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.

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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.