At a recent community forum, a constituent related a story where a fairly "benign" call resulted in four cops showing up. I noted that based on the circumstances described, our protocol would normally dictate a two-officer response; however, our field training officers are being paired with recruit officers, attempting to take the lessons they learned in the academy and applying them to real calls in the field.
MPD's thirty-two recruit officers completed their academy training and have started the field training process. In order to successfully advance to solo patrol they must achieve predetermined benchmarks for performance through a series of phases working with specially trained Field Training Officers. This is arguably the most challenging aspect of becoming a new police officer, as it requires the successful integration of many skill sets, and decision making in a stressful field setting. These newest officers should join the ranks of solo patrol in late May.
The training team has been busy with hiring for the May 2018 academy. The hiring list was approved by the Police and Fire Commission at a special meeting on March 22, 2018. Our current class size is thirty-eight (38). As this is the largest class to join MPD at one time, we are also planning for the logistical needs of a class of that size.
The information contained in my blog is derived from notes provided by MPD Officers-In-Charge (OIC) at the end of their shifts. Most narratives represent early and preliminary information that was gathered by an OIC from those in the field who were actively working cases. The OIC is sharing what they were being told, in the moment. In many instances, facts and circumstances, even the type of crime listed, can change as officers, detectives and investigators continue their work.
From 5:30 a.m. on 04/15/2018 through 5:30 a.m. on 04/16/2018, MPD received 265 calls for service. This number does not include parking complaints or 911 misdials. For purposes of clarification, the following abbreviations are short-hand for race designations: W=White, AA=African American, NA=Native American, H=Hispanic, ME=Middle Eastern, A=Asian, MR=Mixed Race, U=Unknown. MPD shifts are staggered as follows: 1st detail=7 a.m. to 3 p.m., 2nd detail=12 p.m. to 8 p.m., 3rd detail=3 p.m. to 11 p.m., 4th detail=8 p.m. to 4 a.m., 5th detail=11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
**Priority calls only in our North/East Districts from 10:25pm-11:10pm due to the call on Northport Drive.
1) MIDTOWN: Check Person – 6:13 a.m. Officers responded to the 700 block of John Nolen Dr to check the welfare of a suicidal subject (27-year-old AAM). The subject did not want to talk/cooperate with officers. Journey Mental Health consulted. The subject was conveyed to a local hospital for an evaluation. An emergency detention was sought and approved. The subject was conveyed to Winnebago.
2) EAST: Disturbance – 7:52 a.m. Officers responded to Rustic Dr for a report of multiple people fighting. Contact was made with the group who were all acquaintances and had gotten into a verbal argument that turned physical. No injuries were reported/observed. No parties wished to press charges. The individuals were separated and sent on their way.
3) NORTH: Check Person – 9:40 a.m. Officers responded to the 1500 block of Wright St where the caller (30-year-old AAF) reported that her boyfriend physically assaulted her. When officers arrived, the caller changed her story by stating she had not been hurt and only wanted her boyfriend to leave. The boyfriend of the caller was no longer on scene. No injuries were observed to the caller. The caller did not want to talk with officers. Investigation continuing.
4) WEST: Mental Health Conveyance – 11:45 a.m. Officers responded to Russett Road regarding a subject (37-year-old AAM) who had physically assaulted his mother (70-year-old AAF). The subject was conveyed to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation where an emergency detention was supported. The subject was conveyed to Winnebago. There is probable cause to arrest the subject for assaulting his mother once he is released from Winnebago. Investigation continuing.
5) EAST: Adult Arrested Person – 3:42 p.m. Officers responded to the McDonald's in the 2700 block of E. Washington Ave for a subject causing a disturbance. The subject (49-year-old WM) was contacted and advised to leave the area. The subject left the area but returned to the area again continuing his disruptive behaviors. The subject was contacted again and arrested for disorderly conduct.
6) EAST: Adult Arrested Person – 3:43 p.m. Officers responded to the East Towne Mall area where a subject claimed to need a detox evaluation. The subject (51-year-old WM), although not incapacitated, was found to be under the influence of alcohol which is against his bail conditions. The subject was arrested and conveyed to jail.
7) CENTRAL: Crash with Injuries – 6:26 p.m. Officers responded to N. Bassett St/University Ave for a vehicle v. pedestrian crash. The driver (37-year-old WM) was approaching a red light as the pedestrian (20-year-old AF) was crossing the intersection. The driver was unable to stop in time (slick driving conditions) and struck the pedestrian. The pedestrian was conveyed to a local hospital for a laceration that required stitches and other non-life threatening injuries. The driver was cited for driving too fast for weather conditions and released from the scene.
8) WEST: Juvenile Arrest – 7:26 p.m. Officers responded to the mall for a report of three juveniles committing retail thefts. One juvenile suspect (13-year-old AAF) was contacted and conveyed to the Juvenile Reception Center. Investigation continuing.
9) NORTH: Domestic Disturbance – 9:04 p.m. Officers responded to the 1700 block of Northport Dr for a report of multiple people arguing/fighting. Investigation revealed that several incidents had occurred between two families which erupted into a verbal and physical altercation. One suspect (20-year-old AAM) was arrested on charges of domestic disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property, intimidation of a victim and strangulation. The victim in this domestic (18-year-old AAF) refused medical attention. A second suspect (21-year-old AAF) was arrested for resisting an officer. Investigation continuing.
10) CENTRAL: Sexual Assault – 10:00 p.m. Officers met with a victim (19-year-old AAF) who wished to report a sexual assault. The suspect was known to her and identified as a 25-year-old WM. Investigation continuing.
11) EAST: Adult Arrested Person – 10:52 p.m. Officers responded to Nakoosa Trail regarding an employee/suspect (21-year-old HM) stealing items. The suspect was contacted and he admitted to taking the items and subsequently pawning them. The suspect was arrested for retail theft. Investigation continuing.