls for Service 5 Year Comparison

                                                                                                                            Percentage Difference 07-08 = +5%

 

                                                                                                                            Cases Investigated 5 Year Comparison

                                                                                                                                Percentage Difference 07-08 = -2%

 

                                                                 Calls For Service By Type 2008

 

 

 

 

 

         

 


  

                                                                        Incidents by Type 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

                                                        Case Reports 20 Year Comparison

 

                                                            Percentage Difference 07-08= -2%

 

                                                                   Incidents by Officer 2008

 

 


                                                                 Incidents – By Property Type  2008

 


                                           

                                                         Incidents Cleared By Investigator 2008

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                            

 


 

                                                                                                                                         Arrests 2008

 

                                                                                                                Percentage Difference 07-08= -17%

 

 

                                                             

                                                             

 

 

 

 

 

                                                              

 

 

 

 


 

                                                                                                                            Investigations By Type 2008

 

                                                                                                        Percentage Difference 07-08 = +19%

 

 

                                                                                                                Percentage Difference 07-08 = -35%

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                Percentage Difference 07-08 = -7%

 

 

                                                                                                                    Percentage Difference 07-08= +40%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                            Percentage Difference 07-08 = +67%

 

 RESPONSE TIMES

 

 

 

 


 

Citations 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parking Tickets 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Last updated 04/19/2008