The Citizens Police Committee

I have asked 10 business owners / operators, and citizens to become participating members of the Bloomfield Citizens Police Committee.

If a member of the community has concerns, issues, or questions but does not feel comfortable bringing them to attention of the Chief, Mayor, or a Council member they may, if they choose to do so, bring them to the attention of the committee members. Committee members will bring these concerns, issues, or questions to the Police Chief on your behalf and you can remain anonymous, if you so desire.

Objective of the committee: To increase the quality of public relations between the members and staff of the police department and the members of the community.

Operational function of the committee: The committee shall meet every other month on the 3rd Thursday to review a prepared report and presentation given by the Chief of Police. The committee shall also bring forth any concerns, complaints, or questions to the Chief of Police and / or his staff. The Chief shall address each issue brought forth by the committee. The committee shall have no governing authority over the Police Department, as the department is ruled and governed by ways and means established by City Ordinances.

MEMBERS:
SANDY SMART
TRINA EDWARDS
DAWN KUNKLE
DWIGHT HENSLEY
MICHAEL CHARLES
JERRY ELDER
BROCK WILLIAMS
SCOTT GIBBS
KD JONES
COREY NOLES

The first meeting is set for Nov. 20th!

The web site for the committee is: http://citizenspolicecommittee.weebly.com/

It will be updated soon after the first meeting!

DWI ARRESTS FOR THE YEAR - SO FAR

AS OF 10/10/2008

ALL PERSONS ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

Tiffany Fuchs 1/15/08 DWI 1ST

Martin Main 5/17/08 DWI 1ST / ASSAULT ON LEO

Donald J. Kimbrel 5/23/08 DWI 3RD / FELONY

Daniel Summers 7/1/08 DWI 2ND / POSS. MARJ.

Terry Mikoliza 7/23/08 DWI 1ST

Franklin Mccollom 10/7/08 DWI 2ND

We have all seen her

There has been a lot of questions, rumors, and concerns over a lady that walks our town at all hours of the day and night.  She is usually seen carrying a stick or a pipe.  

I have had people ask me a multitude of questions about her.  I have only had two complaints about her and only on one of those complaints was I able to legally do anything.  In that particular complaint she had shaken her stick at some people on school grounds.  I had permission from a principal to ban her from school property.  She was notified and to the best of our knowledge she has not set foot on school property since then.  In that case no one wished to pursue charges against her.

Rumors like to spread in this town like wildfire.  Just this Sunday morning a citizen called me at home and advised me that he had heard that she was struck by a car and killed the previous evening.  I advised him there was no truth to this.

About an hour or so ago I received a call at home that Asst. Chief Malone was roadside with her and that she was carrying a revolver.  I responded to the scene.  She was carrying on her hip a very old rusted up unloaded revolver.  Asst. Chief Malone confiscated the revolver and charged her with peace disturbance.  She was also ordered not to be carrying any sticks or any other weapons around town.  If everybody else can walk through town without fear of being assaulted then so can she.  If she is too afraid to walk through Bloomfield without a weapon of some sort then she might want to consider staying at home or walking with a friend.

If anybody has any questions or concerns about anything please feel free to call me.

A REOCURRING PROBLEM

A REOCURRING PROBLEM - DRIVING WITHOUT A VALID LICENSE

 There seems to be a reocurring problem with people who have a revoked or suspended driver license thinking they can continue to break the law and drive anyway.  It is also against Missouri State Law to allow someone who does not have a valid license to operate a vehicle that you own or are in charge of. The following people have been arrested for driving without a valid license in Bloomfield in the past few weeks:

HAROLD WHITE - REVOKED - 09/02/2008

LEESHA HAWKINS - SUSPENDED (TN) - 09/05/2008

RENE LACK-TROTTER - SUSPENDED - 09/23/2008

JASON MUSGRAVE - SUSPENDED - 09/26/2008

JASON MUSGRAVE - SUSPENDED - 09/29/2008

JASON MUSGRACE - SUSPENDED - 10/03/2008

By Missouri Law the 3rd conviction of driving without a valid license is a felony!

QUESTIONS ABOUT AN INCIDENT

Regarding the following article:  http://www.semissourian.com/article/20080906/NEWS01/709069996/-1/news01

Questions have been raised about why the Bloomfield Police was not mentioned in the paper.  The fact is that the Bloomfield Police Department was not involved in the investigation.  The Bloomfield Police Department did assist the Stoddard County Sheriff's Department with the arrests, at their request.  The total time of our department's involvement was less than 15 minutes.  As far as this not being in the paper, the Bloomfield Police Department's participation in this operation was minimal at best.  My thanks to the Stoddard County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Task Force for doing a job well done.

City Computers

There has recently been a directive issued from our Mayor that the website TOPIX is not to be accessed by city employees on city computers. The Mayor is in charge of daily operations of the city and has full authority to issue such a directive.

Topix is a very destructive website. People get on it and make outlandish accusations against one another. It is very addicting in nature. I myself at times have gone there and read the latest gossip. On one occasion a crime was mentioned and I posted to an individual that they needed to get a hold of me, which they did. The nature of a site like Topix is, as I said, very destructive.

In compliance with the Mayor's lawful order, on 7/11/2008 I went a step further and had the computers at the Bloomfield Police Department to electronically block all users from access to Topix.

I would like to add that the computers in our office are a necessary part of day to day operations.
We log all calls for service, racial profiling, accident reports, business security checks, and all criminal reports. We also maintain a database of names and businesses. We also calculate and submit UCR reports which are mandated by the government. Monthly reports are also generated and submitted. Soon State DWI tracking reports may be submitted.

In the months to come an RFID Business security check system called "GuardScan" will be implemented. This will increase patrol productivity and accountability. Also a GPS logging system may also be utilized to study patrol routines and increase productivity. I have found ways to initiate these two programs at very little cost.

Two Arrested for Distribution

A tip Saturday morning led to the seizure of more than 12 oz. of marijuana in Bloomfield.

According to Bloomfield Chief of Police Jason Curtman, following the tip, Officer Travis Stafford observed the suspect driving his vehicle through a stop sign and pulled him over.

Following a search of the vehicle, police discovered 11-1 ounce bags of marijuana and a set of digital scales used for weighing the drugs. Police also seized two-ounces of marijuana from someone the accused had sold to only moments before.

Police arrested Michael Wayne Houston, 34 of Bloomfield, and charged him with distribution of a controlled substance. Brian Eugene Turner, 34 of Bloomfield, was also charged with distribution of a controlled substance. Both men are currently housed in Stoddard County Jail with bond set at $125,000.

Curtman said that Asst. Chief Cheryl Malone had been working on this case for quite some time when the tip came in.

Police value the marijuana at approximately $1,235, or 12 ounces between the 13 bags collected.

Curtman said he was very pleased with his department's performance and quick action. He said he also wanted to thank the Stoddard County Sheriff's Department for their work in transporting the suspects.

"Cheryl [Malone] is an outstanding investigator and has been an asset to our department," Curtman said Monday. "Stafford has only been with the department for a short time, but we're very glad to have him."

Houston and Turner will both be arraigned this week.

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

There has been some moronic concern about the cost of this operation.
Well, there was 1/4 of a gallon of gas that was burned while waiting 10 minutes for the vehicle to move and then the traffic stop itself. Stafford was working his regular shift. I came in on my day off to see the job got done and did not claim any comp time. Asst. Chief Malone worked 3 hours on the assignment.

So the total cost of the entire operation was about (give or take a few pennies) $32.46.


Well worth keeping two proactive drug dealers off the streets and away from our children.

Our New Web Site

We now have a new web site. Check it out.

http://bloomfieldpd.weebly.com

Asst. Chief Cheryl Malone...and snakes!

Cheryl told me today that she was so afraid of snakes that even when she ran over one in her car she still lifted her feet!

1998-WORKED FOR STODDARD COUNTY JUVENILE CENTER-CHILD CARE

2000-GRADUATED THREE RIVERS COMMUNITY COLLAGE WITH AA IN POLICE SCIENCE

2000-STODDARD COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT DISPATCHER

2001- BOLLINGER COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT-ROAD DEPUTY, EVIDENCE TECH, DETECTIVE

2005- SERGEANT FOR ORAN POLICE DEPARTMENT

2006-BOLLINGER COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT –DISPATCHER AND RESERVE DEPUTY

2006-BLOOMFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT RESERVE SERGEANT

2007-APRIL -BLOOMFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT FULL TIME

2007- OCTOBER- PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT CHIEF

CERTIFIED CLASS B LAW ENFORCEMENT STATE OF MISSOURI

CERTIFIED IN THE USE OF TAZER, OCAT, BATON, PPCT GROUND TRAINING, NARCOTICS INVESTIGATION.

A Great Weather Tool!

As the Chief of Police and as am amateur radio operator (KD0CIJ), one of the most useful tools I have is a freeware program called Weather Watcher Live. It is the best I have found and I have looked every where I can. The format is easy to read and use and best of all, it contains no adds. It is also spyware and addware free. CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE DOWNLOAD PAGE!

A Good Read

CLICK ON: Corrupt Cops Give Honest Cops Bad Reputation

Yvonne Rodenhiser tells it like she sees it.

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CLICK ON: Getting Arrested for Not Having Car Insurance

Yvonne talks about missing her court date and the arrest and booking process.

Child Restraints...continued

Missouri's Child Restraint Law (RSMo 307.182)

• Children less than 4 years old or less than 40 pounds must be in an appropriate child safety seat.

• Children ages 4 through 7 who weigh at least 40 pounds must be in an appropriate child safety seat or booster seat unless they are 80 pounds or 4'9" tall.

• Children 8 and over or weighing at least 80 pounds or at least 4’9” tall are required to be secured by a safety belt or buckled into an appropriate booster seat

Quotes Worth Reading

”Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” --Thomas Jefferson

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”The glue that holds all relationships together -- including the relationship between the leader and the led is trust, and trust is based on integrity.” --Brian Tracy

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A man has nothing if his word is of no value. The keeping of one's character trates of honesty and integrity should be the constant objective of every law enforcement officer. Even the "whitest" lie makes a man a liar.

Internet Safety

Monitor every keystroke of your computer. Find out what sites your children are going to and what they are typing in instant messaging programs. Go to http://www.logixoft.com/en/home.html and download the latest "Revealer Keylogger" There is a free version that is unlimited. Internet safety is a very serious issue!

Is There No Shame?

Obama Uses Police Memorial for Porta Toilets

PORTLAND, OR –

May 30, 2008

Police officers in Portland, Oregon, are still waiting for an apology from Barack Obama after campaign staffers of his recent rally in Portland, Oregon, setup porta potties directly on top of the Portland Police Memorial, which honors the agency’s 25 fallen police officers. The Obama rally drew a crowd of over 75,000 people.

Officer Thomas Brennan, who was working overtime at the rally, took a picture of the offending toilets, with the American flag still at half mast because of Police Officers Memorial Day, directly behind them. The local law enforcement memorial service had been held at the site only five days earlier.

Despite a large amount of open areas in the vicinity, the campaign staffers claimed the toilets were placed on the memorial for safety reasons to accommodate wheelchair access.

The Obama campaign has not responded to requests for an apology.

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I am not one to publicly side in politics (yet) ...but this was just wrong!!

Something To Chew On

So far this year the Department has:

Responded to 702 calls for service.

Issued 129 Citations (most for non-traffic)

Written 86 Incident reports.

Worked 3 Assault cases

Arrested 3 Drunk and Impaired Drivers

Worked 19 Thefts

Worked 2 Auto Thefts

Worked 9 Narcotics Investigations

Worked 6 Peace Disturbances

Worked 1 Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card

Worked 1 Indecent Exposure

Worked 1 Sex Offense

Things My Dad Taught Me and I Passsed On To My Sons

Don’t always take the easy choice. Take the one that is challenging but not unattainable.

Remember that I knew your mother long before I knew you…. Treat her with respect!

If you need help with something do not be afraid to ask. You will never be worse off then you
were before asking.

Fear God…but do not be afraid of Him. Love and serve Him. Trust and obey Him. He will not fail you.

Do your best in school. You will never regret your efforts to learn and apply yourself.

Always remember birthdays and holidays. Keep a calendar of these events.

Call your grandparents every now and then.

Pray for your pastor. Above all else do not talk negatively about him. He IS God’s anointed.

Study genealogy and your family history.

Treat the girls you date the way you would want your own sister to be treated by the young men she dates.

Make friends…. collect them.

Learn to play a musical instrument.

Learn to sing. A man who can sing is the king of the world.

Provoke peace with your enemies but do not be taken advantage of.

Bigotry is not a Christian quality.

Make a habit of shaking hands.

Give to others when you can afford to. Give to God when you think you can’t afford to. When it comes to giving to God…. You can’t afford not to.

Never loan money to a friend…. Give it to them.

Read history books.

Learn the art of telling good clean jokes.

Pick a needy child and buy them a Christmas present.

Love your brother. He will grow up, as will you, and move away.

Learn to cook and and to sew on buttons.

Tell others about what God has done for you.

Read God’s Word.

Keep a journal.

Don’t lose your receipts. If you can, keep your boxes until the warranty runs out.

Travel as much as you can.

Always keep at least one pistol or revolver in your home. Become proficient with it and keep it clean.

If you shoot without ears (hearing protection)… you will end up living without ears.

Don’t lie or mislead people.

Remember that character is what you are in the dark.

Always keep a pen and writing paper with you.

Learn to apologize to others and learn to forgive others.

Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

Memorize the books of the Bible.

Know and obey the 10 Commandments.

Shoot straight with people but do not be harsh.

Keep your priorities in the following order:God, Family, Country, and Work

Do not use foul language and avoid alternative expressions.

Learn a new word as often as you can.

Do not look down on people. Only upon their lifestyles or actions.

God loves everyone and so should you.

Keep yourself clean – physically and morally.

Pray for God’s best for you.Don’t settle for what is OK…strive for what is best.

Find a ministry….and minister to people.

Always give people the benefit of the doubt.

Avoid gossip.Avoid people who gossip.

Sing often and sing loud. Pray often and pray quietly.

Think about the future and learn from the past. Do not dwell on your mistakes. Learn from them, suffer their consequences and move on.

Don’t quit anything unless you have no other choice. Pray about it first.

Occasionally, read the history of a great man of God.

Don’t overwork yourself. Spend time with your family. No man ever went to his grave wishing that he had made more money. Many have gone to their grave wishing they had spent more time with their family.

Learn some basic mechanical skills.

Never cheat someone. If you sell a car to someone tell him or her everything you know about the car. The good and the bad.

Every now and then watch a classic movie.Read classic literature. Perhaps Mark Twain.

“Amen!” the Preacher.

Go to the altar occasionally. If only to pray for others.

Where a tuxedo at least twice in your life. For your own wedding and a social event other than a wedding.

Open doors for people.

Carry bags for people.

Remember who you are and who I am.

Keep your radio presets on Christian stations.

Keep extra light bulbs and plenty of tools in your home.

Always have a little cash stashed away.

If you find a rare or unique coin…save it.

Learn how to operate office equipment. Computers, copy machines, and fax machines.

Park the farthest away at church. Let the elderly and visitors have the best parking space. I learned this from your Grandma Curtman.

Get involved in politics…but don’t get involved in the politics.

Praise God every day.

Fight for the right…and for those who cannot fight for themselves.

99.9% of the people in correctional facilities are there because they were at the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong person.Choose your friends wisely.

Always be polite and courteous to law enforcement officials. Don’t argue with the officer who stops you or pulls you over. Always tell the truth. Keep your hands on the steering wheel and have your documents ready before the officer approaches.

Never resist arrest but do not get arrested.

If you see an officer who needs help - offer your assistance.

Holding a grudge will only hurt you.

Go to museums whenever you can.

Don’t be stingy with your money…but don’t be stupid either.

This Sickens Me

Police Corruption should be an oxymoron. I hate it above all else. I believe those entrusted to enforce our laws should be held to a higher standard. The following article is one of the worst cases I have ever heard of.

Ex-Chicago Officer Admits to Robbing, Framing Suspects
Posted: June 4th, 2008 10:15 AM PDT
By ANGELA ROZAS, TRIBUNE REPORTER Chicago Tribune

A former Chicago police officer pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to racketeering, admitting he robbed drug dealers of cash numerous times, planted drugs on people he arrested and used fake informants to secure search warrants.
Richard Doroniuk, a tactical officer since 2000, has agreed to cooperate with federal authorities and is expected to testify at the trial of his former partner, who was also charged in the scheme, according to his attorney.
Police Department spokeswoman Monique Bond said Doroniuk resigned from the department last week.
He and partner Mahmoud Shamah, both Morgan Park District officers, were arrested in October 2006 on charges they stole cash the FBI planted in a storage locker in Chicago.
As part of the FBI sting, a confidential informant led the officers to believe the money belonged to drug dealers, according to Doroniuk's plea agreement.
Doroniuk admitted to planning to commit robberies with Shamah and Larry Cross, who officials say is a drug dealer and who was also charged.
Doroniuk and Shamah "used their positions ... as CPD officers to steal money and controlled substances from people," the plea agreement said.
Cross is accused of helping the two officers by supplying them information about suspected drug dealers and posing as a "John Doe" informant for search warrants, according to the plea agreement.
The officers robbed people they stopped in vehicles or whose homes they illegally searched, taking money and drugs, Doroniuk admitted. The officers also planted drugs on some people they arrested, according to the plea agreement.
In one incident in December 2005, Doroniuk and Shamah showed up at the home of a suspected drug dealer without a search warrant, brandishing their weapons and identifying themselves as police officers, according to the plea deal. The officers then planted the cocaine from the informant on the dealer and arrested him, the plea said. The officers inventoried $306 they recovered but stole an additional $400, splitting the money, according to the plea.
According to the plea agreement, Doroniuk participated in at least 10 to 20 similar robberies.
Doroniuk pleaded guilty to two of six charged criminal counts, racketeering conspiracy and use of a gun in a crime. A sentencing date has not been set, but he likely faces almost 11 years in prison under the plea agreement, according to his attorney. He could have faced life imprisonment if he had not cooperated.

The Murder of Marshal Greer

Chief investigates only officer killed on duty

Wednesday, June 4, 2008
By COREY NOLES Statesman Staff Writer

Bloomfield Police Chief Jason Curtman is looking into a case that has been closed for 104 years.

The case involves City Marshal George Greer, who on March 27, 1904 became the one and only Bloomfield police officer ever to be killed in the line of duty.

"I've always had a major interest in history, and coming to Bloomfield was no exception," Curtman said Monday.

Every morning, Chief Curtman receives an e-mail from a national organization telling the names of officers throughout the country who have been killed in the line of duty.

"It just got me to thinking," he said. "Wouldn't it be a crying shame if an officer in Bloomfield had been killed and just gotten lost in history?"

Well, that turned out to be exactly what had happened.

Following is a portion of an account of the incident as it was published in the Bloomfield Vindicator in April 1904:

Jones kills Geo. Greer, City Marshal

A terrible tragedy took place in Bloomfield Sunday evening at about 9 o'clock. The immediate cause of the trouble was whiskey. Jim Jones was drunk and was around on the streets asking for Ezera Boyles, declaring he was going to whip him. He finally came upon Boyles in the Indian restaurant and undertook to make good his threats, but Boyles proved the best man.

The disturbance attracted George Greer, the Marshal, and Henry Bolin, the nightwatch, who took Jones from the place and put him in the calaboose.

Jones was afterwards released on bond after promising that he would go home and behave. After being released he was not disposed to go home and remonstrated, with his brother Aud, who had been instrumental in securing his release and refused to go.

The Marshal then insisted on him going and it was only a rough threat that he would put him back in the calaboose. Jones finally left after saying that he had been done wrong.

Jones went to Ike Glenn's home (598 S. Prairie) pretending to go duck hunting and got his shotgun. Then he went to the livery stable (SW corner of prairie and Center St.'s) and hid in a covered hack to shoot Greer as he came around the Crosse and McDavid building going home.

Greer, Bolin and three men were standing on the sidewalk on the east side of the building about 60 feet from the hack. The gun was cocked and in trying to get into the hack it shot through the roof, attracting the men's attention. Greer the tried to arrest him and he refused and the Marshal and deputy shot at him and Jones ran home.

Reloading, Greer and Bolin went to his home and were me by Wash Jones and his wife and parents and begged the Marshal not to shoot Jim as he had no shells. Greer assured him he wouldn't shoot Jim and called for him to come out and he refused. Greer forced the door and as he entered was shot in the right breast. Greer shot his pistol and missed and Bolin called and asked if he was shot and Greer said, "He has killed me" and dropped dead a few steps from the house.

Bolin went to the door and Jim's gun was leveled at him but he knocked the muzzle up and the shot went over his head. He then shot Jones in the right arm and tried to fire again but received a blow and shove from behind by Wash Jones. He then covered Wash with the pistol who threw up his arms and went away from the gun Jim had thrown on the floor. Bolin then arrested Jim. As Jim passed Greer's body he became a demon and wanted to stomp his face as he cursed.

Greer was buried in Walker Cemetery. He leaves behind his wife and two small children and four older children by a former wife.

Curtman said that following more investigation, he determined that Jones was sentenced to 20 years in prison and died before he had served his entire sentence.

He is now working towards getting a monument to honor Greer secured that could be placed next year, tentatively on the 105th anniversary of his death.

Thanks to Curtman, Greer will soon have his name engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial in Washington, D.C..

"I've filed the paperwork with the organization and they've said it would probably be December before his name is on the memorial," he said.

Curtman urges anyone with information about the incident or who might know of any descendants to contact him at 568-3576.

For more information on Marshal George Greer's death, visit http://www.odmp.org and search his name.

cnoles@dailystatesman.com

A Cop's Cop

That would have to be Jack Maple. I was first introduced to Jack Maple via a television show that was inspired by his life. The show is entitled "The District" and it is my all time favorite cop show. The main character in the show is Jack Mannion. Jack enjoys opera, old movies, Jiffy Bars, and like his real life counter-part, spectator shoes.

He fights crime with integrity and with the expectation that his subordinates be as honest and hard working as he is. He expects no less of them than he does himself. He always does what's right and refuses to "play the game" of politics, which is next to impossible to do in Washington D.C.

Jack surrounds himself with people who are loyal to him and loyal to the cause. Most of his officers have had a career set back at one time or another and Jack knows this. He puts them on his team as part of a master plan to build them back up and create ideal law enforcement officers out of them. Jack is known for running a "school for broken cops." The key word here is "broken" not "destroyed." Jack knows that there is no place in society for officers who do not meet the standard of which society expects.

Jack has a concept that he uses to keep his department at its best and to fight crime. That concept is accountability. When crime happens he holds his people accountable to explain why. He might ask, "Why was the family on 3rd St. mugged while there were 2 police vehicles parked at the Cafe for 2 hours on 4th St? If it happens again, you're out of here!...I want those cars moving and when they are not moving, I want you out talking to the people in the community."

Jack Maple has authored several books about his life and practical concepts of law enforcement and crime fighting. Jack died on August 4, 2001 of colon cancer. He left behind a legacy.

Police Code Of Conduct

Primary Responsibilities of a Police Officer
A police officer acts as an official representative of
government who is required and trusted to work within the
law. The officer’s powers and duties are conferred by
statute. The fundamental duties of a police officer include
serving the community, safeguarding lives and property,
protecting the innocent, keeping the peace and ensuring the
rights of all to liberty, equality and justice.

Performance of the Duties of a Police Officer
A police officer shall perform all duties impartially,
without favor or affection or ill will and without regard to
status, sex, race, religion, political belief or aspiration. All
citizens will be treated equally with courtesy, consideration
and dignity.
Officers will never allow personal feelings, animosities
or friendships to influence official conduct. Laws will be
enforced appropriately and courteously and, in carrying out
their responsibilities, officers will strive to obtain maximum
cooperation from the public. They will conduct themselves
in appearance and department in such a manner as to inspire
confidence and respect for the position of the public trust
they hold.

Discretion
A police officer will use responsibly the discretion
vested in his position and exercise it within the law. The
principle of reasonableness will guide the officer’s
determinations, and the officer will consider all surrounding
circumstances in determining whether any legal action shall
be taken.
Consistent and wise use of discretion, based on
professional policing competence, will do much to preserve
good relationships and retain the confidence of the public.
There can be difficulty in choosing between conflicting
courses of action. It is important to remember that a timely
word of advice rather than arrest - which may be correct in
appropriate circumstances-, can be a more effective means
of achieving a desired end.

Use of Force
A police officer will never employ unnecessary force or
violence and will use only such force in the discharge of
duty as is reasonable in all circumstances.
The use of force should be used only with the greatest
restraint and only after discussion, negotiation and
persuasion have been found to be inappropriate or
ineffective. While the use of force is occasionally
unavoidable, every police officer will refrain from
unnecessary infliction of pain or suffering and will never
engage in cruel, degrading or inhumane treatment of any
person.

Confidentiality
Whatever a police officer sees, hears or learns of that is of a
confidential nature will be kept secret unless the performance of duty
or legal provision requires otherwise.
Members of the public have a right to security and privacy and
information obtained about them must not be improperly divulged.

Integrity
A police officer will not engage in acts of corruption or bribery,
nor will an officer condone such acts by other police officers.
The public demands that the integrity of police officers be above
reproach. Police officers must, therefore, avoid any conduct that
might compromise integrity and thus undercut the public confidence
in a law enforcement agency. Officers will refuse to accept any gifts,
presents, subscriptions, favors, gratuities or promises that could be
interpreted as seeking to cause the officer to refrain from performing
official responsibilities honestly and within the law. Police officers
must not receive private or special advantage from their official
status. Respect from the public cannot be bought; it can only be
earned and cultivated.

Cooperation with Other Police Officers and Agencies
Police officers will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies
and their representatives in the pursuit of justice.
An officer or agency may be one among many organizations that
may provide law enforcement services to a jurisdiction. It is
imperative that a police officer assists colleagues fully and
completely with respect and consideration at all times.

Personal-Professional Capabilities
Police officers will be responsible for their own standard of
professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity
to enhance and improve their level of knowledge and competence.
Through study and experience, a police officer can acquire the
high level of knowledge and competence that is essential for the
efficient and effective performance of duty. The acquisition of
knowledge is a never-ending process of personal and professional
development that should be pursued constantly.

Private Life
Police officers will behave in a manner that does not bring
discredit to their agencies or themselves. A police officer’s character
and conduct while off duty must always be exemplary, thus
maintaining a position of respect in the community in which he or
she lives and serves. The officer’s personal behavior must be beyond
reproach.

Nothing But The Truth

Those who think it is permissible to tell white lies soon grow color-blind.

~ Austin O'Malley ~

No single thing is as important to the well being of a man's character than that he be known for his truthfulness and his ability to be and remain honest.

A Great Quote That Still Rings True

"No man is above the law; and no man is below it; nor do we ask any man's permission when we require him to obey it. Obedience to the law is demanded as a right; not asked as a favor"

Theodore Roosevelt - Third Annual Message to Congress, Dec. 7, 1903

This applies to all law enforcement personnel as well. I firmly believe that all law enforcement officers should abide by the strictest standards of honesty and integrity. Each one should work to be beyond reproach and rebuke. I believe that we should stay within the requirements of our Constitution. Recognizing a persons civil rights is not a thing of the past, nor a thing of the future, it is a concept and demand for today.

Traffic stops and tickets.

Our job is work towards the safety and security of all persons and property within the city limits of Bloomfield. That being said, I want to let you know that though my officers do make a number of traffic stops a year, they really do not make all that many. In 2006 there were 188 traffic stops according to the Missouri racial profiling reports. The 2007 report should be out soon. I know that this year we have had 248 traffic stops, as we speak. That is 1.67 stops a day. By the end of the year we may log between 500 and 600. More than any year in our history. With 248 stops you would think that we have written a high number of traffic citations but in fact we do not. I checked the stats earlier today and did you know that there have only been 4 citations written for speeding. Most of our citations deal with non-traffic issues such as peace disturbances, theft, tampering, animal control issues, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Traffic stops are made for several reasons:

1. As a courtesy....to advise you of a problem with your vehicle.

2. To ensure public safety.

3. As an investigative tool in the discovery of criminal activity.

About a year ago a gentleman in our town was driving around with defective equipment. One of my officers stopped him and advised him of the violation. He later stated she was rude and hateful and stopped him for no legal reason. He further accused her of "profiling" because he was driving an older truck. I showed him the video of the stop which proved that he was the only one that got hateful during the contact. It also showed his defective equipment.

My officers will NEVER make a stop without a legal reason to do so. If I ever find out and prove that they did then the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

I would like to point out that since we installed a camera in the police vehicle we have only had the one complaint mentioned above. Kudos to the city for such a wise and useful purchase.

A little about the Chief...

For those of you who might be just a little bit curious about my background, here is a little information about me (the photo is from 2001):

Genesee Christian High School – Burton, MI. 1988
Midwestern Baptist College – Pontiac, MI – Studied General Psychology 1988-1990
St. Charles County Police Academy – class 1-490, Linn Creek, MO - 1/97
Lake Ozark Major Case Squad
Fugitive Extradition Advanced Training – Nashville, TN
Missouri Department of Corrections Academy – Park Hills, MO
Firearms Instructor Training – Cape Girardeau
Currently enrolled at Mineral Area College and TRCC working on Criminal Justice Degree
DataMaster Certified - 2006, 2008
Amateur Radio Technician License – KD0CIJ 12/5/2007
Man of the Year - Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, 2006
Vice President of the Crowley Ridge Amateur Radio Club

I have worked for the following agencies and corporations:

Bloomfield MO Police Department - Ranks of Officer, Sergeant, and Chief
MO Dept. of Corrections - COI
TransCor America - Special Agent, Extradition Specialist Supervisor
Nevada MO Police Department - Officer
Stover MO Police Department - Officer
Miller County Sheriff's Department - Jailer, Road Deputy
Markell & Associates - Process Investigator (St. Louis)
Yale Enforcement Services - Cpl, Site Supervisor (East St. Louis)
Nationwide Security - (Southfield, MI)

My interests are: My Lord, My Family, and My Community
Hobbies: Amateur Radio, Recording Gospel Music
Pet Peeves: Corruption, wherever it may be and people who criticize what they don't understand.

I have lived in Bloomfield for eight wonderful years and I love it here! My goal is to complete my degree in Criminal Justice Administration and to one day (in the very far off future) teach law enforcement at the college level.

I have an open door policy and will freely take complaints, investigate them, and return to you with a disposition. I will also advise my supervisor, the Mayor, of each complaint.

A word about our police vehicles.

Last fall the city purchased two police vehicles. Both of these vehicles were replacements for two other vehicles that were no longer capable of utilizing to maintain a decent level of public safety. The city has received a great amount of criticism for the purchase of these vehicles. I would like to point out a few things.

The Ford Explorer has a smaller engine than the Crown Victoria and costs less to fuel. It gets a lot better gas mileage. The average daily operating cost for the Explorer is $6.42 while the cost of operating the Crown Vic is $11.47.

I would also like to point out that prior to the city owning a 4 WD capable vehicle (several years ago) the Police Department would shut down during bad weather, unless it was a life threatening emergency. We are now able to maintain an ongoing level of patrol.

The Ford Explorer was used a lot during the recent ice storm. We were able to transport quite a number of people to and from the warming shelter.

Almost all cities our size in the State of Missouri maintain a minimum of two police vehicles.
I worked for the small town of Stover in 1997. They maintained 4 full time officers and 2 police vehicles. Stover has a population of 968 and is .87 square miles. We have almost 2,000 people and have 1.40 square miles (which is about to increase with annexation). If you look at other small towns across the state and compare them to Bloomfield you will see what I am talking about.

A word about child restraints.

Just a few minute ago I received a phone call from a concerned grand-mother in town. She was asking me about Missouri’s seat belt and car seat laws. Apparently, her daughter was letting her granddaughter ride around in her car without being properly restrained. Wearing a seat belt and having your children in proper car seats is not only the law…it’s just plain common sense! If I see a vehicle with a child not properly seated and restrained, that vehicle will be stopped and the driver will be issued a summons. I am implementing a ZERO-TOLLERANCE policy to my officers when it comes to this issue! Why? I’m glad you asked.

Driving or riding in an automobile can be dangerous. Nationally, motor vehicle crashes kill tens of thousands of drivers and passengers and injure nearly two million each year. The chance of being in an auto crash in your lifetime is virtually 100 percent. On average, you’ll be in a traffic crash every 10 years, and you have a one in 50 chance of being killed. No matter how safely you drive, you can’t control other drivers. Seat belts are your best protection against drivers who are careless or who have been drinking. It takes about three seconds to fasten your seat belt when you get into a car or truck to travel. Using lap/shoulder belts cuts your chances of being killed or seriously injured in a crash 40-50 percent.

Did you know that an unbelted occupant of a 30- mph car crash hits the windshield or other interior surfaces with the same impact as a fall from a three-story building? Did you know that people without seat belts have been killed at speeds as low as 12 mph? Here is a fact of interest… The effectiveness of an air bag system drops 40 percent when a seat belt is not used. Nationally, traffic crashes kill about five people every hour and, in Missouri, one person every nine hours. Seat belts would have saved the lives of more than half the car passengers killed each year. A driver’s chance of being killed in a traffic crash if not wearing a seat belt is 13 times greater than that of a driver who is buckled up.

How to use Seat Belts Properly:

A seat belt can only protect you if it’s used and used properly. Each person needs his/her own seat belt. Make sure all seat belts are working properly. Adjust your seat belt so it fits snugly over your hip bones. It should cross your lap low on the hips, not high across your stomach. Wear your seat belt as low on the hips as possible, so the impact force will be spread over the stronger hip bones. Seat belts should be worn snugly and with no slack. When you are pregnant, wear your seat belt underneath the abdomen. The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother.

Just what is the law?

Everyone riding in the front seat in automobiles and trucks with a licensed gross weight of less than 12,000 lbs. must wear seat belts.

Persons less than 18 years of age operating or riding in trucks (regardless of gross weight for which licensed) must wear seatbelts.

No person under age 18 is allowed to ride in the unenclosed bed of a truck with a licensed gross weight of less than 12,000 lbs. on lettered highways, federal and state maintained highways, and within city limits. There are exemptions for agricultural purposes, special events, and parades.

The law requires children under age four, regardless of their weight, riding in any type vehicle be secured in an approved child safety seat. To make sure the child safety seat meets Federal Safety Standard No. 213, check to see that it was manufactured after January 1981 and says dynamically tested on the label.

It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure passengers under the age of 16 are safely buckled up. Those 16 and over are responsible for themselves.

Remember, it’s not just the law. It’s common sense!