Police Chief Chat

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Drug watch: On Thursday, June 14, 2012 Officers just responded to a heroin overdose in a residential neighborhood. The man was not breathing but had a pulse. Officers performed CPR on the man and he started to breathe again on his own. Phelps County Paramedics and Rolla Firefighters took over and resuscitated him. Heroin is a clear and present danger to our community and kills people we love!This past week, the Street Crimes Unit conducted a search of a residence. The apartment was rented to a self proclaimed retired methamphetamine cook. As a result of the search, officers located numerous dirty needles, drug paraphernalia, synthetic drugs, and Rx pills. The “retired cook” is now addicted to synthetic bath salts and prescription pills. (for safety purposes, the needles were capped off by officers). While the drugs are dangerous to the person using them, the left over paraphernalia is dangerous to everyone when not disposed of properly. If you encounter any hazardous paraphernalia, please contact our office and we will have officers respond to collect the items.This past week, the Rolla Police Department handled 733 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 25 arrests, 17 alarms, 13 accidents, 36 traffic complaints, 16 check the well being, 90 traffic stops, 19 disturbance (including domestics), 16 suspicious nature, 23 assists of other agencies, 10 narcotic violations, 78 security checks, 53 animal control complaints, 3 leave without pay. This call total is 119 calls below last week’s total and a welcome reprieve!On Wednesday, June 13, 2012 the Rolla Police Department hosted a meeting with U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson, Senator Dan Brown, Representative Keith Frederick and Representative Jason Smith at the Rolla Police Department. The topic of discussion was synthetic drugs, the problems they present, educational requirements, and the need for stricter laws to keep businesses from selling them in Missouri. Also in attendance was Mayor Bill Jenks, City Administrator John Butz, Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney John Beger, Phelps County Sheriff Rick Lisenbe, members of the Pulaski County Prosecutors office, Capt. Leann Kenley, Lt. Jim Remillard and Lt. Bruce Fisk of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Jodi Waltman Phelps County Health Department and Missouri S & T Police. The meeting was closed to the public but was a terrific opportunity for all of us to discuss our next step in dealing with this dangerous and deadly epidemic. We will keep you posted on future developments.In a recent FaceBook posting I mentioned a 1%er and realized some were not sure what I was talking about. I have included the Rolla Police Department’s “Golden Rule” which we call the 95%-4%-1%er Rule. Here is the rule:95% of the people are good law abiding citizens. They make mistakes breaking traffic laws, minor infractions and sometimes they make bad decisions, like you and I They are your mothers, fathers, brothers sisters and relatives. Treat them as such! 4% of the people are petty criminals. They steal, break into cars, damage property, drink too much, use drugs and struggle to live in our community because they have have weaknesses. They deserve respect, however we will enforce the laws to better them and our community!1%ers These are the true predators of our society, They deal poisons to the 95% and the 4%, they rape, murder, burglarize, assault and cause catastrophe upon the good people. They are our targets. We will enforce the laws to their fullest extent upon the 1%ers! We will treat the 100% as our best friend until they cause us to do different. On Wednesday, June 13, 2012, we received a call of a male shoplifter who ran out of a business, climbed into a vehicle with several other people and fled the scene. A witness provided us with the license plate number which checked to a person the police know very well.Several officers checked Hwy 63 and the surrounding area, while one officer started checking the parks. This officer observed the suspect vehicle at Green Acres Park and as he approached the shoplifting suspect ran. Several officers began searching the area and a short time later one officer located the suspect and took him in custody. The suspect was searched with the officer discovering illegal drugs. As the officer attempted to handcuff the suspect, he was able to break free and fled into the wood area around the park. A perimeter was established and Cpl. Josh Campbell of the Street Crimes Unit and K-9 Ziggy were called to assist. Another witness reported that the suspect was running in the area of Veteran’s Memorial Park. Myself and another officer drove to the area and upon arrival, spotted the suspect running. All at once, the suspect came to an abrupt halt, and we were unclear why until we heard the menacing sound of Ziggy’s deep throated bark. Once the suspect knew Ziggy was on his trail, he gave up without incident. The suspect was arrested for stealing; he also had a warrant for stealing, possession of marijuana and resisting arrest. The suspect is a 1%er in our community. Great job by all.On Thursday, June 14, 2012, I had the honor and privilege to attend the 237th Army Birthday Retreat Ceremony at Fort Leonard Wood. The ceremony was impressive and the history of those that served, are serving and will serve deserves our utmost respect and support. They are a major factor in why we live in a country that gives us the freedoms we cherish. Also in attendance was Lt. Rick Williams, who served in the Army four years and Detective Robert Jones who was in the Military police for over 20 years. We Support all the Military,This next entry is from our Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) Director Vince Giacolone. Vince writes: Did you know that this month is the 10 year anniversary of VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) nationwide? The Rolla Police Department VIPS program was chartered in the fall of 2008, and was established by the Chief of Police, Mark Kearse, to give residents an opportunity to serve in unpaid positions to augment the work of the Police Department. Volunteers allow RPD officers to focus on law enforcement functions by providing support services. Volunteers also help enhance the relationship between the police and the community. Rolla VIPS has now grown to 20 active members that serve in many different capacities. Our volunteers perform such duties as, vacation security checks, school patrols, speed monitoring, data entry and analysis, telephone advocacy, special events support and funeral escorts. In the next few weeks, we will introduce you, in the form of brief personal bio’s, to our wonderful, dedicated volunteers. 
Have a great week!Chief Mark Kearse