Just the Facts - A Blog by Chief John Douglass

ABOVE AND BEYOND. BY DESIGN. – A Police Perspective

2012-01-27T17:34:00.002-06:00

Last year, city leaders adopted a new slogan which promoted the city’s strength of customer service, and the personal commitment that employees deliver to the citizens of Overland Park on a daily basis.

While this is not a new concept from a police perspective, I’m constantly amazed at the things our officers do that are beyond their regular scope of duties.

Recently, I heard about an incident which exemplifies this practice of “going beyond that which is expected.” Sgt. Brian Houlihan, and Officer Brad Heater were dispatched to a call for service regarding children who were in need of care. When they arrived on scene, they quickly realized there were two boys under the age of three that had been without any type of adult supervision for an extended period of time. They also discovered each child had on heavily soiled diapers along with their dirty clothing.

The decision was made to take the children into police protective custody. Instead of making the children wait even longer to be changed by someone in Social Services, the officers took it upon themselves to find clean diapers/clothing, and did what needed to be done.

I’m proud of the work our officers do on a regular basis as they work to serve the citizens of this great city. I feel this is a testament to the quality and character of people we hire to patrol our streets.

They Took Your What?

2012-01-26T11:26:00.008-06:00

It’s out of sight and out of mind- until you start up your vehicle, that is. You may not even know what it’s called, but that small muffler-looking object under your vehicle is a catalytic converter. To you, it helps keep your vehicle “sounding right”, but to a thief, it means a fast buck.

A catalytic converter is part of the exhaust system of your vehicle. Thieves know that catalytic converters contain the precious metal platinum, which can be sold for quick cash.

Unfortunately, catalytic converter thefts are documented nationwide. Recently, we’ve seen an increase in Overland Park. In 2011, there were 71 reported incidents, some of which were multiple thefts. So far this year, we’ve taken 12 reports.

This is a metro-wide problem and involves many suspects. I will share with you a couple of pictures of a suspect vehicle to be on the lookout for. The vehicle is a gray, newer--model Chevy Trailblazer, with a sunroof and trailer hitch. Typically, the driver backs into a spot near the victim’s vehicle. The passenger then gets out and removes the catalytic converter.

I asked my Criminal Analysis Unit to do some research on how much thieves are getting for stolen Catalytic converters, and how much the victim has to pay to replace it. As you can see below, the numbers are pretty significant on the part of the victim.

Recycling Quotes on Catalytic Converters:
Small = $45
Medium = $50
Large = $70
Ford = $32
GM = $70-$100
Camry $65
Small Foreign = $85
Medium Foreign = $100
Large Foreign = $120

*Dealer Prices to Replace Stolen Catalytic Converters
1996 Saturn = $821.04
2003 Pontiac Grand Am CC = $773.54
2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo = $866.40
2004 Chevrolet Cavalier = $652.00

*these are all from recent catalytic converters thefts in Overland Park

A thief can remove a catalytic converter from under a vehicle in as little as two minutes. Recently, the most commonly hit vehicles are Chevy Cavaliers, Pontiac Grand Prix’s, Oldsmobile Aleros, and Pontiac Sunfires.

There are some things you can do to reduce the possibility of being a victim of thefts in general. The first preventive thing is to park in well-lighted areas, or close to the front entrance to buildings. Also, be aware of any suspicious vehicles or people hanging out in parking lots.

The Truth

2012-01-25T12:22:00.004-06:00

Truth and integrity. There is no denying how important these values are to us as individuals. As police officers, we build our whole career on truth and integrity. The officers and detectives of Overland Park incorporate these values into their daily activities, but Detective Mike Mann spent many of his days dealing with truth and integrity at a different level.

Detective Mann began his career with the police department 33 years ago. He started work on the street, but quickly became part of a Directed Patrol Unit that would deal each day with specific, targeted problem areas. He eventually moved to the personnel department and spent the majority of his career as a polygraph examiner.

One might conjure up pictures and ideas of the polygraph examiner interrogating a suspect in a heinous crime. While he was a vital part of many investigations, the reality is Detective Mann spent most of his days as a gatekeeper, if you will, for the police department. You see, potential candidates in the police officer hiring process must go through a polygraph examination. Detective Mann ensured the officers who would serve this city possessed the required integrity.

For many years, Detective Mann conducted two to three-hour-long interviews to countless numbers of individuals. He never took a short cut and always took great pride in his work. He was, and always will be, dedicated to finding the truth. Yesterday we said goodbye to Detective Mann as he begins his investigation of retirement and finds the truth behind a little relaxation.

Legacy of Excellence Adds New Member

2012-01-24T10:09:00.005-06:00

On Sunday January 22nd, 2012, the Police Department promoted six members from within its ranks, and also recognized a new recipient of the Legacy of Excellence award.

The Legacy of Excellence recognizes outstanding public service, commitment to the community and strength of character. This year’s recipient, Palle Rilinger, certainly embodies all these qualities and more. Palle is the past president and CEO of the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault, better known as MOCSA.

In the past, Legacy of Excellence award winners have all been either directly connected to the police department, or to the City of Overland Park in some manner. Palle is the first inductee who didn’t have any of those direct connections. What she did in her 27 years at the helm of MOCSA was deliver unwavering support for victims of sexual support. She raised money, directed a staff and, more importantly, handcrafted an initiative which positively impacted the lives of women and men who are victims of these crimes. In doing so, she has made our community - in fact, the entire metropolitan community - a more humane and caring place. Because of her devotion and commitment to advocacy on behalf of those victimized, Palle Rilinger leaves “A Legacy of Excellence”.

Police Department Holds Promotional Ceremony

2012-01-23T14:24:00.021-06:00

On Sunday January 22nd, 2012, the Police Department conducted a promotion ceremony which recognized six candidates for promotion; a Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors and three Sergeants.

Simon Happer was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Michael Imber and Sonta Wilburn were promoted to the rank of Major. The three individuals promoted to the rank of Sergeant were Matthew Bregel, Kyle Livengood, and Tirsa Otero.

One of the key components during the ceremony was the recitation of the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor, which reads:

"On my honor, I will never
betray my badge, my integrity,
my character or the public trust.

I will always have the courage to hold
myself and others accountable for our actions.

I will always uphold the constitution, my community, and the agency I serve."

Each one of these individuals has exemplified this oath by their actions and the way they do their jobs on a day-to-day basis. Please join me in congratulating each of them on their promotions.

Sergeant Matthew Bregel

Sergeant Kyle Livengood

Sergeant Tirsa Otero

Major Mike Imber

Major Sonta Wilburn

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Happer

Did You See That?

2012-01-20T15:45:00.002-06:00

“Which way did they go, which way did they go?” said the sheepdog in the old children’s cartoon. The sheepdog is asking a question that might sound simple, but as a police officer, I know the timely collection of who, what, when, where, why and how can be critical. We collect this information from a variety of sources, but witnesses and victims of crimes are usually the first to provide valuable details of an incident.

Think back to almost any news story and you may remember hearing mention of what a witness reported. A witness or victim can help solve a case and be an integral part of successful prosecution. It could be a simple hit and run accident or the most heinous of crimes, but any accurate details of the event can be important.

I want to give you a few things to think about in case you ever find yourself a witness or victim of something that requires police involvement:

Make mental notes about the suspect or suspects. Start at the head or hair, and work your way down to the shoes. Try to identify anything that stands out as odd, unusual or specific. Try to get those same specifics on vehicles. License plate numbers, even if they are only partial, are helpful.

Officers want to be there to help immediately, but there will likely be at the very least a short delay before officers can arrive. While you are waiting, jot down all of your information. This doesn’t have to be done in a story or statement form. A quick list of whatever you remember while it is fresh is good enough to start.

Daily activities provide opportunities to practice these observation skills. Any passing person allows you the chance to make mental notes about clothing, scars, glasses, or even the way they walk.

Remember, safety is paramount. Never insert yourself into a dangerous situation to collect the details of a crime. If you aren’t able to answer questions because you are hurt or worse, it won’t help anyone.

Help Identifying Three Suspects in a Pawn Shop Burglary

2012-01-19T15:28:00.005-06:00

I’m asking for the public’s help again in identifying three subjects who broke into a pawn shop on the evening of January 15th, 2012.

This burglary is especially disturbing because these three subjects specifically targeted this pawn shop for its long guns.

Officers were able to obtain surveillance video and still photos of the three suspects as they entered the business. It’s tough to make out any faces in them, but someone may be able to recognize specific clothing items.

Photos of the suspects are attached, and the video can be downloaded from the Overland Park YouTube site.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OT39dTp0KY&feature=youtu.be

Please take a look at the video and photos. Anyone with information on the identity of these suspects is asked to call the TIPS HOTLINE at 816-474-TIPS, or the Overland Park Police Departments Investigation Division at 913-344-8750.

Eye in The Sky

2012-01-18T15:47:00.002-06:00

Once upon a time when two cars crashed at an intersection and both drivers claimed to have had a green light, the truth might never have been determined. Today’s officers have a tool that can capture the moment of impact and other helpful information, as well.

The City of Overland Park has traffic cameras at various intersections. These cameras can capture pre-crash movement, traffic signal colors, and traffic violations. In 2011 they captured just over 23% of the reported crashes in the city. They can also be used in emergency operations and criminal investigations.

While the predominate purpose of the traffic cameras is to monitor real time traffic flow for the traffic engineers, they have been extremely helpful to officers and detectives. This city currently has 114 traffic cameras with plans to install more in the near future.

For more information on the cameras or to view the cameras in real time, visit the city’s website at http://www.opkansas.org/apps/resident-resources/traffic-web-cameras/

MADD Recognizes OP Officers

2012-01-17T14:49:00.005-06:00

This past Saturday, January 14, 2012, a special event took place in Grandview, Missouri. The event was hosted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and recognized those officers who enforce DUI laws. Among the 38 officers recognized were Overland Park Officers Andrew Black and Jared Kendrick.

Officer Black has been a part of this police department for 24 years. Half of those years have been spent as a Traffic Safety Officer. In 2011, he arrested 102 people who were driving under the influence, which brought his career total to nearly 1500 DUI’s. These numbers speak to his dedication to the safety of Overland Park streets.

Officer Jared Kendrick has been a police officer in Overland Park for just over two years. As a patrol officer, he has already made 129 DUI arrests. In his short time as an officer he has personally experienced the dangers related to driving under the influence when he was struck by a car during a DUI investigation.

Alcohol and drug impaired drivers negatively affect thousands of families nationwide every year. I am proud of each and every officer who diligently fights this fight.

Lights, Camera, Action! A Follow Up To Breaking News

2012-01-13T10:51:00.000-06:00

A short time ago I posted a blog about the search for the department’s new Public Information Officer or PIO. As I mentioned before, I had a handful of potential candidates. Each had to demonstrate their ability to interview well and communicate effectively in writing. They also had to be able to handle the move from police work, as most picture it to be, to working in an office atmosphere. Not many officers are willing to make this transition.

I must say I was impressed by the quality of all the applicants who applied. They were all excellent candidates and would have been competent and successful in the position. I would have been comfortable with any one of them representing the department. None the less, only one could be chosen.

I am pleased to announce I have selected Officer Gary Mason to fill this position. Officer Mason will assume on these duties effective January 17, 2012. He may be contacted at 913-327-6937 or gary.mason@opkansas.org.

What's Your Emergency

2012-01-12T11:14:00.001-06:00

“911 Overland Park,” the voice on the other end of the line says. The voice belongs to that of a 911 dispatcher. Our dispatchers are typically your first point of contact in an emergency situation. Their role in the police department is usually overshadowed by more glamorous jobs like SWAT and CSI, but make no mistake, the job requires a very special skill set.

The city’s job description for a Police Dispatcher outlines those required skills. Among other things it lists the “ability to work in an environment with constant interruptions”. Dispatchers actually answer 911 calls, non-emergency calls and calls from officers so the interruptions can be very frequent. “Good oral communication skills” is a requirement. Yes, I think we can all agree this would be very important. Patience was another skill. It was listed as number 11 under mental requirements, but if you worked just one day with any Police Dispatcher, you might think it belongs in the number one position. The requirement of good listening skills was one the list, too.

And listen they will. They have heard it all from, “Help! My child’s not breathing” to even the calls that would be more appropriate for the non-emergency line, such as the elderly man whose wife had recently passed and he needed someone to talk him through making a cup of hot chocolate. You call and they will be there to answer.

In those emergency situations, dispatchers are there for police officers and public alike. They have to work quickly, take information from one and relay it to another. Like a police officer, their day can go from quiet and calm to hectic in a moment. Through it all they maintain composure and answer the call. They may be out of sight and seemingly out of mind, but they are the unsung heroes of the police department.

Hide and Seek Anyone?

2012-01-11T14:00:00.002-06:00

The phone rang early this past Saturday morning, January 7, 2012. It was dispatch calling. “Chief, officers are on a report of a missing 5-year-old,” said the voice on the other end of the line. I listened as the dispatcher provided me with the basic information the officers had gathered to this point, name, description and the time the boy was last seen.

It started out sounding serious enough. In fact, this call type creates an urgency that rivals other types of calls. However, this time tragedy was averted.

The boy’s parents searched the inside of the home before calling officers to help. A short time later relief replaced anxiety when the boy was found hiding in the family’s living room under a chair. Mystery solved and hiding spot noted.

Hide and seek can be a fun game for the child, but only when the seeker knows the game is going on. Talk with your children about when and where to play hide and seek.

While You’re Out Grabbing Lunch, They’re In Grabbing Goodies

2012-01-10T14:19:00.005-06:00

Yesterday I wrote about the release of information. I told you about the cases where we ask for help with identifying suspects. Today, I have just that kind of request. Detectives are currently working two different investigations that are unrelated, but were committed in similar manners, and they need your help in identifying the suspects in each.

The first case made a victim out of someone who spends her day helping others. A nurse in a doctor’s office was contacted during her work day in reference to someone trying to use one of her credit cards. She quickly learned someone had removed her wallet from her purse while she was away from her desk.

The second case has several victims. The suspect or suspects entered business suites at different locations during the lunch hours. These thefts occurred between October and December of 2011. The targets of these thefts were computer laptops, wallets and other purse contents.

My message of caution would apply to both investigations. Watch for people coming or going from your business that appear out of place or are unknown to you. Be especially vigilant during the lunch hours.

Anyone with information about the identity of the people in the photos shown below is asked to call the TIPS HOTLINE at 816-474-TIPS

Today We Tell All The Secrets - Well Not Quite

2012-01-09T13:34:00.002-06:00

The truth is, there’s a very delicate balance between “right to know” and “need to know”. Two recent high profile cases are prime examples of this fact.

Consider this, every piece of information officers and detectives develop is a building block to a pyramid, the pyramid being a potential criminal case. Compromise or remove just one piece, especially in the foundation, and the structure grows weak. It can even collapse completely. And, like it or not, some things are not released to protect a person’s right to a fair trial.

There are times we release information to get assistance in solving a case. Other times we withhold information is to keep from jeopardizing a case. Equally important to protecting a case is protecting family members during some of the most devastating cases. The last thing I want is for a family member to learn about the loss of a loved one or details of how they may have died from a news report.

Finally, in big investigations, we develop many leads and talk with lots of people that end up being unrelated to the investigation. If we talked about each and every item we investigated or person we spoke with, there are those who could be affected adversely.

So while there are those who clamor and demand to know it all, sometimes we just can’t tell all the secrets.

A Rare Call

2012-01-06T09:50:00.000-06:00

There are some types of calls that the officers of Overland Park respond to regularly and then there are some types of calls that are few and far between. A murder-suicide call is one of the rare kind. In fact, when officers responded to the call of shots fired on January 5, 2012, just after 10:00 am, it was the first call of this nature since September of 2011.

As most know by now, the original call came out as a report of shots fired. The first officers on scene located a female who was shot multiple times. She was transported to a nearby hospital, but later died from her injuries. An investigation ensued.

Officer and detectives learned from witnesses that a maroon truck, driven by a white male, was seen leaving the area. They searched the area for the truck and found it nearby in the 13900 block of Lamar. The male related to the truck was found dead from a gunshot wound.

Detectives continue to work the investigation but have determined it is a domestic situation.

The Cat With Nine Lives

2012-01-05T09:08:00.001-06:00

People can be pretty vicious when it comes to domestic disturbances. Emotions run hot and tempers can flare. In a fit of rage they will sometimes do anything as a means of revenge, coercion, control, or punishment. We’ve seen them do everything from destroying each other’s property to physically attacking one another. Rarely, though, do we see someone target a pet.

In the early hours of New Year’s Day a domestic fight broke out between girlfriends at an apartment. Property was broken and fists flew. At one point during the fight, a cat was thrown out a second story window. The suspect in the incident said she knew the only way to hurt her girlfriend was to hurt the cat she loved.

Thankfully, the cat survived the fall with minor injuries. This situation just demonstrates how nothing is safe when people start to lose control.

Breaking News

2012-01-04T15:20:00.002-06:00

It starts with a simple dispatched call. Maybe the officers are responding with lights and sirens. Maybe it is a simple non-emergency response. Either way, upon their arrival, what they learn may quickly become big news and the next thing you know, the media arrives.

In the next few moments, “Breaking News” is born. You will probably see a reporter who gives you a quick summary and then segues into a clip of an interview from someone who is involved. If it’s a police-related incident, you’ll likely see someone in uniform providing the who, what, when, where, why and how details. What you did not witness is the moments before that interview is taped. In that time, the officers on scene were probably having a “paper, rock, scissors” standoff to see who would have to complete the interview and face the news camera.

You see, I have many great police officers in the department but to ask one to stand in front of a camera and answer a reporter’s questions, well that takes a special personality. I realized a few years ago the City of Overland Park and the police related events that took place here would require someone dedicated to handle the news side of these calls. We call the officer that fulfills these duties the Public Information Officer or PIO.

In the City of Overland Park, the PIO must be knowledgeable of city ordinances and current events. As the face of the department, they must be polished, helpful, articulate, and appear at ease on camera. As if that isn’t enough, I also require my PIO to assist with daily administrative tasks from preparing letters and running errands to attending meetings and helping with various projects.

Why do I bring all this up? A recent promotion has forced me to start the process of looking for a new PIO. I have identified a handful of possible candidates within the department. These candidates have had to demonstrate their written communications skills as well as respond to personal interviews. The end goal is to find that perfect person to speak to you the next time “Breaking News” happens.

Orange Signs Got You Seeing Red?

2012-01-03T16:59:00.000-06:00

The Kansas Department of Transportation sent out a reminder recently that the next phase of improvements to the I-435 Highway and US-69 Interchange area has now begun. Unfortunately, these improvements will come with some temporary inconveniences. Ramp closures at the interchanges of I-435 Highway and Quivira Road, I-435 Highway and US-69 Highway, and US-69 Highway and College Boulevard may take place. Short-term lane restrictions may also be likely. This is estimated to be a three-year project.

With the added driving challenges of winter weather looming, please remember to drive safely. Allow yourself a greater following distance on slick roads and watch out for changes in driving patterns. Getting to your destination safely is more important than getting there quickly.

Bringing in the New Year

2011-12-30T10:42:00.002-06:00

Bringing in the New Year is always exciting. It’s a time to reflect on what we have accomplished this year and what we want to accomplish next year. Traditionally, it is also a time to celebrate with family and friends. While the nice weather that is forecasted for this New Year’s weekend will ensure optimum road conditions, your travels can be hindered by impaired drivers. Now is the time to plan for a safe journey this weekend. If you plan to consume alcohol remember to designate a driver or make other arrangements for a safe ride to and from your destination.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 431 traffic accident related fatalities in 2010 for the State of Kansas. Of those, 168 were alcohol impaired driver related fatalities.

The Overland Park Police Department will be conducting a DUI “saturation patrol” on Saturday, December 31st, 2011. This patrol will begin during the late evening hours and continue overnight. Our desire is to discourage drinking and driving, which can result in automobile accidents.

Don’t let the few dollars you spend on alcohol end up costing you thousands in court fines and/or a trip to jail, not to mention the immeasurable cost of an injury accident or fatality.

Enjoy the New Year and Happy Holidays.

The Sounds of Celebration

2011-12-29T09:15:00.001-06:00

New Year’s eve is a holiday known for celebration. It is also a holiday known for noise. Besides our normal calls for service, officers will likely be called to investigate numerous fireworks complaints.

Please consider this my friendly reminder that fireworks are banned in the City of Overland Park. At the risk of sounding like a New Year’s Grinch, the sale, possession and discharge of fireworks, by anyone, adult or juvenile, can result in fines ranging from $200 to $500. Yes, this includes sparklers, snakes, and the smallest of firecrackers.

Another type of call the officers may receive is the sound of “shots fired”. In most cases this ends up being fireworks calls that are mistaken as gun fire. But if you are tempted to replace the celebration sounds of fireworks with that of gun fire, remember, what goes up, must come down.

It might seem harmless to shoot up in the air for the sole purpose of making noise, but it is illegal, not to mention extremely dangerous. Before you decide to celebrate in this way, please remember the tragedy that occurred in Kansas City, Missouri this past 4th of July when 11-year-old Blair Lane was killed by stray gunfire. The gun was fired by someone who intended no harm and only wanted to celebrate the holiday.

A Time To Give Thanks

2011-12-28T09:00:00.003-06:00

This is the season of giving. A sincere offer of appreciation is one of the greatest gifts of all. “Thank you” is exactly what one group of citizens wanted the officers to hear. We received the poster sized thank you card you see pictured here. I am proud of the Overland Park police officers and civilian employees. Receiving cards like this one is a reminder of why we do this job.

Knock-Knock, Whose There?

2011-12-27T13:10:00.000-06:00

A knock at the door could be a sales person, delivery person, neighbor, friend, or visitor. Or, as one resident learned recently, it could be a burglar. She was taking advantage of what started out as a quiet morning to sleep in when she woke up to the sound of someone knocking on her door. When she did not answer the door, a would be burglar tried to break in through a rear door. She made a quick call to 911 as the burglars ran off. Patrol officers were able to snatch up the two juvenile burglars within a few minutes of receiving the call. With a little investigative work, officers and detectives were able to clear other open burglary cases.

Burglars are typically opportunists. They often choose to avoid confrontation, which is why most residential burglaries are reported during normal daytime working hours when most people are not home.

A common tactic they use is to knock on a door to see if anyone is home. If someone answers, they try to provide some excuse for knocking and then leave without much of an explanation. However, when there is no answer to their knocking, they assume no one is home. This is their opportunity to break in and help themselves to your belongings.

Crime prevention is about taking away the opportunity. When someone knocks, you don’t have to open the door, but letting them know you are there tells a potential burglar the home is not empty.

A New Twist On An Old Scam

2011-12-23T08:55:00.001-06:00

Unfortunately, telephone scams that prey upon the elderly are not something new. However, I recently received information regarding an elderly female who was contacted in just this manner, but with a new twist.

In this case, the elderly female was called by someone who identified himself as a police officer. The caller told her that her grandson was arrested and required a $3000 bond to be posted for his release. She was told the bond needed to be paid by way of a wire transfer. Thankfully, she became suspicious and decided to verify the callers request before acting on it. She found out her grandson was not in custody of any kind and was safe at home.

In Overland Park, bonds must be paid in person. They cannot be paid by wire transfer or phone. If you suspect a call is suspicious, contact your local police department. They will be able to help you verify the correct agency and bonding procedures for your situation.

Safe Is All That Really Matters

2011-12-22T09:00:00.004-06:00

I know there are probably a lot of unanswered questions regarding Aisha Khan. The most important fact for us all to remember is that she is safe. Everything else is now a personal family matter and we respect their privacy. Law enforcement officials were able to find, identify, and verify last night that she was not abducted and that no crime occurred. I want to thank everyone who dedicated their time and effort to this case. In the end, one that was missing has now been found.

‘Tis the Season…

2011-12-22T07:47:00.003-06:00

The holiday season is a time of celebration and often brings families closer together. For some it can be a season of great expectations, and many individuals find themselves feeling they are not meeting those expectations.

Every year the police department responds to calls for service during the holidays which are not so merry. The stress of the holiday season can be the precursor for domestic situations as well as mental health calls for service. While buying gifts, making meals, and decorating are all important aspects of the holiday season, showing your love and support to those around you is the most important of all holiday considerations.

Taking the time out of our busy schedules to talk with our loved ones and neighbors might make more of a difference than you realize. If you feel they may be in a time of need, please don’t hesitate to call for assistance. Remember, a smile is contagious and might just brighten someone’s day who really needs it.

39 Years of Law Enforcement Experience Draws to a Close

2011-12-21T13:19:00.001-06:00

There are few officers who can boast of 39 years of experience and even fewer that can say they have personally assisted in training the majority of the new officers in the area. These are two of Detective Denis Plumly’s bragging rights. Even though he is retiring today, his influence will be evident in the many officers he helped train.

Denis began his career in law enforcement with the Overland Park Police Department in June of 1972, as a patrol officer. From there he went on to work in the Traffic Unit, Investigations Division, and Professional Standards Unit. Denis’ experiences throughout his career and his personality made him a perfect fit for his last assignment as an instructor at the Johnson County Regional Police Academy.

To say Detective Denis Plumly has made an impression on many lives would likely be an understatement. Denis displayed the utmost professionalism. He has understanding when dealing with the public, his co-workers, and new officers. He dedicated his time and effort to passing on his knowledge to the new faces that will carry on in law enforcement.

The citizens and police officers in Overland Park wish Denis the best.

The Sky is Falling! The Sky is Falling!

2011-12-20T17:13:00.002-06:00

No, the sky really isn’t falling. But on Monday, December 19th, there was a street light that nearly fell into the roadway at I-435 Highway and Quivira Road. Around 7:30 pm the light was struck by a bus, damaging the pole. Repairs to the light necessitated closing the northbound and southbound lanes of Quivira over I-435 Highway to all traffic. The roadway was reopened about three hours later.

Missing Person Alert

2011-12-19T17:20:00.003-06:00

The case of Aisha Khan is currently classified as a missing person; however, we are using our resources and partnerships in the possibility that this could be an abduction.

On Friday, December 16th, Overland Park police officers responded to a call from KU Edwards Campus officials regarding Ms. Khan. Responding officers learned Ms. Khan is a Johnson County Community College student who is taking classes at the KU campus as part of a cooperative agreement between the two education centers. Her sister reported that she had received a voicemail from Ms. Khan shortly after 11a.m. In her voicemail message, Ms. Khan mentioned an individual had been bothering her. When Ms. Khan’s sister arrived to pick her up, she was no longer there but her belongings were found where she had likely been studying.

We currently have ten detectives assigned to this case, as well as more than 50 officers. We have utilized our Mounted Search and Rescue Unit, which includes civilian volunteers on horseback. We also requested assistance from the FBI, Olathe police department, and the law enforcement agencies of KU and Johnson County Community College.

As our investigation continues, we are following up on various leads, including interviews with family members, friends, KU students and staff members, and construction workers who were working nearby.

Ms. Khan was last seen wearing a yellow and black shirt, black sweat pants, black scarf, black regular length jacket, and a black and white long outer coat.

She is 5’2”, 120 pounds, has dark brown hair, brown eyes, and sometimes wears glasses.

I am asking anyone who may have seen Ms. Khan or anything suspicious on the date in question to contact the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS or 913-344-8703.

Lt. Colonel Jack Cauley Retires, But His Successful Career Continues...

2011-12-16T10:36:00.004-06:00

When you think of someone who will be retiring from work, you might picture someone who is kicked back and relaxed with one of the few challenges in life being what to do with their day. This will not be the case for Lieutenant Colonel Jack Cauley who retires from the Overland Park Police Department Monday.

Jack began his law enforcement career in 1984 as a Police Dispatcher with the Lenexa Police Department. After just a year of answering emergency phone calls and dispatching officers, he knew he wanted to be in the middle and helping those in need. In 1985 he became a Prairie Village Police Officer and served with this agency until 1986 at which time he was hired by the Overland Park Police Department.

In the 25 years Jack has worked for the Overland Park Police Department, he has worked his way through the ranks from a Patrol Officer to his present position as Lieutenant Colonel. His duties ranged from taking patrol calls, training new officers, working in investigations, and various other supervisory positions including the head of each bureau within the Department.

His outstanding performance in each role with the Overland Park Police Department leaves me confident he will have continued success with his next position as the Chief of Police for the Castle Rock Police Department in Colorado.

If I Were a Thief...

2011-12-15T16:01:00.002-06:00

During the month of December, the Patrol Division, under the direction of Sgt. Houlahan, has begun an initiative to help deter auto burglaries in locations such as apartment complexes, health clubs, shopping centers, and many others.

Officers will look inside each vehicle to see if there are any items of value that can be seen from outside the vehicle that could be an easy target for theft. Some examples of what they will be looking for are wallets, purses, electronic items, and laptops. During the holiday season, shopping bags with gifts are also items that are attractive to thieves.

If the Officer sees nothing that would attract a thief, they would then place a placard on the windshield thanking the owner for making their vehicle uninviting to thieves. If there are items of value observed from outside the vehicle, they will then make a note of that specific item on the placard. Each placard contains valuable information and statistics to help someone not become the next victim.

Auto burglaries do occur in Overland Park, whether you are at home, shopping, or even at the office. Last year, there were more than a thousand auto burglaries with property loss valued at over $775,000. Many of these vehicles were left unlocked, making them targets for thieves looking for easy access.

True or False Alarm

2011-12-14T16:46:00.002-06:00

Do you remember the old childhood story about the boy who cried wolf? This is a story that sometimes comes to mind when we talk about residential and business alarms. Last year Overland Park Police Officers responded to approximately 5300 alarm calls. More than 95% of these alarms were false alarms.

False alarms can be caused by a variety of reasons. Pets can set off motion detectors, visitors can enter the wrong code, employees have the wrong security word or code, and the list can go on. With an alarm call having the potential to tie up two officers or more for more than 30 minutes; it is imperative that the system works properly. Just as important is knowing how to use that system. Make sure anyone who will be using the system has the proper codes or contacts.

False alarms do have consequences. The City allows for 2 false alarm occurrences a year with no penalties. Each occurrence after that carries a fine. Fines can range from $50 to $250. Alarms can be beneficial, but making sure the system is properly designed for your needs may prevent a false alarm.

A permit is required for all alarms within the City. You may apply for a permit at www.crywolf.us/overlandpark. The permit fee is $10.00.

Unexpected Visitors Can Be So Annoying

2011-12-13T14:09:00.003-06:00

For most people, Sundays are fairly quiet. This was not the case for one Overland Park resident on the morning of December 11, 2011. Around 10:00 a.m., her morning was interrupted when the driver of a pick-up truck drove through the front of her home.

Officers arrived on scene to find the pick-up truck had smashed through the front of the home and the driver still in the truck. Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident. Officers conducted their investigation and determined the crash was the result of driving under the influence of drugs.

Finders Keepers?

2011-12-12T13:12:00.002-06:00

In today’s tight economic times, it might be tempting to keep money that is found on the street. However, one good Samaritan resisted the temptation recently. While on a trip to the Nuts and Bolts store located at 9628 Nall, our good Samaritan found some money in the parking lot. When he was unable to find the owner himself, he turned the money over to an officer.

In cases such as these, the Police Department holds the money for 90 days. If the rightful owner is located in those 90 days, the money is returned. If we are unable to locate the rightful owner, the money can be released to the finder.

The goal now is to find the rightful owner. If you have any information regarding the rightful owner, please contact the Police Department.

Did You Notice Anything Suspicious?

2011-12-09T10:38:00.004-06:00

Yesterday evening Officers responded with the Fire Department to a fire call in the 7700 block of Metcalf Ave. The fire was already out upon the arrival of first responders. After some initial investigation, it was obvious to officials that the fire was intentionally started.

An unidentified person entered the men’s restroom at the convenience store and set some paper products on fire. There was damage to a wall along and some smoke damage, but the potential for serious damage was obvious. No injuries were reported.

The time frame in which this occurred was very short. A mere five minutes between 7:15 p.m. and 7:20 p.m. was all it took. The Police Department and the Fire Department are conducting a joint investigation. There is no surveillance video or photos available at this time.

If you were in this area around these times and observed someone acting suspicious, please call us at 913-344-8750, or the TIPS HOTLINE at 816-474-TIPS.

One, Two, Three, Felony

2011-12-07T11:15:00.003-06:00

A number of years ago the State of Kansas made some changes to the theft statute that people may not be aware of. The changes made it possible to charge suspects with felony theft if they steal from three separate mercantile establishments in a 72-hour time period, regardless of the amount of loss. Also, a theft following two previous convictions can be charged as a felony under the revised statute. Again, this is regardless of the amount of loss. These changes were intended to help combat shoplifting.

We recently had an example of this. On December 6, 2011 four females were taken into custody for suspicion of theft at a popular Overland Park shopping destination. As officers investigated, they developed probable cause to believe the four took items from more than three stores within a 72-hour period.

The four women, all aged 18 or 19, were arrested and transported to the Johnson County Jail to await formal charges.

This case is a good example of the effort our officers put forth to implement the statute changes and actively prosecute shoplifting cases.

Kansas Theft Statute

Crashing Through the Snow

2011-12-06T11:16:00.004-06:00

Whether you’re going over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house or just commuting to work, snowy streets demand caution and a much lighter foot on the accelerator. The first snow of the season arrived this morning and traffic accidents quickly followed.

As you can imagine, the call load on snowy days increases substantially. If you are involved in an accident and there are no signs of injuries or intoxication and the cars are drivable, you have the option of exchanging information with all involved drivers and responding at a more convenient time to one of the police stations. Drivers have this option not only during inclement weather but during normal weather conditions as well.

The best advice is to do what you can to avoid being involved in an accident. Slow down during hazardous weather conditions and allow additional time to get to your destination. From 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. this morning we took approximately 55 accident reports.

If you are involved in a non-injury accident where intoxication does not appear to be a factor and the cars are drivable, remember you have the option to exchange information and file a report later. During inclement weather this may be your most efficient option. If you choose to wait for an officer to respond, keep in mind that emergency calls, including accidents with injuries and/or disabled vehicles, will be handled first. Please be patient.

BE SAFE DURING THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON

2011-12-05T15:15:00.001-06:00

Holiday shopping is in full swing. Great sales opportunities are part of the annual holiday season, but so are large crowds. Some shopping areas can have as many people as a small Kansas community.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the holiday spirit and criminals look upon the busy shopping days as opportunities to commit crime. By practicing a few safety tips, you can take steps to help prevent becoming a victim.

Anticipate crowds and remember to take safety precautions. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you shop at night, park close to the store and under a parking lot light, if you can. Be alert when walking to and from your car, lock your vehicle and be sure to conceal your purchases by locating them in a trunk or cover them with a blanket.

Avoid leaving your purse containing your driver’s license, checkbook and credit cards unattended in a shopping cart or baby stroller. It just takes a second for a thief to grab it.

The buddy system is also a great crime deterrent. Shop with a friend or in a group. It’s not only more fun, but it greatly reduces your chances of being victimized.

Getting to Know the Department

2011-12-02T15:21:00.003-06:00

Criminal Investigations Division Special Victims Unit

On February 1, 2010, the Special Victims Unit was created within the Criminal Investigations Division. SVU currently investigates the following crime types; Sex Crimes, Child Abuse, Online Child Sexual Exploitation, Elder Abuse, Juvenile Runaways, Prostitution and Human Trafficking. SVU consists of one Sergeant, seven detectives, and one Crime Analyst.

The community within the City of Overland Park, Kansas is not immune to the ills which plague our society today. A quote from the 18th Annual Crimes Against Children Conference exemplifies what our nation is facing today; “Computers and the Internet have made access to our children a child predator’s dream, and as such brings greater responsibility to the adults who seek to guide and protect them.” The Cyber Crimes Unit within SVU consists of two detectives who specifically investigate online Child Sexual Exploitation cases by proactively targeting persons in our community who victimize our innocent population of children. Computer Forensic Previews are conducted to assist in the determination of whether or not an extensive computer analysis needs to be completed at the Heart of America Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory. The Cyber Crimes Unit serves as an affiliate member of the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children’s Task Force. One of the Detectives serves as a member of the FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force greatly enhancing our ability to seek federal prosecution and penalties.

Our three traditional SVU detectives investigate Sex Crimes, Child/Elder Abuse and Juvenile Runaways. The SVU works collaboratively with the Johnson County Sexual Assault Response Team, Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault, Sunflower House (Child Advocacy Center) and many other community organizations to offer the best resources for investigation, prosecution and victim advocacy. It should be noted, research into Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking has shown that habitual runaways, throwaways, orphaned and homeless teens are at a higher risk factor for commercial sexual exploitation. Therefore, detectives look into a runaway’s past criminal history, contacts with police and SRS reports to assist in providing services to prevent future runaway occurrences.

Our two Vice Unit detectives proactively target prostitution related crimes, Human Trafficking investigations as well as conduct background checks on Massage Therapy Establishments and Therapists. Vice Sting operations are conducted regularly as well as investigations into massage therapy violations. One Detective serves as a member of the FBI Innocence Lost Task Force which is aimed at addressing the growing problem of domestic sex trafficking of children in the United States. The Sergeant of this group also serves as a member on the Kansas Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Task Force Advisory Board.

Our Crime Analyst wears many different hats within SVU. She reviews all Internet Crime Complaint Center reports sent by the National White Collar Crime Center involving online fraud. Any complaints involving a crime within Overland Park’s jurisdiction are documented in a police report and forwarded to the Financial Crimes Unit for investigation. Our Analyst serves as the online researcher for the prostitution related advertisements as well as conducts analytical and background research on suspects of online child sexual exploitation initiated by Cyber Crimes detectives. In addition, she serves as a Cellebrite Power User which is a forensic tool utilized to download evidence from cellular telephones.

Warming up the Car

2011-11-30T08:39:00.004-06:00

With the colder weather upon us, people are tempted to start their car and allow it to warm up unattended. It’s nice to get into a warm car when it is cold outside; that is if it is still there upon your return.

There have been 52 vehicles stolen in Overland Park as they were warming up (since January 1, 2010). Here is some interesting statistical information about cars stolen while warming up.

If this happens to you, it will probably take place at your home; 40 of the 52 were either at an apartment or a single family residence. These thefts most likely happen on a weekday, 44 of the 52. How about times? Our statistics show that the majority of these thefts occur between the hours of 0600 a.m. and 0900 a.m. (35 out of 52).

Is it legal? In Overland Park, it is not. There is an ordinance prohibiting unattended running vehicles not equipped with a remote start system. The fine for this violation is $90.00.

 If you park outside, what can you do? There are several remedies. If you have the ability to park inside, don’t park on the driveway or street. This will eliminate the desire to warm up your car, stay with your car as is warms, or invest in a remote start system or block heater.

 There is plenty of information on the internet regarding warming up your car. Just type “warming your car in the cold” into the search engine of your choice.

Holiday Stress

2011-11-29T09:37:00.005-06:00

Do you believe holidays cause stress? Having just gone through the Thanksgiving holiday and looking at the number of calls our patrol officers responded, I believe it’s a fact.

From 12:00 a.m. on Thursday November 24 to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, November 27, our officers responded to 43 disturbance calls, 12 of which were on Thanksgiving Day itself.

We typically see an uptick in domestic violence and child abuse calls during this time of year, holiday stress is likely the contributing factor. Our country’s current economic conditions may increase stress levels even higher.

Because of this I feel it would be a good time to remind people of some of the resources available in our area to assist in a time of need. The following local organizations have 24 hour hotlines staffed with people who may assist you.

Johnson County Mental Health

24hr Emergency Services 913-268-0156

SAFEHOME

24hr Emergency Services 913-262-2868

MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault)

24hr Emergency Services 913-642-0233

Help to Identify

2011-11-28T10:13:00.007-06:00

Overland Park Police have taken four, criminal damage to property reports and one burglary report over the past few months in the area of 119th Street and Pflumm Street. Detectives have obtained surveillance photos from two of the incidents. The person of interest in the photo appears to be a juvenile.

Two incidents were reported on October 15, 2011, one in the area of 119th and Pflumm and the other in the area of 119th and Noland.
Exactly a month later, on November 15, 2011 a burglary occurred in the area of 119th and Pflumm.

The latest damages occurred on November 16, 2011 in the 13400 block of 119th Street. All of these incidents occurred in the evening hours.

Damaged property included broken windows, broken flower pots, broken locks, and tipped over picnic tables.

The burglary report noted approximately $12,000.00 in damages, mostly to a car in the garage, and thefts of alcohol and cash.

Anyone with information on the identity of this person is asked to call the Overland Park Police Department at 913-344-8750.

Help to Identify

2011-11-23T08:55:00.006-06:00

Overland Park Officers are working hard at Oak Park Mall and other retailers to deter and arrest shoplifters. They need your help to identify a person who attempted to steal $1300.00 in merchandise on November 11, 2011, and successfully stole $1000.00 dollars worth of merchandise on November 19, 2011.

The following photos are from the November 11th attempt. Her target is high end purses from a popular Overland Park retailer. Anyone with information on this women’s identity is asked to call the Overland Park Police Department at 913-344-875o, or the TIPS HOTLINE and 816-474-TIPS.

We will have additional officers working who will be placing extra attention on retail theft and fraud now through the Christmas holiday.

Officer Locates Stolen Property on the Way Home

2011-11-22T13:42:00.002-06:00

On November 18, 2011, officers were called to the area of 137th Street and Eby to investigate two auto burglaries. The burglars had broken out car windows to access two purses left in plain view. This occurred between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Later that night, one of our officers located the two purses near the roadway in the area of 133rd Street and Antioch. The Officer had recently gotten off duty and was riding his bike home. All the contents of both purses were accounted for, with the exception of the cash.

As we regularly see, items of value left in plain view encourage crimes of opportunity. The reality in the majority of these cases is that the cost to repair the damage caused by the suspects trying to get the items far exceeds the value of the items they steal.

Please do not leave items of value in plain sight.

Store Employees Detain Suspect

2011-11-21T11:30:00.004-06:00

On November 17, 2011 at 2302 hours, our Officers were called to a local store on a reported robbery. While Officers were en route, they were informed the store employees had the suspect detained.

When Officers arrived, they discovered two employees holding the suspect to the floor behind the register. Officers relieved the store employees and took the man into custody.

The incident began when the suspect attempted to take money from the register during a purchase transaction. The clerk and another employee were able to pull the man to the ground and hold him for police.

One employee sustained a bite during the struggle and there were a few other minor cuts reported. No weapons were involved.

The suspect was transported to the Johnson County Jail to await his first appearance on charges of robbery, battery, and obstruction.

We thank these two employees for their assistance, but encourage everyone to account for their own well-being before becoming actively involved in a situation. Being a really good witness can be very helpful as well.

Farewell to Sergeant Larry Cohen

2011-11-18T10:04:00.008-06:00

With a fond farewell and best wishes from the Overland Park Police Department, Sergeant Larry Cohen is retiring after 34 years with the Police Department. He started as a patrol officer in 1977 and patrolled the streets of Overland Park, Kansas for five years. His dedication to the city continued as crime prevention officer for eight years. In this position, Larry gave presentations to members of the community regarding safety, home security and business security, as well as child safety.

In 1991 Larry was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and became the supervisor for the Crimes against Persons and Property Units in the Investigations Division. His commitment to public safety did not end there. Crime Prevention, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE), School Resource Officer and Community Oriented Policing units also benefited from his supervisory skills.

Larry pioneered a program to prevent new account fraud during the time when new account fraud was a major financial crime. He received the Police Department’s Public Safety Award for his innovative ideas. From 2001-2003 Larry co-managed the department’s $200,000 Underage Drinking Educational and Enforcement grant.

Larry has established a reputation for integrity, fairness and professionalism. Many members of the Department, as well as the city, will remember his sharp wit and humorous storytelling. Larry will always be known for his passionate support of MU but, more importantly, how he used this passion as a platform for encouraging young individuals to pursue higher education.

Sgt. Cohen, your smile and presence will be missed. Farewell and good luck in all you choose to do.

Why Are Police Officers Pulling Everyone Over?

2011-11-17T14:42:00.004-06:00

Everyone knows the drill. You hear a siren and check your rearview mirror to see a police car behind you with flashing lights. You move over to the right side of the road safely; sadly enough the patrol car follows you. With a sigh you put your vehicle in park and turn on your flashing warning lights. As the Officer approaches, the same thought runs through everyone’s head, “What did I do?”

The truth is, officers execute traffic stops for many different reasons. Some would think the Officer has nothing better to do than pull over vehicles. Others would argue what they did is not really an issue worthy of a ticket. After the Officer tells the driver the reason for the stop the driver may even argue they didn’t realize what they did was wrong.

On a daily basis Officers who work in the Patrol Division and the Traffic Division patrol the city and look for traffic violations. Why the additional attention to traffic violations? The focus for additional enforcement is on high accident locations and violations which can result in serious injury, such as seatbelt violations and speeding.

As a comparison, the average traffic stop lasts from 7 to 15 minutes. Traffic accidents can last 30 minutes to 3 hours and can disrupt the flow of traffic if lanes are blocked or emergency equipment is required. Plus, added benefits to traffic stops are identifying those drivers who have warrants for various criminal activities in Overland Park, Kansas and adjacent cities, or those individuals who have histories of criminal behavior and could be related to crime trends.

On 11/10/2011 monthly results were provided for officers working on an accident and crime reduction initiative. 147 cars were stopped and 204 tickets written. Of those tickets, 37 were red light violations and 42 were seatbelt violations. Two of the stops even involved warrant arrests. These statistics do not include the number of tickets and arrests related to stops performed by Officers regularly patrolling the streets.

The idea for traffic enforcement does not include an arbitrary stop to pass the time. Traffic enforcement not only thwarts immediate hazardous driving, but also provides a reminder for the countless drivers who pass the traffic stop to drive responsibly. Those drivers see the enforcement and adjust their driving due to the presence of the Police Officer. Hopefully, continued enforcements such as these may convince citizens it is better to arrive at a location safely, than quickly.

Doug DeZube receives Public Safety Award

2011-11-16T12:55:00.003-06:00

On November 9th 2011, Doug DeZube was recognized by the Public Safety Committee for the support he has given to the Overland Park Crime Free Multi-Housing Program. Mr. DeZube has worked closely with the Overland Park Community Oriented Policing Unit for over ten years. He has graciously provided our neighborhoods and apartments with guidance on a variety of public safety issues.

Through his diligent efforts, partnerships and problem-solving techniques were organized to proactively address public safety issues.

All dressed up and nowhere to go, except jail that is.

2011-11-15T11:08:00.002-06:00

As a follow up to my blog on Easy Money, I want to provide an update on the bank robbery from 11/9/11. Following up on a lead, Overland Park Detectives and members of the FBI made contact with a 28–year-old male in relation to the robbery. When questioned about the incident, the male admitted to the robbery. When he was taken into custody he was wearing a suit and ready for a night out on the town. However, he was arrested and spent the night in a cell instead.

Thanksgiving Holiday Traffic Enforcement

2011-11-14T16:26:00.001-06:00

The Overland Park Police Department will be participating in the Thanksgiving Traffic Enforcement Campaign, from Monday, November 21 through Sunday, November 27. This grant funded project from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) will specially target impaired drivers and vehicle occupants who are not properly restrained.

According to KDOT, the Thanksgiving holiday weekend (Wednesday-Sunday) commonly outranks all other holidays in its number of alcohol-related crashes. Those driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs endanger not only themselves, but also their passengers, other motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. A Driving Under the Influence conviction can result in jail time, suspension or revocation of driver’s license, fines, participation in an alcohol treatment program, possible impoundment of their vehicle, and installation of an ignition interlock device in that vehicle.

Failure to take two seconds to simply buckle up can be responsible for needless death and maiming. Drivers and passengers who do not buckle up are about 12 times more likely to be killed and almost twice as likely to suffer injury as those who do buckle up. This applies regardless of speed and whether on city street, county road, or highway.

Keep in mind that if you are going to be drinking – any amount at all– don’t consider driving home. Don’t let pride or concerns for your convenience endanger your life and the lives of innocent others. Always wear your seatbelt and don’t move the vehicle until each person riding with you is buckled in. It is your best defense, it’s their best defense, and it’s the law. By always following these simple rules, you will increase the safety of you and your passengers and avoid a costly DUI conviction.

Officers Arrest Six Women Shoplifting Together

2011-11-11T09:50:00.002-06:00

Yesterday afternoon Officers were called to the area of 135th Street and Antioch to a child’s clothing store to investigate several people shoplifting.

Witnesses provided descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle to dispatchers. The information was passed to the responding officers who quickly arrived and located the vehicle with the women inside.

Officers detained the women and began investigating the incident. Through the investigation, probable cause was developed and all six women were arrested.

They were all transported to the Johnson County Jail to await their first appearance on charges of felony theft. The ages of these women ranged from 18 to 39.

With the holiday shopping season kicking off, we will be watching for this type of activity.

Easy Money…Not When it Catches Up With You

2011-11-10T08:55:00.004-06:00

A white male suspect entered the First National Bank of Kansas, on 11/9/11 at approximately 9:20 a.m. and committed a robbery. The bank is located in the 9700 block of Metcalf.

The robber gave the teller a note demanding money and the teller complied. No weapon was displayed and no injuries were reported.

The suspect left on foot in an unknown direction with an undisclosed amount of money. The following photo of the suspect has been released.

Anyone one with information on this crime is asked to call the TIPS HOTLINE at 816-474-TIPS.

OPPD Returns the Favor

2011-11-09T08:30:00.004-06:00

Our metro area police departments are very good at working together to solve crime. The following events are two examples of this kind of team work.

On November 6, 2011, Officers with the Lenexa Police Department caught and arrested a juvenile male for committing auto burglaries in their city. During their investigation they found reason to believe that their arrestee may have committed the same crime in Overland Park.

After speaking with Lenexa Officers, Overland Park Officers responded to an address in Overland Park and discovered an auto burglary that had not yet been reported.

Great police work and cooperation, right? Hang on, it gets better.

The next night, an Overland Park Officer made an arrest and through that investigation, found reason to believe that the person he arrested may have committed auto burglaries in Lenexa.

Lenexa Police were contacted and began investigating. Through their investigation, they now believe the person arrested by the Overland Park Officer may have been involved in at least two auto burglaries in their city.

Isn’t team work great!

Help Detectives Identify a Person of Interest

2011-11-08T14:35:00.006-06:00

This worked yesterday, lets try it again.

The Overland Park Investigations Division is asking for the public’s help in identifying the man pictured below.

On October 31, 2011 Loss Prevention Officers (LPO’s) from a local retailer called to report a shoplifting case. They suspected a man of concealing and stealing video games. The LPO’s attempted to stop the man but he pushed past them as he fled the store, which constituted a battery on the LPO’s.

No injuries were reported. The suspect was described as a black male in his 20s, approximately 6 feet tall and 300-350 lbs. He had a thin goatee, slightly tinted glasses and gold teeth. He was wearing a baseball cap backwards and a black T-shirt with a “Coogi heritage” logo.

Anyone with information on the identity of this man is asked to call the Overland Park Police Investigations Division at 913-344-8750.

Follow up to the Previous Blog

2011-11-07T13:35:00.006-06:00

Detectives believe they have identified the person of interest shown in the photo from the earlier blog.

Thank you to everyone that assisted in this case.

Help Detectives Identify a Person of Interest

2011-11-07T08:48:00.007-06:00

On 09/20/11 an Officer took a report on an unusual incident. The reporting party stated they were the victim of deprivation of property. It turns out that the victim loaned a laptop to a person they recently met on Facebook. He was supposed to return it that day, but never did.

When the victim attempted to re-contact the suspect, the suspect’s identity is now in question. The victim provided the following photo of the person of interest in this case.

If you know the identity of this man, please call the Overland Park Police Department at 913-344-8750.

Please use caution on social networking sites. Just because the site indicates you may know a person, that is not always the case.

Getting to Know the Department

2011-11-04T09:34:00.005-05:00

A Police Sergeant

A Sergeant is the first line supervisor who is responsible for upholding the standards and practices of the Police Department. Sergeants have the daily task of juggling paperwork and field work necessary to guide a team of Police Officers. They do not respond to every call, but may arrive on a scene for a variety of reasons. Sergeants are required to supervise all the time, not just when a call for service deteriorates into a dangerous or complicated situation.

They may arrive on scene to offer assistance, provide direction, or to meet with an officer to discuss other police matters. A Sergeant is constantly evaluating needs-- needs for relief, needs for additional resource and needs for equipment. They may even simply supply a welcome bottle of water for a thirsty officer directing traffic.

Sergeants also respond to calls for service when officers are occupied with other situations. They will respond to back up officers, make traffic stops, and even handle the initial investigation of a call. They prepare performance evaluations for officers and are tasked with equipment tracking and maintenance. And let’s not forget, Sergeants read and approve every police report written by officers.

Do you know how to differentiate a sergeant from an officer? Police uniforms vary according to rank, but most people don’t know how to interpret those differences. Badges and name plates on an officer’s uniform are sliver; on a Sergeant’s uniform they are gold. In addition, the Sergeant uniform has three gold stripes on the sleeves of the shirt.

In Overland Park, a Sergeant is constantly in the field trying to make a tough job a little easier for Officers and to make sure the department provides exceptional service for the citizens we serve.

Follow up to Sept 8th, and Sept 15th, blogs

2011-11-03T10:36:00.003-05:00

Through this blog, I try to keep citizens aware of events occurring in our city. Frequently, we ask you to watch for a suspect car, identify a certain type of crime, or assist in identifying a person. Whenever possible, I believe we should provide updates to those events for which we have asked assistance.

If you remember, on September 8th and 15th we posted a photo showing a person of interest in some burglaries of cell phone stores. Recently, we gained more information on these crimes from a simple car stop.

On October 28, 2011, an officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the area of 75th and Metcalf. The juvenile driver did not provide the officer with his correct personal information so the officer began to investigate further. During the investigation, the officer discovered the juvenile was in possession of stolen property.

As the investigation continued, information regarding the cell phone burglaries was discovered. The juvenile was taken into custody for obstruction, possession of stolen property, and driving without a driver’s license. There have not been any charges filed regarding the cell phone burglaries as of yet, but the cases will be sent to the District Attorney’s Office soon for review of charges.

Just thought you would like to know.

One Shoe Shoplifter Ran, but He Could Not Hide

2011-11-02T15:59:00.003-05:00

Losses from shoplifting not only negatively affect businesses, they also negatively affect consumers. Businesses charge higher prices for products to compensate for shoplifting losses. Deterring shoplifting and prosecuting offenders benefits everyone. That’s why one of our officers recently ran “the extra mile” to catch one.

On October 31, 2011 about 7:00 p.m., we were called by a Loss Prevention Officer (LPO) to one of our local businesses. The LPO reported a suspect concealing video games in his clothing.

As one of our officers was arriving, the LPO reported that he chased the suspect from the store out to the parking lot. The suspect then headed eastbound from the store. About this same time, our officer observed the suspect run right past the front of the police car.

Our officer got out of his car and chased the suspect. The foot pursuit continued into a farm field. The suspect failed to comply with the officer’s commands to stop, despite losing his shoe and spilling video games on the ground.

The officer eventually caught up to the suspect and was able to get him to the ground and place him in handcuffs. No injuries were reported. The suspect was transported to the Johnson County Jail to await his court appearance for theft and a drug possession charge.

If you search the web, you will find several sites that estimate annual retail losses in the billions due to theft. Any impact we can have to deter this crime is beneficial to everyone.

No Excuse for This

2011-11-01T10:34:00.002-05:00

One of our hospitals was a recent victim of property damage. For no apparent reason, someone threw a rock through a window near the ambulance entrance to the hospital. The rock that broke the window was no bigger than a ping pong ball.

This occurred on 10/28/2011 around 9:30 p.m. Officers responded to 124th Street and Metcalf to take a report on criminal damage to property. The surveillance cameras showed two individuals standing on the helicopter pad just before the incident.

One person ran across the helicopter pad and into the dark immediately after the damage occurred. The video shows that individual was wearing all dark clothing.

If you were in this area and witnessed anything, contact the Overland Park Police Department at 913-344-8750.

The Nose Knows

2011-10-31T14:57:00.002-05:00

Police Officers regularly use their senses to help them do their jobs. The use of sight and hearing are obvious, but the sense of smell can also help to detect crime.

On 10/26/11 an officer used his nose while on the front step of an Overland Park residence. The distinct odor of marijuana was wafting through the air. After talking to the resident, the officer decided to obtain a search warrant for the home.

The officers executed the warrant and found contraband causing the smell. No arrests were made at that time, but we are confident they will be forthcoming.

This is an example of good police work and a job well done by all the officers involved.

White Pickup Connected to another Cigarette Theft

2011-10-27T11:25:00.010-05:00

We have taken several cigarette theft reports this year that involved a white pickup truck as the getaway vehicle. The latest incident occurred early yesterday morning.

On October 26, 2011, around 5:30 a.m., two people entered a store in the area of 75th and Metcalf. While the involved female distracted the clerk, the male suspect went behind the counter, grabbed several cartons of cigarettes, and fled the store to the white pickup truck. A short time later, the female returned to the white pickup truck, as well, and the two left the area.

The truck is further described as a Chevrolet Silverado extended cab with unknown tag. The truck has a black trim piece running horizontally across the middle of the door.

The suspects were described as a heavy-set black female wearing a white t-shirt and black pants and a tall, slender black male wearing a gray shirt and blue jeans, with an unshaven face and short black hair. He is believed to be involved in previous cigarette thefts.

Anyone with information on the identity of these people of interest in the below photos is asked to call the TIPS HOTLINE at 816-474-TIPS.

The below photos are from this latest incident.

The below photos are from one of the thefts earlier in the year.

The Unwelcome Night Visitor

2011-10-26T14:51:00.005-05:00

Open houses are a traditional way to visit with friends and relatives during the holidays, but be careful about providing one for burglars. No one wants strangers entering their home.

Occasionally we have an incident where a resident encounters a stranger who has entered their unsecured home. We recently took a report on an event like this.

On October 25, 2011 shortly after midnight a resident called police after scaring off a stranger who had entered their home. When the resident heard one of those “bumps in the night,” they went to investigate. The resident opened the door leading to the basement and garage to discover a 23-25 year old white male standing there.

The man ran out of the house and the resident followed for a short distance before calling police. Police responded and searched the area but the suspect was not located.

It turns out that a side door to the garage was left unlocked which provided the suspect an opportunity for entry. There was no reported damage and no loss of property in this event.

The suspect was described as approximately 5’10 with a slender build and he was wearing blue jeans, a black ball cap, and a dark blue coat.

Make sure you have your doors and windows locked to help keep this from happening to you.

Police Reports

2011-10-25T12:04:00.001-05:00

No one wants to be the victim of a crime, but what do you do if you are? First of all, if you find yourself in an emergency situation, call 911 immediately. If you are in a non-emergency situation, you can contact Police Dispatchers at 913-895-6300. They would then dispatch an Officer to your location to complete your report. They may also present you with the option of responding to either two of our stations, 8500 Antioch or 12400 Foster, to make your report. But, speaking with an Officer in person is not your only option. Our Online Police Reporting might be what fits in best with your day.

We allow submission of non-emergency reports that you may file immediately, with no wait. Then you can print a copy of the report for free.

The following types of reports may be completed online:
Harassing, threatening or obscene phone calls
Theft of: motor fuel, services, items from a vehicle, or other miscellaneous thefts
Suspicious activity or people
Vandalism
Lost license plates-not stolen
Lost property such as cell phones, wallets, purses, etc.
Possible drug activity in a neighborhood (that is not occurring at the moment)
Unlawful use of a credit or debit card

All reports filed with our Online Reporting System are reviewed by personnel. After review, a police officer or detective may contact you for further investigation, if needed. Reports with limited information or no leads do not get assigned to an investigator, so details are imperative. This reporting method can be found on our city website, www.opkansas.org.

Drive Carefully Around Accident Scenes

2011-10-24T10:26:00.005-05:00

Several years ago the State of Kansas passed a law requiring vehicles to slow and/or move over a lane when approaching and passing a stopped emergency vehicle with emergency lights activated. This was done in an effort to keep emergency personnel safe when they are in dangerous traffic conditions associated with their duties. It is a good reminder for everyone to take extra driving precautions while navigating around events where emergency first responders are present.

On 10/21/2011, first responders were on the scene of a traffic accident in the area of 91st street and Metcalf. A motorist trying to get around the event ended up side-swiping a parked ambulance on the scene. The motorist was attempting to make a left turn around the event when his driver’s side mirror struck the ambulance. Luckily, there were no emergency personnel on that side of the ambulance.

When navigating around an accident scene, if you have any concerns about striking an emergency vehicle as you are trying to get around it, you are passing too closely. Please drive slowly and watch for people outside of vehicles.

Drug Take-Back Day is October 29th

2011-10-21T11:34:00.003-05:00

In coordination with the DEA, the Overland Park Police Department will host two sites for the upcoming Prescription Drug Take-Back day. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 10am to 2pm.

The two Overland Park locations will be 8500 Antioch Road and 12400 Foster Street. This is a great opportunity to safely dispose of expired and/or unused medication. This disposal method ensures these medications do not fall into the wrong hands.
Nationwide, these take-back days have been a huge success. During the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days on September 25, 2010 and April 25, 2011, nearly 4,000 state and local law enforcement agencies participated and collected more than 309 tons of pills.

Check out the following links from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Food and Drug Administration for further information.

DEA

FDA

If You Snooze You Lose

2011-10-19T10:58:00.006-05:00

Did you know studies have shown that 37% of drivers have reported falling asleep or nodding off at the wheel?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data reflects that over the past few years, there have been nearly 56,000 crashes annually in which driver fatigue or drowsiness played a role. The National Sleep Foundation offers the following tips to help prevent you from becoming a statistic:

• If possible, get a good night's sleep.
• Plan to drive long trips with a companion.
• Schedule regular stops every 100 miles or two hours.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Avoid medications that may make you drowsy.
• Drink the equivalent of two cups of coffee.
• Limit naps to 15 to 20 minutes. More than that can make you feel groggy.

Click the following links for more information.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

National Sleep Foundation

Child Safety

2011-10-19T09:51:00.008-05:00

The story surrounding the missing child from Kansas City, Missouri has captivated the news and the entire metropolitan area. Although these events are very rare, there may be a lot of parents out there asking themselves “How do I keep my child safe?”. A missing child is something no one would ever want to go through.

Although the following information from The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children may not be applicable to the current case in Kansas City, MO, due to the age of the child involved, it is good information. You may want to take this opportunity to speak with your children about safety.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children provides some of the following information on their website.

What are the most important things parents should tell children about safety?
1. Always check first with a parent, guardian, or trusted adult before going anywhere, accepting anything, or getting into a car with anyone.

2. Do not go out alone. Always take a friend with you when going places or playing outside.

3. Say no if someone tries to touch you, or treats you in a way that makes you feel sad, scared, or confused. Get out of the situation as quickly as possible.

4. Tell a parent, guardian, or trusted adult if you feel sad, scared, or confused.

5. There will always be someone to help you, and you have the right to be safe.

What should a parent know when talking to a child about safety?
1. Don’t forget your older children. Children aged 11 to17 are equally at risk for victimization. At the same time you are giving your older children more freedom, make sure they understand important safety rules as well.

2. Speak to your children in a manner that is calm and reassuring. Children do not need to be frightened to get the point across. In fact, fear can thwart the safety message, because fear can be paralyzing to a child.

3. Speak openly. Children will be less likely to come to you about issues enshrouded in secrecy. If they feel that you are comfortable discussing the subject at hand, they may be more forthcoming.

4. Do not teach “stranger danger.” Children do not have the same understanding of “strangers” as adults; the concept is difficult for them to grasp. And, based on what we know about those who harm children, people known to children and/or their families’ actually present greater danger to children than do “strangers.”

5. Practice what you preach. You may think your children understand your message, but until they can incorporate it into their daily lives, it may not be clearly understood. Find opportunities to practice “what if” scenarios. Teach your children that safety is more important than manners. In other words, it is more important for children to get themselves out of a dangerous situation than it is to be polite.

For more information, click the following link to go the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children website.

missingkids.com

If it Walks Like a Duck.....

2011-10-18T13:39:00.001-05:00

An Overland Park man trusted his instincts and reported suspicious behavior, which resulted in two arrests.

On October 13, 2011, at 3am, Overland Park Police responded to a call of two suspicious males walking in a neighborhood wearing gloves and carrying backpacks. The reporting person had seen the males enter a silver sedan. When officers arrived, they observed a silver sedan parked in the street with its doors open. A foot chase then ensued with two males who matched the description.

A K-9 was called out to assist with this search. The silver sedan was a stolen vehicle and had a .22 caliber rifle inside. Two suspects were soon located and taken into custody.

This criminal activity would not have been discovered without citizen’s help in observing and immediately reporting this suspicious behavior to police.

There Goes My Roof

2011-10-17T10:52:00.006-05:00

With all the storm damage we have seen this summer, there are a lot of roofs still being replaced. As I am sure you have seen around your neighborhood, contractors often place supplies for upcoming jobs on the driveways of the homes. These supplies can become targets for thieves, and homeowners may not notice them disappearing.

Recently, Officers took a report of a theft that involved these circumstances. The homeowner witnessed two Hispanic males arrive in a beat up white Chevy pickup truck. The homeowner saw them load a bunch of roofing supplies and leave. He thought it was strange, but he did not know if the contractor needed the material for another job. The homeowner called the contractor who told him his employees did not take the supplies.

The homeowner then called police and reported the theft. The passenger of the truck was described as a “skinny” Hispanic male. The driver of the truck was described as a stocky Hispanic male, 5`8, 220 lb, medium black hair, and had the word "Mexican" tattooed across the front of his chest.

The homeowner believed the truck was possibly a 1990 - 1992 model Chevrolet with a partial Wyandotte County Kansas tag of 084-D___.

Anyone with information on the identity of these two suspects is asked to call the Overland Park Police Department at 913-344-8750 or the TIPS HOTLINE at 816-474-TIPS.

*Unrelated Photos

COMMUNITY SHREDDING EVENT

2011-10-13T14:17:00.006-05:00

October 22, 2011
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location:

Overland Park Police Department
12400 Foster Street
Overland Park, KS 66213

All shredded materials are recycled to help protect the environment!

Donations accepted to benefit the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline, a 501c3 non-profit organization that takes anonymous citizen tips to solve felony crimes in your community.

**Limit 3 boxes / bags per vehicle**

Click the following link to see flyer.

Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers

TIPS Hotline 816-474-TIPS (8477)
www.KCcrimestoppers.com
Text “TIP452” to “CRIMES” (274637)

But, Officer, It’s Not MY House..

2011-10-13T13:05:00.004-05:00

Overland Park continues to have zero tolerance for underage drinking. Several arrests from this past weekend show our effort to curb this activity.

An 18-year-old who was house-sitting for a family member allowed a party to gather that involved underage drinking. As what commonly happens in these situations, an unusually high amount of traffic drew attention to the home. Officers responded, and after a short investigation, the 18-year-old was arrested for hosting. Six other people under the age of 21 were arrested for minor in possession of alcohol.

As you can see from this incident, it’s not just parents who get arrested for allowing underage drinking to take place in their homes. Anyone allowing underage drinking to occur on property they have control over can be sited for hosting.

If you are a parent please talk to your children about the serious consequences of taking part in one of these events.

Auto Burglary Victim Detains Suspect

2011-10-12T13:11:00.001-05:00

Rarely does the victim of an auto burglary see the suspect commit the crime. It’s even rarer for the victim to catch, detain, and notify police, but that’s just what happened.

On 10-07-11 around 1045 a.m. a man working on a retail construction project observed a young man enter his car. The victim quickly ran to his vehicle and confronted the young man. The car owner detained the suspect and called police.

Police arrived and took the suspect into custody. As police were investigating the incident, a second suspect was located and taken into custody, as well.

It turns out the two were out of gas and decided to go through vehicles in the area looking for loose change to buy some. They were eventually released to the custody of the Johnson County Jail to await their first appearance.

Get Out of My Car

2011-10-11T07:59:00.002-05:00

At the end of the work day most people are tired, still have many things on their minds and just want to get home. Ejecting a stranger from your vehicle prior to battling rush hour traffic should not be part of anyone’s commute.

This happened recently to the manager of a local restaurant. At the end of her shift, she discovered an unknown male sitting in the passenger seat of her car. Several employees tried to get the man out by opening the door, but he kept shutting it. After several attempts to remove him, the man locked himself in. Officers arrived and were able to remove the young man from the car. It appeared he had been drinking.

The manager was not interested in filing charges since the man did not cause any damage to the vehicle and did not take anything. A family member responded to the scene and accepted responsibility for the man.

This is a good reminder to make sure you lock your car when you are going to be away from it. After a long day at work this would be the last thing you would want to deal with.

October is National Domestic / Dating Violence Awareness Month.

2011-10-10T13:01:00.002-05:00

Domestic Violence is not just about physical abuse. It has many aspects and often includes emotional abuse. It can happen to anyone regardless of gender, size or age. In fact, if you do any research you will find many sites indicating that 1 in 3teenagers have experienced violence in a dating relationship.

Regardless of the victim’s or offender’s age, domestic and dating violence is about power and control. Every relationship is different, but domestic violence often follows a cycle. First, tension builds to a breaking point, then there is a violent or extreme emotional event, and finally the couple enters into what is commonly known as the “honeymoon phase.” The honeymoon phase is where an offender often apologizes for the incident and may even promise that it will never happen again.

While there are many warning signs of abuse, here are ten of the most common:

1. Checking your cell phone or email without permission
2. Constant put-downs
3. Extreme jealousy or insecurity
4. Explosive temper
5. Financial control
6. Isolating you from family or friends
7. Mood swings
8. Physically hurting you in any way
9. Possessiveness
10. Telling you what to do

By knowing what to look for you can help break the cycle of violence. If some of these warning signs describe a relationship you are in or know of, don’t wait to seek help. These situations normally escalate in frequency and intensity. Reporting the incident could save a life.

Crossing Guard Celebrates 31 Years

2011-10-06T13:55:00.005-05:00

Mary Cutting has been a School Crossing Guard for the City of Overland Park Police Department for 31 years! She has covered several schools during this time. She spent 20 years at Rosehill Elementary, four years at Oakhill Elementary and Oxford Middle School, and is presently serving at Pawnee Elementary School. She loves her crossing and the kids.

Mary grew up in Kansas City, MO and has been married to her husband, Luther, for 60 years. Together they have 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. They also have an 11 year old Pomeranian named Libby. On nice days Libby goes to work with Mary.

You may not realize it, but every day a crossing guard works, they not only keep our children safe, but they also keep a police officer available to answer emergency calls.

Thank you for your many years of dedication and service to our children. Our community relies heavily on our crossing guards. They are trusted with our most valued and irreplaceable treasures, our children.

Flying Manhole Covers

2011-10-06T10:33:00.003-05:00

It wasn’t quite like the exciting scenes from the movie “Volcano” where rivers of bubbling lava gushed through the sewer system and sent manhole covers airborne, but we did have one flip its’ lid recently.

Police and Fire personnel responded to 103rd and Grant on the morning of October 4, to investigate a report that an explosion had blown off a manhole cover. Smoke was observed by Fire personnel when they arrived.

It appeared that electricity may have been the culprit, so the street was closed for a short time while KCP&L responded and investigated. It was determined that some type of power arcing took place that caused the event.

The electric company was confidant this would not happen again.

*Non-related photo

Car Wash Thieves Make a Clean Get-Away, for Now

2011-10-05T10:57:00.005-05:00

We have all heard of thieves causing more financial damage to property during a theft than the value of the items they took. A good example of this is destroying walls in a home under construction to access copper wiring worth a few dollars. We had a case like this recently, except instead of copper, the target was quarters.

Sometime over night from 9/19/11 to 9/20/11 the collection boxes of five coin-operated machines at one of our local car washes was targeted. The face plates where coins are deposited and wash selections are made were pried open causing over $17,000 in damage. The value of the stolen coins is estimated at far below the cost of repairing just one of the five damaged units.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Overland Park Police Department at 913-344-8750, or the TIPS HOTLINE at 816-474-TIPS.

Car Alarm Foils Thief

2011-10-04T09:26:00.002-05:00

Some mornings that 5:30 a.m. alarm clock is a very unwelcome noise. An Overland Park resident was awakened recently by a much more ominous alarm.

On September 29, around 3:00 a.m., the car alarm sounded from one of the vehicles parked in his garage. As he got up and looked out the window, he saw a man run from his garage to a car across the street. The vehicle left in a hurry. When the resident got to his garage, he realized he had left his overhead door open when he went to bed.

There were two vehicles in the garage; one was locked and one was not. The suspect had rifled through the unlocked car. However, when he tried to enter the locked car, the alarm awakened the homeowner.

Thanks to the car alarm, the resident did not suffer any loss in this incident.

This event shows the benefit of locking your car even if it is inside your garage.

Vacation Frustrations Thwarted by Security Guard

2011-10-03T10:55:00.002-05:00

When on vacation or just out of town for a long weekend, having your car broken into or stolen can quickly turn precious time off into a nightmare. Time that could have been spent dining or enjoying a ball game is spent filling out police reports and repairing damage to your car.

An alert hotel security guard saved visitors from that vacation nightmare in Overland Park late last month. Around 9:30 pm on September 30, our department received a call reporting a person looking into cars in an area hotel parking lot.

Officers responded and after a short investigation, one person was arrested for attempted auto theft and trespassing. No loss or damage to vehicles has been reported at this time.

As a reminder, keep your vehicles locked and items of value out of view to minimize your chances of becoming a victim.

Judy Puckett Retires From the Department Today

2011-09-30T11:53:00.002-05:00

Judy Puckett has been a dedicated employee of the Police Department since February of 1992. Prior to that, she was a bookkeeper for the City of Harrisonville, and a Loan Officer/Secretary for a federal agency that specialized in loans for farmers.

Judy has served in the Records Unit her entire career. She has performed so many different duties that it would be impossible to name them all. Most recently she has been responsible for the computer entry and removal of lost and stolen items, which requires meticulous follow up and tracking on each item. For a number of years as our Citizen Call-In Unit, she took police reports from citizens over the telephone.

Judy has a daughter, two grandsons, and her beloved dog Angel. She plans to spend her retirement painting, crocheting, and focusing on family.

Judy, thank you for nineteen years of commitment, loyalty, and dedication to the Overland Park Police Department and the citizens we serve. Your friends and coworkers wish you the very best.

Overland Park Detectives Recognized for Volunteerism

2011-09-29T09:20:00.005-05:00

The Sunflower House, a non-profit children’s advocacy center that assists many law enforcement agencies with interviewing children involved in abuse cases, needed some help recently. The grounds crew that had been caring for the landscaping at Sunflower House was no longer able to do so and, as I am sure we all know, it doesn’t take long for things to become overgrown.

Detective Fizer and Detective Keating were recognized at the September 22nd Sunflower House luncheon for their efforts to help. In addition to Detective Fizer and Detective Keating, Detective Wedel, Detective Zickel and District Attorney’s Office Prosecutor Rasmussen gathered together and cleaned up the grounds.

All those involved in this effort, have not only dedicated their professional lives to helping others, but, when the need arose, generously gave of their personal time, as well. Great work by all.

For further information on the Sunflower House, check out their website.

Sunflower House

Not Today

2011-09-28T10:52:00.003-05:00

Cigarette thieves came up empty-handed thanks to an alert clerk. In the early morning hours of September 24, 2011 an employee working at a business in the area of 75th and Metcalf ran off two would-be cigarette thieves.

The clerk watched one man jump the counter and the other walk around to where the cigarettes are kept. He confronted the men who dropped the cartons of cigarettes and fled. The suspects ran from the store and the clerk chased them to the parking lot. The clerk obtained a vehicle description but was not able to get a tag number because the suspects backed away from him as they left. Both men fled in an older model white Chevy pickup truck.

One of the men was described as a black male in his mid 50`s. He had short black and grey hair and was wearing a blue shirt and glasses. The other suspect was described as a black male in his 20`s. He was wearing blue jean shorts and a black and red button up shirt with a white t-shirt underneath.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Overland Park Police Department at 913-344-8750

Detectives Need Your Help

2011-09-27T08:59:00.007-05:00

Our Investigations Division has released the following photos of two people they would like to identify. The two shown below are people of interest in a theft and credit card fraud case.

On September 24, 2011, the victim in this case was shopping at a local clothing store when her wallet was stolen from her purse. Later that same day her credit card was used at a store close to where her wallet was stolen.

These photos are high quality and anyone knowing these two people should be able to positively identify them.

Anyone with information on the identity of these people is asked to call the TIPS HOTLINE and 816-474-TIPS, or the Overland Park Police Departments Investigation Division at 913-344-8750.

Crimes Analysis Manager Gerry Tallman Retires

2011-09-26T10:56:00.004-05:00

After 18 years of service Gerry Tallman retires today. Gerry came to the police department after retiring from the US Army in 1993 as a Lieutenant Colonel with 21 years of military service.

Just one week after retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel with 21 years’ service from the US Army, Gerry was hired by the Overland Park, Kansas Police Department to start the first ever Crime Analysis Unit in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. Under Gerry's leadership the Crime Analysis Unit grew in size and responsibility and contributed immensely to the overall success of the Police Department. The Unit quickly earned an international reputation as a leader in the field of crime analysis. In 1998, during a speech to a group of international law enforcement executives, US Attorney General Janet Reno identified the Overland Park Police Department's Crime Analysis Unit as a major contributor to the advancement of crime analysis and crime mapping.

Gerry and his wife Connie have two children and four grandchildren. Gerry and Connie will retire to their lake house at Lake Sherwood, MO where Gerry’s next adventure will be fishing and building antique reproduction furniture.

Gerry, thank you for eighteen years of commitment, loyalty, and dedication to the Overland Park Police Department and the citizens we serve. Your friends and coworkers wish you the very best in retirement.

Linda Smith Retirement

2011-09-23T10:24:00.003-05:00

Linda M. Smith Retires From the Police Department

On Monday, September 26, Linda Smith will leave the Police Department and begin her well deserved retirement. Linda began her career with the city on May 8, 1990. She started as an Administrative Assistant in our Investigations Division, moved to our Administrative Services Division, and has been in the Police Administration Office for the last 10 years.

Together, Linda and her husband Lionel have four children and six grandchildren, the newest of which arrived within the last two months. Her new full time job will be focused around family.

Linda, thank you for twenty-one years of commitment, loyalty, and dedication to the Overland Park Police Department and the citizens we serve. Your friends and coworkers wish you the very best in retirement.

Success

2011-09-22T09:26:00.003-05:00

A Kansas City man was recently convicted of robbing numerous businesses around the Kansas City Metro Area. Abasi S. Baker, was found guilty of 21 different counts associated to a series of Radio Shack and payday loan business robberies over a two month period.

Overland Park Detective Dave Zickel was assigned the Overland Park cases. He worked in conjunction with the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the Olathe, Kan., Police Department, the Johnson County Sheriff's Department, the St. Joseph, Mo., Police Department, the Lee's Summit, Mo., Police Department, the Mission, Kan., Police Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Through this combined investigative effort, five Overland Park robbery cases have been cleared. Also involved in this investigation were three robberies in Kansas City, Kansas, one in Mission, Kansas, and one in Olathe, Kansas. The Overland Park cases occurred between 1-9-11 and 3-3-11.

Sentencing for Mr. Baker will be in early December 2011. He may face a sentence of over 100 years in prison. The trial for a second person charged with these crimes is scheduled for mid-November.

Hard work and corporation equals success! Great work by all.

Help to Identify a Person

2011-09-20T08:45:00.009-05:00

The Investigations Division has released photos from a recent robbery in hopes that this person of interest can be identified.

In the late evening hours of September 18th, officers responded to a robbery at a local restaurant on 75th Street. The suspect entered the business, insinuated he had a gun, and demanded money. The employee complied and after apologizing, the suspect left with an unknown about of cash.

The suspect was described as a white male in his forties with grayish brown hair, wearing a blue and white striped shirt, a tan trench coat, and a red hat. He was approximately 5`10" and 180-200 lbs.

No injuries were reported. The photos showing the man without the red hat and trench coat are from a visit to the store about an hour prior to the robbery.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Overland Park Police Department at 913-344-8750.

Bold Robbery at Customer Service

2011-09-19T09:29:00.005-05:00

This is another case where good information provided quickly by witnesses lead to arrests. Just after 7:30 p.m. on Sunday September, 18th our 911 operators were contacted regarding a robbery that just occurred in the area of 117th and Metcalf Ave. The caller provided great suspect and suspect vehicle information.

The suspect was described as a heavy set black male, wearing a black wig, black coat, and jean shorts. Witnesses said he displayed a handgun at the customer service counter and demanded money from the register. The suspect vehicle was reported as a white Dodge Dakota and was last seen leaving northbound on Metcalf Ave from W 115th St.

Our dispatch center quickly alerted our officers in the field who located the suspect vehicle. Officers stopped the vehicle in the area of 112th Street and Metcalf Avenue. The driver exited the vehicle and was ordered to lie down in the grass. The passenger then slid over to the driver’s side and drove away.

Officers took the man still at the scene into custody, while two other officers contacted the second suspect who drove off. After fleeing, he was involved in an accident in the area of I435 and Metcalf. No injuries were reported, and the two suspects are currently at the Johnson County Jail awaiting their first appearance in court.

Getting to Know the Department

2011-09-16T08:55:00.004-05:00

The School Resource Officer Unit

Lieutenant Erik Hulse currently works the midnight shift in the Patrol Division, but back in the fall of 1993, he was Overland Park’s first School Resource Officer (SRO). Since Erik’s start at Shawnee Mission North, the SRO Unit has grown to sixteen officers, who provide a law enforcement presence in nineteen middle and high schools in both major school districts, as well as a Catholic high school.

School Resource Officers perform the roles of teacher, counselor and law enforcement within their school communities. Some of the functions SRO’s involve themselves in include:

As visible, active law enforcement figures on campus dealing with any law or crime-related issues.

As classroom resources to instruct law-related issues including crime, alcohol and drug prevention.

Members of a faculty/administration team who work to solve school community issues.

Provide guidance to students, parents, and faculty on problems concerning mental health and child in need of care issues.

Officers strive to promote a better relationship between themselves and their students to achieve a better perception of law enforcement among young people through the roles listed above. Aside from the more obvious topics law enforcement officers educate about, the unit is fortunate to have officers trained in crime scene investigation, and accident and shooting reconstruction. During these presentations, officers focus on the application of school subjects such as the math sciences utilized in these processes.

Visibility is an important part of the program, both inside and outside of the school building. Officers perform their duties in full police uniforms and marked patrol cars and the visibility of both can be a deterrent to crime and violence within the schools.

Overland Park SRO’s not only investigate crimes occurring on campus, but also any school-related crime/incident involving school participants off campus. Through these investigations, SRO’s significantly minimize the time patrol officers and detectives spend on these incidents, keeping those personnel available to handle other matters.

School districts and the police department share in the funding of these positions and, like eighteen years ago when the SRO Unit was formed, our officers continue to be a welcome addition to their schools by students, parents, and school staffs.

Cell Phone Burglaries and Now Tobacco—Holy Smokes!

2011-09-15T08:55:00.003-05:00

Overland Park Police have now taken three burglary reports where cell phones were the target. They have all occurred in a seven-day period. The first occurred on September 7th, and the second occurred on September 12th. At this point, it is unknown if all three cases are related.

The latest incident occurred in the early morning hours of September 14th. Officers responded to a cell phone specialty store around 83th and Metcalf on an alarm.

When the officers arrived, they saw two people running from the area. Officers set up a perimeter and called one of our police dogs to track the suspects. Still, the burglars were not located. A stolen vehicle was located by one of the officers assisting in the search.

The owner of the business responded to the store and was able to determine that a number of cells phones and cigarettes were taken.

The limited suspect information is two males in light blue colored, zip up hooded sweatshirts. Both had a slim build and were between 5'9 and 6'. One had khaki-colored pants, and the other had dark-colored jeans.

The Investigations Division will analyze any available video footage to see if it can be used to assist in the identification of the suspects.

Anyone with information on these crimes is asked to call the TIPS HOTLINE at 816-474-TIPS.

Below is the still photo from the first incident showing a person we would like to identify.

Secure Your Garage Door or Lose Your Car

2011-09-14T11:54:00.005-05:00

It would be quite a shock to open the door leading from your home to your garage to find your garage door standing open and your car missing. That is just what happened to two Overland Park residents. Over the past two weekends, Overland Park Officers have taken two reports on incidents where cars were stolen from garages.

The aggravated burglaries occurred during the overnight hours between September 3rd and September 4th, and between September 10th and September 11th. Both cars were unlocked with the keys inside, the garage doors most likely were left open all night and the crimes happened in the same neighborhood. The two incidents occurred between Grant Street and Nieman Street on 122nd Street and 123rd Terrace.

These thefts appear to be crimes of opportunity. Neither car has been recovered at this time. The first vehicle is a Gray Buick Rendezvous with Kansas plate 117BFI. The second is a black Mazda Miata with Kansas plate 535AVT.

To protect yourself, ensure your home is secure before going to bed. Instruct older children, who may stay up later than you, to double check the overhead doors before turning in. Stress to your children the importance of not giving out garage door codes to their friends, if you have an outdoor access panel.

Stop the Presses!

2011-09-13T08:44:00.008-05:00

Many of us dream about having a money tree in our backyards and others make it happen. Counterfeiters are always banking on their skills to pass the perfect bill. Although we don’t hear about this crime a lot anymore, it does still go on.

Overland Park Officers assisted the United States Secret Service recently by arresting four people for passing counterfeit bills. On September 7, 2011 officers were notified that a group of four had just passed a counterfeit bill to purchase gift cards at a local retailer.

The four fled the scene in a maroon Kia before officers arrived. Officers soon located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop in the area of 151St and Carter Street. The occupants were detained.

Officers coordinated with United States Secret Service, and after an investigation, the four were arrested and transported to the Johnson County Jail. The Secret Service will continue the investigation and it is believed that hundreds of cases throughout the U.S. will be cleared by these arrests.

With all the new security measures implemented into our currency, making your own money is not a good idea.

The following link to the Secret Service Website will tell you all about security features on US Currency.

http://www.secretservice.gov/know_your_money.shtml

*Photos are unrelated to the case

Can I get fries with that?

2011-09-12T13:46:00.003-05:00

Sometimes people steal things that even surprise law enforcement. We recently took a report where two local restaurants, in close proximity to one another, were the victims of thefts sometime in the overnight hours of Sept 8th. There was no missing money, computer equipment or expensive cuts of meat. These slippery thieves took cooking oil—and used cooking oil at that.

Think about the preparation and special equipment that would be needed to accomplish such a theft. It’s not like you can just toss cooking oil into the back of a pickup truck. The storage container for at least one of the restaurants is located inside the business. Obviously, someone had taken the time to siphon out the used oil using the exterior access pipe and then needed some sort of container to hold it.

Where did the thieves take their cargo after accomplishing such a feat? Who would buy it? It just goes to show that in this new age of recycling, almost everything has a value, even old grease.

“They’re Crashing Airplanes Into Buildings, What Can We Do”

2011-09-09T14:17:00.005-05:00

As with most pivotal events in our lives, we can always remember with clarity what we were doing and what happened simultaneously with that event. With the ten-year anniversary of 9/11 on Sunday, many people are remembering what they were doing and what took place. I thought you might be interested in what was happening at the Police Department and how we responded. Before anyone gets concerned that I will be giving away tactical information, have no fear because nothing I am going to say will reveal any tactical information on a possible future event.

For me, I was on my way to work. It was a clear September sunny day and it was a pleasure to have the heat of the summer gone, much like it is now. My wife, who was home for some unknown reason from work that day, called to tell me that a jet airliner had crashed into the World Trade Center Building in New York. Because I am a pilot, my first thought was that it was weather-related, but still, how could such a colossal accident occur. By the time I got to the Police station, the second aircraft had struck the second tower. What was happening became crystal clear – our Country was under attack.

I summoned the Command Staff to Headquarters to begin reviewing what options we had and what we knew. And like everyone, we were glued to CNN. When the third aircraft crashed in the field in Pennsylvania, the scope of what was occurring took on a new definition and it was at this time that we were fully aware that we were under a terrorist attack of historic proportions. Shortly after, John Nachbar, the City Manager at the time, phoned my office and asked “They’re crashing airplanes into buildings, what can we do?” I had to tell him that while we had significant capabilities in many areas, we were defenseless as a City against aerial attack of this nature. The good news was then, for us, that we did not have any large skyscraper-type buildings to make us a target. What I told him we would do was to respond in a way and to maintain calm in a population that was afraid and panicked by what they saw happening and it was my opinion then, as it is now, that our major response was to make people feel as safe as possible and to keep control. Consequently we ordered all available officers to return to duty and we put out as many police cars as we possibly could knowing full well that the best they could do was to establish their presence and create a reassuring effort for the public. This seemed to work. I can still recall looking out my office window at the significant number of donut-shaped contrails from aircraft circling to land under orders from the FAA to ground all aircraft. It was surreal to say the least.

A lot has happened since that day in September 2001. I am now on the Joint Terrorism Task Force for the Kansas City area. I have a top-secret clearance and I am briefed over potential threats such as the one we are currently aware of. We have members who work full-time on the anti-terrorism effort on several task forces. The good news is that your Police Department has actively participated in investigations which have stopped terrorist activities from happening, albeit happening somewhere else in the Country. Are we better prepared than we were ten years ago – yes. Are we free from attack – obviously no. But I cannot help but sum this up by thinking about Seal Team 6 and their efforts against Osama Bin Laden. While it did not close the book on terrorism in this Country, I believe it will go down in history as a pivotal point on the war against terrorism.

9/11 was a terrible day and a tragedy for all of America. Our enemies should know that we have not crumbled, we have not stumbled and we will not fade away from this earth because of their hate and intolerance. God Bless America.

Help to Identify a Person

2011-09-08T14:05:00.004-05:00

Overland Park Detectives need your help to identify a person they believe was involved in a recent burglary. In the early morning hours of September 7th, a cell phone business was broken into.

Officers discovered a broken window, and believe that is how entry was made into the store. At least two phones were taken during this burglary. The below photo was obtained from a surveillance camera inside the store.

If you know the identity of this person, contact the TIPS HOTLINE at 816-474-TIPS.

To Report, or Not to Report---That is the Question

2011-09-08T08:48:00.002-05:00

Recently, officers responded to a non-injury accident between a pedestrian and a car. The jogger told police the driver did not stop short of the cross walk, and the front bumper hit his leg causing him to fall to the ground.

The pedestrian, not fully understanding what had happened, got up and kept jogging for a short distance. He then decided a police report should be filed in case his injuries were more serious than he first realized.

By this time, the car was on its way and he was only able to obtain a license plate number. The jogger called police and, after explaining what happened, officers were dispatched on a hit and run accident.

Using the license plate information, officers located the driver of the car. The driver’s account of the accident was consistent with the jogger’s. He said he waited a short time and the jogger resumed his run, so he left.

After a short investigation, it was determined the accident was not a hit and run. It was simply a case where neither party exchanged information. A report was taken to document the event.

So what is the proper way to handle an event such as this? In the absence of injury or DUI, the State of Kansas only requires an accident report be written when the accident occurs on a public street or highway and the damage is over $1,000.00.

The State of Kansas does not require an accident report when the accident occurs on private property, unless there is an injury or suspected DUI, regardless of the damage amount.

The most important step is to exchange information. Reports can always be made at one of our stations (12400 Foster or 8500 Antioch) at a later time. Sometimes, serious injuries are not detected until weeks after an accident occurs, so having the information of the other person involved is essential.

In the above example, since there was no injury and no damage, the exchange of information would have been all that was needed.

Getting to know the Department…A Patrol Officer

2011-09-06T12:24:00.004-05:00

This will be the first of a series of blogs designed to familiarize you with who we are and what we do. Of all the job positions in the police department, none is as prominent as the patrol officer. So grab a lunch, your fastest sneakers and ride along.

A patrol officer begins his/her shift by checking all the equipment in the car to ensure everything is in good working order. After they notify dispatch of their availability for calls, the team, consisting of a sergeant and six to eight officers, meets in the roll call room for briefing on new and updated crime information.

The Sergeant then assigns the officers to deployment areas in the city which are identified by analysis of crime data and crime trends. This has proven to be a more effective way to reduce crime than the traditional use of districts. Once in their deployment areas, patrol officers are expected to enforce traffic complaint locations and look for crime trends in that area.

Patrol Officers are assigned to an eight hour shift, which means they have no designated lunch break. Depending on call loads, they may find thirty minutes to grab a quick bite out but frequently need to brown-bag -it in their vehicles between calls. Officers are dispatched to calls based on our Global Positioning System (GPS). The closest officer(s) to the call are dispatched. This dispatching method helps to improve response times. Overland Park Police are dispatched on approximately 175 calls per day or 63,000 calls for service every year.

Changing technology over the last fifteen years has necessitated additional training for officers. Years ago, the equipment in a patrol car consisted of a police radio, a partition between the front and back seats, and a shot gun. Today, the equipment in the cars is worth more than the car. Computers, video recorders, and printers for electronic tickets are just a few additions.

Officers wrote 25,772 reports in 2010 using their in-car computers. Writing a report can take from fifteen minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the complexity of the call. It would not be uncommon for an officer to spend several hours on a call that involves an arrest and transport to the Johnson County Jail.

Officers also receive subpoenas to attend Municipal and/or District court several times a week. These appearances can take anywhere from an hour to the entire shift. Add 40 hours of training every year, and it’s easy to see that there is little down time for a patrol officer.

Second Time’s the Charm

2011-09-02T08:08:00.002-05:00

Have you ever been fishing and had a nice fish up to the dock and just as you’re preparing to land it --snap-- it breaks free and is gone? Well, sometimes that happens in police work too. The other evening officers responded to a call of a man breaking into coin-operated machines to steal the money.

A witness told officers where the suspect was last seen. An officer located the suspect and ordered him to stop. As the officer approached the suspect, he ran and jumped a fence. The officer chased the suspect, but lost sight of him. The officer continued to search the area until a citizen called to report a man looking into houses nearby.

The officer returned to his car and responded to that area. As he arrived, he saw the male jump a fence, run behind his patrol car, and jump another fence. The officer exited his car, jumped the fence, and resumed the chase.

The officer continuously told the man to stop, but he refused. Finally, the officer was able to grab the suspect’s shirt and pull him to the ground. He was taken into custody without further incident. The man was arrested and turned over to the Johnson County Jail to await his first appearance on a burglary charge.

Just like when fishing, sometimes you hook them the second time around.

Hello Neighbor, Do I Know You?

2011-09-01T09:10:00.002-05:00

How well do you know your neighborhood? If you saw someone getting into a car, would you know if it was their car? I have said in a number of different blogs lately how important it is to know your neighbors and notify police when you see a crime or suspicious activity occurring. Recently, two citizens did just that.

Separately, both citizens called police when they saw a man enter a vehicle they knew was not his. One questioned the man as to what he was doing, and the other followed the suspect as he walked away from the scene.

The witness followed the suspect and directed police to his location. Officers arrived and detained the suspect. After a short investigation, the suspect was arrested. It is believed that multiple auto burglary cases will be cleared by this arrest.

As it turns out the suspect is homeless and was targeting unlocked cars as a means to improve his situation.

Kindness Scores a Goal

2011-08-31T10:23:00.004-05:00

Early Sunday morning, August 28th, 2011, off duty Police Captain Mike Imber was taking his daughter to her soccer game here is Overland Park. Capt. Imber was in his personal car approaching 135th and Switzer, when he observed a traffic accident blocking the intersection.

Damage to both cars was substantial, but luckily there were no injuries. Captain Imber noticed one of the drivers and her children, as well as a witness, standing in the intersection. Captain Imber stopped, identified himself as a police officer with his departmental identification, and moved the participants to the sidewalk to ensure their safety.

While waiting for the dispatched police units to arrive, Captain Imber noticed one of the young children was dressed in a soccer uniform. He asked her what time her game started and she replied, “Eight o’clock.”

By this time uniformed officers had arrived, so Capt. Imber offered to drop off the young girl at her soccer game, with the mother’s permission. Capt. Imber and the little girl arrived at her soccer field just minutes after the game started. Meanwhile, her mother was freed up to provide details of the accident to officers.

On Monday, August 29th, Captain Imber received a call from the mother thanking him for his help. She reported that her daughter’s team not only won their game, but her daughter also scored a goal.

Our employees do good things on and off duty.