I have to apologize for the late posting of calls today. I got home at 3:30am last night (no, Mom, I was not out carousing at the bars :) ) and at my age, anything over midnight is pushing my limits. Together with the Mayor's Office, alders, city staff, members of the public, and media, the 2018 Capital and Operating Budget hearing concluded in the wee hours of Tuesday morning. But it was well worth a few hours of sleep as MPD was provided validation--both in terms of funding and in terms of public officials weighing in---when our pleas for more staff took a definitive step forward! At the budget meeting, the council approved the city's match for up to 15 officers if we receive the federal COPS grant that we applied for. Thank you to the Mayor and the Alders that supported this budget amendment!
We have tried to demonstrate our acute staffing needs by way of studies, neighborhood focus groups, protracted discussions with our elected officials, media interviews, and, most importantly---through discussions with our constituents at a grass roots level. I am so pleased that we have this renewed commitment in recognizing the role that police play in enhancing quality of life issues. The vote for more staffing in Council Chambers will go a long way toward providing continued premium services. Additionally, this vote will serve as a timely booster shot of morale for our rank-and-file. I am thankful to all of those who helped us in achieving this much-needed infusion of officers!
From 5:30 a.m. on 10/13/2017 through 5:30 a.m. on 10/14/2017, MPD received 379 calls for service. This number does not include parking complaints or 911 misdials.
1) EAST: Check Person – 9:25 a.m. Officers responded to Pflaum Road to check the welfare of a juvenile (16 year old WM) who reportedly was making inappropriate comments that were concerning. Journey Mental Health plugged in. Family and service providers also assisted. Investigation continuing.
2) WEST: Disturbance – 10:13 a.m. Officers responded to Regent Street for a disturbance where a juvenile (12 year old WM with special needs) was exhibiting out-of-control behaviors. The juvenile was able to be calmed down and no other police action was necessary.
3) WEST: Check Person – 11:45 a.m. Officers responded to a store in the 700 block of Hilldale Way to check the welfare of a subject (19 year old WM) who was displaying strange behaviors. When officers arrived, the subject was no longer at the store. No formal complaint filed by the business.
4) WEST: Conveyance Mental Health – 12:03 p.m. Officers responded to transport a subject (31 year old AAF) to Winnebago under a Chapter 51 Emergency Detention Order. The subject was transported to Winnebago by two MPD Officers.
5) CENTRAL: Conveyance Mental Health – 1:54 p.m. Officers responded to Fordem Avenue for a juvenile (11 year old AAF) who was out of control. The juvenile was banging her head and kicked through glass. Officers attempted to deescalate the juvenile and ultimately had to physically restrain her when she continued to bite, hit and kick officers. The juvenile was eventually transported to a local hospital where she calmed down. A plan was put into place and the juvenile was ultimately released to her caregivers. No injuries were sustained by the juvenile or officers during this call.
6) WEST: Exposure – 4:13 p.m. Officers responded to Hoyt Park where a complainant reported that a suspect exposed himself. Area checked. Suspect not located. Investigation continuing.
7) EAST: Weapons Offense – 8:51 p.m. Officers responded to Camden Rd for a report of a large disturbance and possible shots fired. Several subjects were contacted. No evidence of shots fired was located. However, while still on the scene, officers dealt with a recently committed disturbance in which at least one person found to be injured and a vehicle was struck multiple times by bats/crowbars. Investigation continuing.
8) CENTRAL: Check Person – 11:18 p.m. Officers responded along with MFD to the 400 block of W. Johnson Street for a subject (34 year old WM) who was attempting to hurt himself. The subject was conveyed to a local hospital for treatment/evaluation.
9) EAST: Domestic Disturbance – 12:13 a.m. Officers responded to Rethke Ave for a domestic disturbance between two subjects (25 year old year old WM suspect and 23 year old WF victim). The victim reported that she was battered by her boyfriend who was intoxicated. The victim was seen at a local hospital for her injuries. The suspect was arrested for domestic disorderly conduct and resisting.
10) EAST: Weapons Offense – 1:36 a.m. Officers responded to the 700 block of Redland Dr for reports of shots fired. No evidence of shots fired located.