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ANNUAL REPORT
PADUCAH POLICE DEPARTMENT
Richard Abraham
Paducah City Commissioners
Pages 2 & 3 Assistant Chiefs’ Reports Page 23 Cold Cases
Page 4 Command Staff Page 24 General Invesgaons
Page 5 What it Means to Wear Stripes Page 25 Drug Enforcement
Pages 6 & 7 Our Team Yearbook Page 26 Firearms Training
Page 8 Employee of the Year Page 27 Honoring our Veterans
Page 9 On Patrol: Operaons Division Page 28 F inancial Challenges
Pages 10 & 11 Awards Page 29 Supreme Court Decisions
Pages 12 & 13 Crime Report Page 30 Community Commitment
Page 14 Professional Standards Page 31 Records & Evidence Report
Page 15 What it Takes to Join Our Team Page 32 Cizens’ Police Academy
Pages 16 & 17 Use of Force Report Pages 34 &35 Bomb Squad & SWAT
Page 18 Leads Online Page 36 Remembering the Fallen
Page 19 No Doughnuts Here Page 36 Starng a Conversaon
Pages 20 & 21 Traffic Report
Page 22 Traffic Fatalies
Carol Gault Gayle Kaler Gerald Watkins
Mayor Bill Paxton
INDEX
City Manager
Jeff Pederson
CHIEF’S MESSAGE
Chief James Berry
The Paducah Police Department has enjoyed another successful year in reducing crime. This reducon is con-
nuing a trend that started several years ago. I be lieve it is aributed not only to our community-pol icing philosophy,
but also to our efforts involving intelligence and evidence-based policing, through our use of stasc al knowledge
gained from CompStat (Computaonal Stascs), which is viewed on a monthly basis.
The Paducah Police Department has enjoyed tremendous success in policing Paducah from a reacve enfor ce-
ment point of view. The department is going to focus a lot on prevenon and intervenon as part of its new strategies.
We are very proud of the fact that, since 2009, the department has seen almost a 50 percent decrease in the number
of juvenile arrests. From a philosophical point of view, we believe that the best way to reduce crime in a community is
to work with children on a proacve basis. Those cr ical hours aer school between 3-9 pm are very imp ortant. A com-
munity must keep those children acvely engaged in posive aer-school programs to prevent them from f alling
through the cracks and becoming involved in illicit acvity. This year, we are going to parcipate in a partnership with
The Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club to develop an aer-school program at the vacant Armory building. T his will be a
boxing program that will also double as a homework club with computers to aid the children in furthering their educa-
onal goals and objecves.
The Paducah Police Department will also connue to focus on domesc violence in our community. Domes c
violence is one of the major issues every year in Paducah. Each year, more than 300 reports of domesc violence are
taken in Paducah. To prevent and intervene in this issue, we are developing a Domesc Violence Outreac h Team
(DVOT). This team will consist of a police officer and a social worker who will conduct follow-ups on domesc violence
cases on a daily basis. We also recognize that domesc violence is family violence and that it negave ly affects children
in the home. This issue hopefully will be addressed by having a muldisciplinary team consisng of rep resentaves in
the various disciplines, especially social workers, educators, and court personnel. We are also looking at the feasibility
of geng the clergy involved with intervenon effort s.
Finally, we will be invesng and looking into bee r and more efficient technology. The most important venture
for us will be the ulizaon of computer tablets in our police cars, rather than the tradional Mobile Data Terminals.
The tablets are cheaper and have more capabilies t han the MDT. In conjuncon with the tablet and the MDT, we will
be installing computer air cards in all of our police vehicles. We are very hopeful that all of the above changes and
strategies will be connuous improvement in the dev elopment of our city as a safe community for our cizens and the
100,000 visitors who come here on a daily basis.
Chief Berry has served as Chief of the
PPD since August 2009. He has more
than 35 years’ experience in policing—
having spent 25 years in Harord,
Conneccut, rering there as Assistant
Chief in 2000. Aer leaving Harord,
Berry served as chief of security for the
Harord school system, where he stayed
for two years. In December 2001, he
accepted the posion of Chief of Police
in Trumbull, Conneccut, where he
stayed unl 2004, when he accepted the
role of Chief at Manchester, Conneccut.
He le that post in 2009 to accept the
posion in Paducah. Berry has an
Associate’s Degree in Criminal Jusce, a
B.S. Degree in Sociology, and a Graduate
Cerficaon in Homeland Security from
St. Joseph College. He is a member of the
Internaonal Associaon of Chiefs of
Police, the Kentucky Associaon of
Chiefs of Police, the Police Execuve
Research Forum, the Naonal
Organizaon of Black Law Enforcement,
the Naonal Sheriffs’ Associaon, and
FBI LEEDS and has many accolades span-
ning his vast career.
1
Operations Division
Assistant Chief’s Report
Assistant Chief Brandon Barnhill
Assistant Chief Barnhill was formally promoted to his current
posion on January 26, 2011. He has a Master’s Degr ee in
Criminal Jusce from Andrew Jackson University and a
Bachelor’s Degree in Independent Studies from Murray State
University. He is also a graduate of the Southern Police
Instute’s Administrave Officer Course, as well as the Chief
Execuve Leadership Course. Addionally, he has gra duated
from the Kentucky Department of Criminal Jusce Tra ining’s
Criminal Jusce Execuve Development course and the
Academy of Police Supervision. He is a member of the Interna-
onal Associaon of Chiefs of Police, the Kentucky Associaon
of Chiefs of Police, Rotary Internaonal, and he is an adjunct
professor of criminal jusce at West Kentucky Commu nity and
Technical College. In 2011, Barnhill was recognized by
Mid-Connent University as their Young Leader of th e Year.
Write to Assistant Chief Barnhill at - bbarnhill@paducahky.gov
The Operaons Division is the largest component of the Paducah Police Department with 58 sworn and nine civilian full-
and part-me employees. It is responsible for resp onding to both emergency and non-emergency calls for service from the public,
handling special assignments, and proacvely addres sing community concerns. Patrol officers are responsible for protecng life
and property; helping to maintain peace, order and safety; conducng preliminary invesgaons; enforci ng traffic laws and state
and local laws and ordinances.
In 2011, officers responded to 44,041 calls for service regarding criminal offenses, complaints, traffic crashes, alarm
acvaons, disturbances, and other events. An exam inaon of officer acvity shows posive results for t he department. Patrol
officers issued 4,365 criminal charges for Part I or Part II offenses, many of those being high profile arrests and cases. Patrol
officers issued 9,880 citaons for traffic-related offenses, with the top three categories being No Seatbelt, No Proof of Insurance
and Speeding. The desired effect was achieved: the decrease in the number of Part I crimes and collisions with injuries.
Operaons Division officers were involved in 12 vehicle collisions during the year; only five of those were considered “at-fault.”
Despite an increased call volume and connued staffing shortages, the numbers show even more significance when
broken down by category: Crimes Against Persons, Property Crimes, Officer-Iniated Acvity and “All Other.” When examined in
this manner, it can be seen that the categories that negavely influence the quality of life – Crimes Against Persons and Property
Crimes – had substanal decreases.
In 2011, the Operaons Division accomplished many significant goals, including implementaon of a “flex” squad to pro-
acvely handle special enforcement requests; acquis ion of new Honor Guard equipment and specialized t raining; establishment
of a commiee to evaluate the future advancement of our in-car equipment; progress toward compleon of digital in-car camera
transion; completed transion to electronic Roll C all; purchase of three K-9 vests; purchase of Polaris UTV to replace an aging
model; renovaon and equipment improvements in seve ral Operaons Division offices; and two new Bomb Squad robots.
In 2012, the PPD Operaons Division looks forward to less crime, more arrests in proporon to offenses, and a growing,
healthy relaonship with the community. More speci fically, the Operaons Division will connue to incr ease acvity, and the units
engaging in special operaons will connue to addre ss quality-of-life issues by using crime analysis data. Our city is ever-growing,
so the Operaons Division encourages patrol officers to use the data and act as problem solvers, combining their efforts with the
community’s. The performance of our division personnel remains highly producve and consistent. Alth ough many officers in the
division are fairly new to the department, they are movated to be of service to the community. We re main commied to
providing our cizens with dedicated, prepared, wel l-trained, and professional law enforcement.
2
Support Services Division
Assistant Chief’s Report
Assistant Chief Stacey Grimes
Assistant Chief has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Jusce
from Illinois State University and a Master’s Degree in Law
and Public Policy from California University of Pennsylvania.
He started his career with the Paducah Police Department in
1994. He was promoted to Assistant Chief in 2005 and led
the Operaons Division unl January 2010, when he t rans-
ferred to the Support Services Division. He is a graduate of
the Southern Police Instute’s Administrave Officers Course
and the FBI Law Enforcement Execuve Development
Seminar. He also is a graduate of the Criminal Jus ce Execuve
Development program and the FBI Command Instute. H e is a
member of the Internaonal Associaon of Chiefs of Police, the
Kentucky Associaon of Chiefs of Police, the Paduca h Lions
Club, and Past President of the Jackson Purchase Fraternal
Order of Police, Lodge #15. He is President of the board for
Paducah Area Christmas Cops, the non-profit organizaon that
sponsors the Christmas Cops program, and serves on Board of
Directors for the Paducah Lion’s Club.
Write to Assistant Chief Grimes at - sgrimes@paducahky.gov
The Support Services Division is comprised of three units: Drug and Vice Enforcement (DAVE), General Invesgaons
(GIU) and Records and Evidence, each with disncve roles aimed at supporng the Operaons Division. These three specialized
units are equally important in bringing an invesga on to a successful conclusion and ensuring custody of records and evidence
for criminal prosecuon.
The DAVE Unit is staffed by one sergeant, five detecves and one secretary. In 2010, we began a large scale covert drug
trafficking invesgaon with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Kentucky State Police. In 2011, we connued to
target mid to upper-level drug traffickers preying on our community. In October, Sergeant Gilbert and our invesgators assisted
our federal and state partners in “Operaon New Day ,” which need 15 federal indictments and one state indictment. Thus far,
this mul-agency invesgaon has led to indictments of eight suspects in state court and 35 in federal court, of which many will
serve lengthy mandatory sentences in federal prison if convicted. There is no parole in the federal system.
The GIU is staffed by one sergeant, five detecves, one invesgave assistant and one clerical speciali st. This unit’s prima-
ry focus is invesgang serious crimes against pers ons and large scale property crimes. Sergeant Laird’s detecves cleared nearly
78% of their cases assigned in 2011. A major accomplishment for GIU this year was partnering with the Regional Computer Foren-
sics Laboratory at the University of Louisville. The Paducah Police Department was established as one of five satellite laboratories
in the state. Detecve Jusn Crowell received more than 165 hours of specialized training and completed 67 computer forensics
examinaons in the last half of 2011.
The Records and Evidence Unit is staffed by a records manager, one evidence technician, one evidence clerk, one clerical
specialist and one clerical assistant. This unit is responsible for the storage and retrieval of all records and reports produced by
department personnel. In addion, this unit is res ponsible for the security and accountability of all evidence collected at crime
scenes by our sworn personnel. A major focus in 2011 for this unit was to research and properly dispose of evidence no longer of
value. In 2011, under the supervision of Records Manager Lynch, our evidence personnel received 2,840 items into evidence and
disposed of 5,148 items. A full evidence audit was conducted in November and 11,765 items were physically verified, with no
missing or misplaced items.
The men and women working in the Support Services Division had a producve year. We are commied to providing
efficient and effecve service in a courteous manner. Our invesgators will diligently pursue those that prey upon our community
and we will strive to seek jusce for our vicms.
3
2011 Command Staff
Captain Don Hodgson is the
Operaons Second Shi Commander. He
has 17 years of law enforcement
experience. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in
Criminal Jusce from Southern Vermont
College, and he is a graduate of the
Academy of Police Supervision at the
Department of Criminal Jusce Training (DOCJT). He is enrolled
in the 2011-2012 session of the Criminal Jusce Exe cuve
Development Course, also hosted by DOCJT.
Captain David White serves
as the Captain of Support Services
Division. He has a Bachelor’s
Degree in Police Administraon
from Eastern Kentucky University
and a Master’s Degree in Jusce
Administraon from Norwich
University. He has 12 years of law enforcement experi-
ence and is a graduate of the Academy of Police Super-
vision and the Criminal Jusce Execuve Development
courses offered through the Department of Criminal
Jusce Training. He serves as an adjunct professor of
criminal jusce at West Kentucky Community and
Technical College. He currently serves on the
McCracken County 4-H District Board.
Captain Jason Merrick was
formally promoted to Captain on
January 27, 2011. He has 17 years of
law enforcement experience. He is
currently working on his Bachelor’s
Degree through Mid-Connent
University, and he is parcipang in the 2011-2012 Lead-
ership Paducah Course. He is a 2003 graduate of the
Academy of Police Supervision, offered by the
Department of Criminal Jusce Training. He is a U.S . Navy
veteran, serving aboard the USS Nashville, and
compleng a deployment to the Persian Gulf in 1991-
1992.
Captain Mark Roberts serves as the
Administrave Captain of Operaons. He
has 24 years of law enforcement
experience. He is a graduate of the
Academy of Police Supervision and the
Criminal Jusce Execuve Development
courses at the Department of Criminal
Jusce Training, and he is a KLEC cerfied instructo r. He has a
Bachelor’s Degree from Murray State University, and he was
selected to aend the FBI Naonal Academy in 2012. He
currently serves on the Family Service Society Board of
Directors.
Captain Shawn Maxie is the
Operaons Third Shi Commander. He
has more than 17 years of law enforce-
ment experience. He has a Bachelor’s
Degree in Criminal Jusce from Murray
State University and has completed some
post-graduate work in Organizaonal
Communicaon. He is a graduate of the Academy of Po lice
Supervision, the Criminal Jusce Execuve Developme nt
course, and the School of Strategic Leadership, all offered
through the Department of Criminal Jusce Training.
Captain Brian Krueger
supervises the Professional
Standards Unit. He has a
Bachelor’s Degree in Business
Management from Mid-Connent
University, and is a veteran of the
United States Marine Corps. He is a graduate of the
FBI Naonal Academy, Chief Execuve Leadership
course at SPI, the Academy of Police Supervision and
the Criminal Jusce Execuve Development courses at
the Department of Criminal Jusce Training. He has 13
years of law enforcement experience. He currently
serves on the Merryman House Board of Directors.
It’s Always A Question of
Leadership
4
S ergeants are the front line supervisors at the Paducah
Police Department and they have one of the most crical
jobs in the business. Sergeants constantly have to make quick,
on-the-spot decisions about complex maers of law a nd
policy in rapidly evolving circumstances in the field. They are
oen the first supervisor to respond to and take charge of
crical incidents. And they have to possess a good deal of
common sense leadership.
To be eligible for sergeant, officers have to have at least five
years on the job and we select them based on compe ve
selecons processes. Once chosen, we ensure they ar e given
the best training available, which includes a three-week
sergeant’s academy, known as the Academy of Police
Supervision, offered at the Department of Criminal Jusce
Training (DOCJT) Center in Richmond, Kentucky. We are happy
to report that all but two of our sergeants have graduated
from that academy, and those two are scheduled to aend
the class in mid-2012. In 2011, Sergeant Brian Laird (pictured
4th from le) began aending the Criminal Jusce Ex ecuve
Development Course, a five-week leadership course at DOCJT,
for more advanced leadership training.
Addionally, we have several that either have, or a re working
on bachelor’s degrees, and Sergeant Rob Hefner (pictured 3rd
from le) is working on his master’s degree. The PP D
sergeants also possess a great deal of military leadership, with
six of the nine serving in the military prior to, or concurrently
with their work at the PPD. “We really think we have a good
group of sergeants and we are very pleased with the work
they do, day-in and day-out,” says Operaons Assis tant Chief
Brandon Barnhill.
We asked Sergeant Wes Kimbler (pictured 2nd from le) what
it meant to wear the stripes, and here’s what he had to say:
The answers to this queson are as unique as the pe rson wearing
the stripes. When I see sergeant stripes, I immediately associate
them with leadership. Leadership can take many forms. Every
sergeant has certain aributes and leadership quali es that they
feel are important, and each sergeant will lead in a way that is
most effecve for them. In essence, the person wearing the
stripes makes the leader, not the stripes alone.
For me, wearing sergeant stripes means that I should strive to
demonstrate the qualies of a good leader. I belie ve a good
leader must be mission-focused. They must understand the
organizaon’s mission and goals, and consistently w ork to
accomplish those goals. They will lead by example. A leader will
abide by the same policies and standards that they expect from
their subordinates, and a good leader will effecvely
communicate.
Leaders must encourage open and honest communicaon , and
provide mely, construcve cricism and feedback. T hey must
be responsible. Leaders must take responsibility for
subordinates as well as themselves. They must ensure that
subordinates have the necessary training, equipment and
resources to accomplish assigned tasks. A good leader should be
caring and appreciave of his/her subordinates. Th is must be
demonstrated through acons, not just words. Other qualies of
a good leader include: integrity, honesty, dedicao n, humility,
respect, competence, consistency, movaon and insp iraon,
just to name a few.
Every day, when I put on my uniform, I try to reflect these
qualies. I oen fall short, but leadership is not about
perfecon. I owe it to the police department, my s upervisors
and most importantly, those I lead, to be the best leader that I
can be. The daily pursuit of these qualies is what I believe it
means to wear the stripes. —Sgt. Wes Kimbler
WHAT IT MEANS TO
WEAR THE STRIPESWEAR THE STRIPESWEAR THE STRIPESWEAR THE STRIPES
5
Our Team 2011
Sgt. George Johnson
Sgt. Will Gilbert
Sgt. Brian Laird
Sgt. Wes Kimbler
Sgt. Steve Smith
Sgt. Rob Hefner
A Kentucky Chiefs of Police Associaon
Accredited Agency
Chief James Berry
Assistant Chiefs
Stacey Grimes
Brandon Barnhill
Capt. Don Hodgson
Capt. Brian Krueger
Capt. Mark Roberts
Capt. David White
Capt. Shawn Maxie
Capt. Jason Merrick
Sgt. Kevin Neal
Sgt. Joe Hayes
Sgt. Wes Orazine
W. Rene Long
Rob Estes
Brent Obermark
John Tolliver
Michael Simak
Brian Kopischke
Nathan Young
Paul Stevenson
Cindy Neihoff
Scotty Davis
James Davis
Matt Wentworth
Travis Counts
Jason Montgomery
Mike Wentworth
Justin Canup
Matt Smith
Mike Redmon
Melissa Dillon
Linda Hodgson
Gretchen Morgan
Dana Davie
Jim Robbins
Troy Turner
Justin Rundles
Lofton Rowley
Justin Crowell
6
2010 Winner of the Kentucky League of Cities’2010 Winner of the Kentucky League of Cities’2010 Winner of the Kentucky League of Cities’2010 Winner of the Kentucky League of Cities’
Golden Eagle AwardGolden Eagle AwardGolden Eagle AwardGolden Eagle Award
P. Ryan Clark
Jarrett Woodruff
Chris Baxter
Chris Bolton
Anthony Copeland
Michael Rigdon
Corey Willenborg
Kevin Crider
Ryan Conn
Josh Bryant
Beau Green
Nathan Antonites
Matt Reed
Nathan Jamiet
Jason Hicks
Chris Fearon
Keith Thuline
Kevin Collins
Derik Perry
Matt Scheer
W. Justin Hodges
Shawn Craven
Steven Thompson
S. Austin Guill
David Carroll
Travis Watson
Ryan Burrow
Blake Quinn
Kelly Drew
Jan Saxon
Robin Newberry
Malinda Baltz
Lourdes Morrison
Vicki Miller
Connie Waldridge
Myra Reid
Dickie Powers
Tracy Lynch
Leigh Shanks
Kristine Shanks
Amy Travis
Kim Newlon
Leah Pirtle
K-9 Ronny
Sgt. R. Hefner
K-9 Fox
Officer L. Rowley
K-9 Bikkel
Officer M. Simak
7
O fficer Nathan Jaimet was selected as our 2011 Employee of the Year.
Each year the Paducah Police Department’s Award Commiee accepts
nominaons for Employee of the Year from supervisor s and peers of both
sworn and non-sworn employees. This year we received a record 18
nominaons. The nominaons are reviewed and forward ed to the chief and
assistant chiefs, who select a winner.
This year, Officer Jaimet was nominated by Captain Brian Krueger. In his
nominaon, Captain Krueger reports that “At various mes in 2011, I had the
occasion to observe Officer Nathan Jaimet during the course of his dues. On
more than one occasion, Officer Jaimet demonstrated an exceponal
understanding of criminal laws and procedures, and taccs, specifically those
directly associated with an-drug enforcement acvi es.”
Krueger’s nominaon offered several examples of Jaimet’s performance,
including the arrest of two people from a traffic stop and subsequent
search of a hotel room that yielded several firearms, eight grams of meth-
amphetamine, and almost $9,000 in cash. In a separate incident, Jaimet led
an invesgaon that recovered 138 grams of crack c ocaine, 77 grams of
marijuana, and $2,800 in cash.
In total, Jaimet opened 183 cases in 2011, encompassing 301 total charges,
including 67 drug offense charges, seven drug-trafficking charges, five
weapons charges, and one manufacturing meth. With a 79 percent clear-
ance rate, Jaimet’s arrests represented six percent of the overall arrests,
department-wide. Addionally, he was responsible fo r four percent of the
department’s overall traffic citaons, charging 317 people with a total of
659 offenses.
Jaimet is also winner of the Governor’s Impaired Driving Enforcement
Award for 2011. Officer Jaimet was recognized as the 1st place recipient
state-wide for Division 4, which is law enforcement agencies of 51-150
officers.
“It is also important to consider that there were no formal cizen
complaints specifically generated in reference to Officer Jaimet’s conduct
or procedures in 2011. Considering the documented level of
acvity menoned herein, I believe it is safe to sa y that officer
Jaimet has a firm understanding of how to communicate and
deal with people effecvely,” Krueger said in the nominaon.
Chief James Berry says, “I’m very proud of Officer Jaimet’s
performance over the last year. He is an exemplary officer and
he is seng a bar for others.” As the 2011 Employee of the
Year, Officer Jaimet will have the honor of having “Employee
of the Year” decaled on his patrol cruiser, and he will be
formally recognized at the department’s
award ceremony in July 2012. Officer Nathan Jaimet
8
Employee
Of the Year
24 Hours a day
365 Days a year
On Patrol
Day–in and day-out, officers on patrol at the Paducah Police
Department respond to nearly 45,000 calls for service
received annually. That’s about 123 contacts each day. The
patrol officers represent the largest part of the Operaons
Division, commanded by Assistant Chief Brandon Barnhill,
with roughly 45 officers, seven sergeants, and three captains
assigned to patrol shis. Addionally, Captain Mark Roberts
serves as their Administrave Captain and Special U nit
Commander, and they have three full-me civilian su pport
staff.
The Operaons Division not only handles all of the emergen-
cy and non-emergency calls for service, but they also do a
variety of other tasks. They manage all of the traffic enforce-
ment efforts, as well as special event security, like BBQ On
The River. It encompasses all of the specialized units like K-9,
the Special Weapons and Taccs (SWAT) team, Bomb Sq uad,
Crisis Negoaon Team, and traffic accident reconstrucon,
with many officers serving dual roles in these assignments.
The patrol officer is a fundamental part of any police
organizaon and while everyone gets their start the re, some
enjoy the fast-paced work well enough to spend their enre
career doing nothing but serving on the front-lines.
With that said, we have patrol officers who have been on the
streets for 20 years, like K-9 Officer Michael Simak, and we’ve
got patrol officers that are just geng their start in policing.
Officer Simak says, “Aer 20 years of moving up through the
ranks in the Army, I’ve always enjoyed being a street cop, not
that the opportunity to do something different wasn’t there.
I’ve always enjoyed geng out there and driving the beat,
and its always been fun,” he said. He also said he enjoys
helping the younger officer learn the role.
Officers Shawn Craven (right) and Ma Reed (top) are
examples of those just starng their careers. Crave n, who has
a lile more than two years on the job says, “I had always
compared the work to what you see on television, but it’s
nothing like that.”
“It’s about helping people and solving problems,” he says.
Craven, who is originally from Paducah, got his degree from
WKCTC before applying for the posion. He says he p lans on
finishing his bachelor’s degree and working his way into General
Invesgaons before eventually moving up through th e ranks.
Whether on the job for one day or twenty years, patrol officers
spend the majority of their day behind the wheel and outside
helping people through tough situaons. The work ca n be both
excing and very dangerous. Officers have to be ready for any-
thing, and they have to keep in mind that each call can be
crical. Chief Berry says, “Patrol is the backbone of any police
department and that officer on the beat has to be mentally and
physically equipped for the job. It’s my job to see they have the
right educaon, training, and equipment they need t o keep the
community safe.”
The front seat of the patrol cruiser is their office, and that space
has goen more high-tech and more cramped with the essenal
tools of modern police work. Patrol officers in agencies that
don’t have take-home fleet programs like ours are said to lose
an average of 40 minutes each day transferring equipment in
and out of their car.
Patrol officers stay equipped for everything the diverse and
rapidly evolving circumstances call for on their job. Everything
from rain jackets to riot gear; officers have to keep a variety of
both personal and departmental equipment handy.
OPERATIONS DIVISION
9
& Awards
Accomplishments
Life Saving Awards
Officer Michael Rigdon performed back blows on a
four-day-old infant who was choking. He was able to
clear the infant’s airway and provide the necessary
care before the child could be transported to the
hospital.
Officers Chris Baxter and Kevin Collins responded to
a call on Pines Road of a man with an apparent self-
inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The man was
not breathing and officers began CPR. The man was
later flown to a regional hospital. The officers’ acons
prolonged the man’s life, but he later succumbed to
his injuries.
Officer Chris Bolton responded to a motor vehicle
collision at Alben Barkley Drive and Interstate 24. The
driver was parally ejected from the vehicle. Bolto n
could not locate a pulse and the man was not
breathing. Bolton began chest compressions, and the
man gasped for air. The man recovered from his
injuries and later returned to his home in Kansas.
Officer Nathan Jaimet responded to a call on
Paducah’s Southside of a male subject that had cut
his wrists, severing an artery. Jaimet provided first
aid to the man, and the aending physician at the
hospital reported that Jaimet’s acons saved the
man’s life.
Officers Shawn Craven and Mahew Reed
responded to the home of a man who was
aempng to hang himself. The man was
unconscious when they arrived. They cut the man
down and opened his airway. The man survived the
incident.
Officers James Davis and Beau Green responded to a
call of a man threatening suicide at an apartment
complex downtown. The man aempted to jump
from a fih-story window, but a friend caught the
man at the window sill. Officers had to kick the
apartment door open, but were able to pull the man
back through the window to safety.
Chief’s Award
Captain David White: In 2011, Captain White accepted the
responsibility for a complete redesign of the Paducah Police
Department’s Annual Report. He wrote a majority of the
content and designed the layout. Richard Hanzes, supervisor
of the leadership development secon of the Kentuck y
Department of Criminal Jusce Training, requested
permission to use the report as an example at the academy
of what can be done to showcase an agency and its
personnel.
Service Commendations
Officers James Davis and Brian Kopischke responded to an
injury collision at Olivet Church Road and Hinkleville Road.
The driver of a motorcycle in that crash was lying on the
roadway, unresponsive. Both officers performed CPR, but his
injuries were too severe and he was pronounced dead at the
scene. Both officers went above and beyond the call of duty
aempng to save the man’s life.
Officers James Robbins, Kevin Collins, and Mahew Scheer
were dispatched to a home on Paducah’s West end, where
an elderly man had been found at the boom of his
swimming pool. Officers Robbins and Scheer dove into the
pool to rescue the man, while Officer Collins and firefighters
pulled the man out. Despite their efforts, the man could not
be resuscitated.
Officer Brent Obermark responded to a call involving the
fraudulent use of a credit card. Paducah Hydropower had
sent a $7,000 order to an address in South Carolina, and then
was informed by the credit card company that the payment
was made with a stolen credit card. Officer Obermark worked
diligently with detecves from South Carolina and w as able
to recover the merchandise, as well as merchandise from
several other companies that had fallen vicm to th e thieves.
It was later determined that the illegal operaon w as oper-
ang out of Canada.
10
Safe Driving Awards
In 2011, the Department decided to start recognizing
officers for their safe driving habits. Each officer’s file was
reviewed and officers were awarded five, ten, or fieen-
year pins based on how long they had driven without an
at-fault collision.
Five-Year Pins
Captain Brian Krueger—Sergeant George Johnson
Sergeant William Gilbert—Sergeant Brian Laird
Sergeant Steve Smith—Sergeant Kevin Neal
Sergeant Wes Orazine—Officer Brent Obermark
Officer Michael Simak—Officer John Tolliver
Officer James Davis—Detecve Ma Wentworth
Detecve Jason Montgomery—Detecve Mike Wentworth
Detecve Ma Smith—Officer Michael Redmon
Officer Linda Hodgson—Officer Dana Davie
Detecve James Robbins—Detecve Troy Turner
Officer Ryan Clark—Officer Jarre Woodruff
Ten-Year Pins
Captain David White—Captain Jason Merrick
Officer Rene Long—Officer Brian Kopischke
Detecve Nathan Young—Officer Paul Stevenson
Officer Scoy Davis
Fifteen-Year Pins
Assistant Chief Stacey Grimes—Captain Don Hodgson
Captain Mark Roberts—Captain Shawn Maxie
Detecve Rob Estes
DUI Governor’s Impaired Driving
Enforcement Award
The Governor’s Award is given to officers
with high levels of DUI-related arrests
across the Commonwealth. Officer Nathan
Jaimet was recognized as the 1st place
recipient for Division 4, which is for law
enforcement agencies of 51-150 officers.
Grants
Kentucky LEPP Grant: $3,000
(The LEPP grant provides funding for bulletproof vests.)
U.S. Bulletproof Vest Grant (BPV): $12,000
(The US BPV Grant provides funding for bulletproof vests.)
U.S. Jusce Assistance Grant: $23,121
(The JAG funding provides for specialized equipment.)
U.S. Dept. of Jusce COPS Grant: $202,000
(The COPS grant provides funding for three officers hired under the
COPS program.)
Kentucky Dept. of Jusce LSF Grant: $15,950
(This LSF Grant provides funding for DUI enforcement)
Kentucky Homeland Security Grant: $8,136
(The KY HSG provides funding for mobile data computers.)
Kentucky Homeland Security Grant: $170,000
(The KY HSG provides funding for Bomb Squad equipment.)
Kentucky Transportaon Cabinet Grant: $45,793
(The KYDOT Grant provides funding for traffic enforcement.)
TOTAL GRANTS RECEIVED: $ 480,000
Special Recognition
The Department extended special recognion this yea r
to Dr. Irvin Smith, for his connued support of the
Department’s SWAT team and Bomb Squad as the
taccal medical director.
The Department also extended a special thank you to
Dr. Blane Grow, owner of Grow Air Park, for allowing
use of his air strip for the Department’s annual drivers
training.
Safe Driving Award Chief’s Award Life Saving Award Service Commendaon
11
Crime in Paducah
Crime is down
Since the 1930s, the FBI has been responsible for tracking crime in
America through the Uniform Crime Report (UCR), which they
publish annually. Crimes are sorted by categories, and the most
serious offenses are referred to as Part I Crimes. They include:
murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, larceny, auto the, and
arson.
The Paducah Police Department is happy to report that crime fell
once again in 2011, falling six percent overall from the previous
year. Addionally, violent crimes (murder, rape, ro bbery, and
aggravated assault) fell nine percent, and property crimes
(burglary, larceny, auto the, and arson) fell by 5 .7 percent.
The decreases Paducah experienced in 2011 were bee r than the
naonal averages reported in the Federal Bureau of Invesgaon’s
Mid-Year 2011 Report. The FBI naonal report indic ated violent
crime was down only 6.4 percent, and property crimes were down
3.7 percent.1
Of Paducah’s Part I crimes, rape, assault, auto the, and arson all
changed by less than five actual offenses, up or down. Robberies
were down 44 percent, while burglaries were down almost 23
percent. Larcenies were down from 972 in 2010, to 945, repre-
senng a 2.7 percent decrease. While murders increa sed from zero
to four, our ten year average is just over two deaths per year.
Naonally, the full-year 2010 data is now available and is shown in
Table 2. To compare local numbers against naonal d ata, we first
have to convert the number of crimes to a rate per 100,000 people.
What emerges is a clearer picture of the total crime in the Paducah
-McCracken County area. You can see that while violent crimes
within the city are on par with naonal trends, pro perty crimes
seem much higher. That’s because Paducah is the city center, and
the majority of property crimes occur in and around the many
retail stores and places of business. Addionally, and more
encouragingly, we see that when paired with the overall
populaon of our community, violent crime is lower than naonal
averages, and property crimes are slightly below average.
Actual Part I Offenses
2010 2011 Offense (By Type)
Crime Rate 2010
Naonal Comparison —Measured per 100,000 people
Naonal City City-County Crime Type
403.6 407.4 229.5 Total violent crime
2941.9 4690.9 2804.4 Total property crime
4.8 0.0 4.5 Murder
27.5 50.4 38.2 Rape
119.1 194 90.2 Robbery
252.3 162.9 96.3 Assault
699.6 710.0 641.0 Burglary
2003.5 3771.3 2008.8 Larceny
238.8 182.3 142.2 Auto The
N/A 27.1 12.2 Arson
0 4 Murder
13 18 Rape
50 28 Robbery
42 46 Assault
183 141 Burglary
972 945 Larceny
47 49 Auto The
7 5 Arson
1314 1236 TOTAL PART I OFFENSES
TABLE 1
TABLE 2
12
Our 2011 Report to the Community
Part II Offenses Arrests
The Paducah Police Department made 2,974 adult arrests in
2011, compared to 2,840 in 2010. The arrests resulted in 4,789
criminal charges. Addionally, there were 248 juven iles
charged criminally, with a total of 311 charges. Another 1,419
people were issued criminal summonses in lieu of arrest, for a
total of 1,918 charges.
It is important to note that the powers of arrest in many
misdemeanor cases changed during 2011, requiring officers to
simply issue a criminal summons in lieu of arrest. For more
informaon on that change, read the story tled Sup reme
Court Decisions on page 29, by Assistant Chief Grimes.
Warrant Service
As part of being a municipal law enforcement agency, the PPD
assists the McCracken County Sheriff’s Department in serving
warrants on city residents. Addionally, police officers
invesgang crimes may swear to, then serve warrant s of
arrest against suspects in cases they are invesga ng.
In 2011, the PPD served 1,311 arrest warrants that carried
1,898 total charges, and an addional 257 criminal summons,
with 392 total charges.
Mental Health– Emergency Custody
As part of our responsibility to keep the community safe, we
are empowered by law to take people into custody for mental
health evaluaon and crisis intervenon, under cert ain
circumstances. In 2011, we took 51 people into emergency
custody and provided transportaon for them to a re gional
mental-health facility. That number was down 12 percent from
2010.
The FBI classifies several other offenses as Part II Crimes. In
2011, Paducah experienced less than a one percent change in
the overall number of Part II Crimes (+0.4%).
As shown in the table below, our Part II Crimes have been
relavely stable over the past three years.
Part II Offenses
2011 2010 2009 Offense Type
678 693 677 Simple Assault
62 67 78 Forgery
158 218 206 Fraud
424 447 494 Criminal Mischief
44 33 39 Weapons Violaons
29 30 33 Sex Offenses
(Other than rape)
700 639 658 Drug Violaons
100 103 78 Offenses Against
Families & Children
520 509 530 All Others
2752 2739 2793 TOTALS
13
Professional Standards
Looking Behind the Badge
A round the world, and certainly throughout
democrac sociees, people have been very
cauous about empowering those who enforce the
law with the ability to affect arrests, to seize individuals and
their property, and to use force.
As a free society, we expect that police officers will be select-
ed from among the most ethical and professional candidates;
that they will be properly trained and equipped; and they will
conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the color of
the law without undue prejudice or favorism. Howev er, you
don’t have to look very far to see examples of officers that
went astray, or were just bad apples to begin with, which
leads everyone to wonder what goes on behind the badge?
During 2011, the Professional Standards Unit of the Paducah
Police Department was comprised of Captain Brian Krueger
and Detecve Rob Estes. Together, they were respons ible for
insuring our officers were properly trained. This is
accomplished by rounely examining training pracce s and
connually seeking to provide realisc and modern t raining
environments focused on some of our more crical pr acces.
The police department currently provides training, with our
own police instructors, in the areas of Firearms, Taser and
Use of Force, Driving Instrucon, Defensive Taccs, and CPR.
In 2011, there was a total of 7,420 hours of training
conducted, including 1,796 hours of in-house instrucon.
That is an average of 104.5 hours of training per officer.
Captain Krueger also had primary responsibility for
conducng internal invesgaons, as assigned by the Chief of
Police; reviewing cizen complaints of an apparent serious
nature; and crically examining our policies to ins ure
conformity with legal and accreditaon requirements .
All of these acvies are conducted with a central focus and
emphasis on the department’s core values: Professionalism,
Respect, Accountability, Integrity, and Communicao n.
Captain Krueger feels, “This is important because of the
obligaon we accept by taking our oath of office, and because it
is crucial to successfully accomplishing our overall mission while
providing quality police services ethically, fairly and equally. Our
standards and values are what drives us all and clearly idenfies
the path we follow. By keeping them a central focus, of not only
our daily acons but also when developing/planning future
strategies and policies, we know we will meet the expectaons
of our local community members, external partners, and
everybody we are privileged to interact with.”
Captain Krueger reports that there were a total of three formal
complaints filed against officers in 2011, as well as 10 “inquiry
complaints,” which do not involve a notarized (formal) wrien
complaint. Six of the complaints were generated from cizens,
and the remaining seven were iniated internally.
Of the complaints against officers, four were unfounded. In one
case the officer was exonerated of any wrong doing, and there
was one wrien reprimand given.
Addionally, there were five officers suspended for policy viola-
ons, including three officers who ulmately resigned prior to
the filing of administrave charges. The two officers suspended
who did not resign willingly accepted the recommendaons of
suspensions of two or less days without pay for their violaons
of equipment-related procedures. Both complaints were inter-
nally generated.
14
The Office of Professional Standards can be reached
by calling 270-444-8548.
Want to join our team?
Here’s what it takes
I f leaders expect exceponal service from their
employees, exceponal men and women must be
recruited to fill the ranks. “There is plenty of room
at the top because very few people care to travel
beyond the average route. And so most of us seem
sasfied to remain within the confines of mediocrity.
(Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe).” We at the Paducah Police
Department are not looking for average employees who
are sasfied with just geng the job done. We are
looking for problem solvers with exceponal
communicaon skills and we do not tolerate any laps e in
integrity. If it is your goal to become a “cop” because it
has a pension, health benefits and you get to carry a gun
and lock people up, don’t waste our me!
The days of “good ole boys” polical hiring of law
enforcement officers have long since disappeared, as
have the days of simply hiring the strongest guys capable
of wrangling the town drunk. A significant amount of
me is invested in hiring diverse, more ethical, mo re
educated and more capable officers. The great Warren
Buffet once said you should hire people with integrity,
intelligence, and energy. Currently, 54 percent of our
sworn staff have earned degrees and the expectaons
are high to complete a degree in order to obtain
promoons. In fact, the minimum standards to apply for
a recruit officer posion will be elevated in 2012 to 60
college hours or two years of full-me military ser vice.
The days of praying that good recruit candidates will
walk in our front door and apply for a posion are well
behind us. We cannot afford to gamble on a marginal
applicant in today’s liability-driven society and just
meeng the minimum standards is not a strategy for
excellence. We as leaders are judged by who we allow the
privilege to wear the PPD badge and represent our
agency and community. The sacred trust given to us by
those whom we have sworn to protect cannot be
dishonored.
Our recruit officer candidates must successfully complete
physical fitness and wrien exams before potenally
earning an interview. Following a baery of interv iews
with command staff, intended to challenge your thought
process, decision-making skills and ethics, you may make
it to the next step. Then comes a polygraph examinaon
and rigorous background invesgaon, psychological
evaluaon, drug and medical screens, and then appro val
from our elected officials. Then and only then will you be
eligible to join the ranks of those who proudly wear our
badge and uniform.
Being a police officer is not an easy profession and the
stakes are high. Our men and women work in an
environment in which split second decisions must be
made and there are always “Monday morning quarter-
backs” who will queson your acons. Many of the t rials
that our officers face are formidable and we frequently
see the worst in people. Aer years on the street, it can
be a struggle not to take frustraons home at the e nd of
a hard shi or become cynical. Conversely, deep do wn,
each officer knows that they have made a difference in
another life, which brings personal sasfacon and
reminds us that this profession is a true calling.
If your movaon is pure and you have properly prep ared
yourself physically and mentally, if your character and
integrity are beyond reproach, you may have what it
takes!
— Stacey Grimes, Assistant Chief of Police
www.paducahky.gov
15
USE of
FORCE
How and why we use force is a
serious issue, and it is one that the
public needs to know about and
understand” —Chief James Berry
The Constuonal role of law enforcement, as well a s the
statutory authority given police, define our role as
protectors in society. And among the necessary require-
ments of fulfilling that mission is the authority to use force,
including deadly force.
As public servants, we understand that people want and
deserve to know how and why we use force in the
performance of our dues. “How and why we use force is a
serious issue, and it is one that the public needs to know
about and understand. So we want to make sure that we
provide the level of transparency for that to happen,” says
Chief James Berry.
One common misconcepon is that police use physical
force to affect most arrests. The truth is, we consistently
use force (more than just normal handcuffing) in less than
two percent of all arrests. In 2011, the PPD used force
about 49 mes, or in about 1.08 percent of all arre sts.
Among those uses of force, 27 required nothing more than
“so empty-hand” taccs, meaning the officer did not
physically strike the suspect or use another weapon, such
as pepper spray, baton, Taser™, or firearm. Table 1 give a
breakdown of each type of force used in 2011.
Our Response to Resistance Report (formerly the Use of Force
Report) is required for all encounters where force is used, other
than those involving the Taser™, which get documented separately
on our Use of Taser Report. Both reports capture demographic
data, as well as informaon related to the suspect’s injuries, if any,
and any officer-related injuries. It also idenfies whether or not the
suspect was intoxicated. This informaon is reporte d in Table 2.
TABLE 1
USE OF FORCE BY TYPE OF FORCE
(Note: Some encounters may use more than one type of force.)
Verbal / Pointed Gun: 6
So Empty-Hand Only: 49
Hard Empty-Hand (Striking): 5
Pepper Spray: 5
Taser: 11
Baton Strikes: 0
K-9: 3
Firearm / Deadly Force: 0
16
“We now call Use of Force reports, “Response to Resistance,”
because the use of force by police officers is always reac-
tive in nature. Our policy requires a Response to Resistance
report be made for any use of force greater than normal
handcuffing techniques.” — Captain David White
TABLE 2
BY RACE
White: 75.0 %
African-American: 25.0 %
Hispanic: 2 %
BY GENDER
Male: 83 %
Female: 17 %
BY AGE
Under 18: 2.0 %
18-24: 31.2 %
24-45: 50.0 %
46 and Older: 16.6 %
INJURIES
Suspect Injured: 18.75
Requiring Hospital Care: 8.3%
Officer Injured: 6.2 %
Requiring Hospital Care: 0
SUSPECT INTOXICATED
Alcohol: 54.1 %
Drugs: 10.4 %
SUSPECT WAS ARMED
Firearms: 4.1 %
Edged Weapon: 18.7 %
(Reportable margin of error +/- <2 %)
To put a naonal perspecve on police use of force, Gordan Graham,
President and co-owner of Lexipol™, a world leader in public sector
risk management, points out that with nearly one million cops in the
United States, we kill on average around 650 people a year—most of
which are necessary and legimate shoongs. Meanwhi le, medical
malpracce kills more than 100,000 each year.1
While police use of force is a serious issue that should always be
monitored, these numbers demonstrate that police naonwide do a
very reasonable job at enforcing the law without excessive force or
injury. Locally, our rate of suspect injury to arrest in 2011 was less
than one tenth of one percent, and we consider that a good thing.
We spend a significant amount of me, energy, and resources train-
ing our officers for these high-risk encounters. “Each situaon, each
report, is reviewed by the front-line supervisor, the division chief,
and ulmately by the chief of police,” says Chief J ames Berry. The
reports are also reviewed by the Office of Professional Standards,
and where issues are idenfied, the department training officer is
consulted and training needs are adapted.
The PPD requires officers to qualify twice each year with their service
pistol and patrol rifle. We also use Simunion™ guns that shoot
paintballs, but otherwise funcon just like our rea l guns, and
high-tech interacve video systems, as we pracce r eal life scenario
trainings. We complete defensive taccs training ev ery other year,
and we train with Tasers™ according to the manufacturer’s
recommendaons.
It is our ulmate goal to resolve conflict and affect arrests peacefully,
but we know that doesn’t always happen. We are proud of the
relavely low percentage of force we use in accompl ishing our
mission, and we are commied to transparently shari ng our acons
with the community.
A special thanks to Defensive Taccs Instructor
Officer Chris Bolton for preparing our year-end
stascs for 2011.
1. Smith, S. (2008). Former cop reviews risk management with local police, responders. Fisher
Communicaons. Retrieved on 1/31/12 from: hp://ww w.klewtv.com/news/25487059.html
17
OUR VERY OWN
PPD
Pawn Stars
Leads Online™ — Is an accessible database used
by law enforcement agencies around the country to track down
stolen property, and we use it right here at the Paducah Police
Department.
Since 2008, we have ulized the online database to help us track
down stolen property that may have otherwise slipped through
our fingers, by requiring pawn shops to track incoming items
more efficiently. In August 2008, the City of Paducah passed an
ordinance requiring all local pawn dealers to enter a record into
the Leads Online database of all items pawned or purchased
during the previous 24 hours. The database submission must
include electronic photographs of all persons who have sold
items to the pawnbroker during the preceding day. The data-
base submissions must also include photographs of items
purchased by the pawnbroker if the items are not idenfiable by
a serial number.
Since that me, we have been able to charge more th an a dozen
people with the, burglary, or knowingly receiving stolen
property based on the informaon gathered through t his vital
program. These criminals, and others, have been linked to the
recovery of numerous items of jewelry, electronics, tools,
firearms, and even a vehicle.
Detecve Sergeant Brian Laird says “Our ordinance h as been an
invaluable tool to combat the sale of stolen property. The Leads
Online searchable database is impressive and it is a perfect ex-
ample of how the PPD is using technology to help us catch
criminals.”
In some cases, it is items that have been stolen from other juris-
dicons that pop up on the online radar. We’ve help ed recover
property as close as McCracken and Marshall counes , all the
way up to Marion, Illinois.
Connie Waldridge, our Leads Online contact person
PAWN STARS
Clerical Specialist Connie Waldridge, PPD liaison with Leads
Online, has been instrumental in geng our system u p and
running. Detecve Sergeant Brian Laird says, “Conn ie is the
go-to person with the database. Detecves from all over
western Kentucky ring her phone to draw upon her
knowledge of the database.”
“It breaks your heart when you read a the report in which
family heirlooms have been stolen. This database gives us a
fighng chance to recover the stolen property,” says Ms.
Waldridge.
It is important to understand that the vast majority of the
transacons completed by our pawnbrokers are legim ate
and this tool also protects them by discouraging criminals
from trying to sell stolen property. “The Leads Online data-
base is a proacve crime-fighng tool for both the
community and pawnbrokers, and I fully support the
ordinance and database,” said Tyler Cryts, owner of Cash
Express Pawn.
The McCracken Fiscal Court passed a similar ordinance in
December that takes effect March 31, 2012, which will
require pawn brokers, junk and secondhand dealers in
McCracken County to use the Leads Online database when
purchasing property. The ulmate goal is to return a vic-
m’s property and prosecung the thief is a bonus.
18
N Doughnuts
HERE
It seems that cops have long been associated with everyone’s
favorite breakfast pastry, the doughnut! A Google search of the
cliché reveals some 2.3 million hits, and while the endless stream of
cop-doughnut jokes make us all laugh, they don’t paint a fair picture
of the modern police force.
Within the ranks of the Paducah Police
Department we have some very fit people.
Detective Jim Robbins (pictured here) has
competed in multiple bodybuilding compe-
titions. In 2008, he placed first in novice
and open class in a competition in O’Fal-
lon, Missouri. Two years later, he got first
in the open class St. Louis, Missouri. He is
working toward a show in 2013.
Officer Chris Bolton, a five-year veteran
of the department, has competed in four
strongman competitions in Ohio,
Kentucky, and Mississippi. Bolton
finished first in his weight class in the
Central Ohio Strongman competition.
Officer Derik Perry, who has studied
martial arts since he was a young teen-
ager, received his Black Belt in Brazilian
Ju Jitsu from the master himself, Royce
Gracie, who was made famous around the
world by winning numerous UFC titles. Perry is one of only 48
people world-wide to have received their black belt from Gracie.
Detective Justin Rundles, who is also a student of the art, received
his brown belt, a belt one step below black from Gracie in Septem-
ber 2011, and we have between eight and ten employees that regu-
larly study the art at Three Rivers Martial Arts Academy in Paducah.
Detective Troy Turner and Captain David White ran the St. Jude
Memphis Marathon in 2010. The 26.2 mile charity race is held each
December to support St. Jude Research Hospital in Memphis,
Tennessee. White, who also ran the local Iron Mom Half Marathon
in June 2011 says, “It’s really all about trying to stay healthy. As
police officers, you make a commitment to the job, and that
commitment includes staying in the best shape you can.”
Additionally, Detective Matt Smith, Sergeant Steve Smith,
and Sergeant George Johnson are all avid cyclists,
participating in local 50- and 100-mile rides.
Among those employees who participate in the wellness
program, there were 2,366 gym visits. This doesn’t take into
consideration those who work out outside, or who work out at
facilities that don’t participate in the incentive-based wellness
program. As an encouragement for employees to stay fit, the
City of Paducah reimburses gym memberships for those who
attend at least eight times each month. We are very apprecia-
tive of the program, and Chief Berry says, “I think it’s vital
for our officers to stay healthy. They’ve got to be able to do a
tough job that requires them to be fit, and the City’s program
helps them in that regard. It also helps hold down our
worker’s comp and insurance claims.”
On any given day, you’re much more likely to find power
bars and protein powder at the PPD, than the laughable box of
doughnuts. Not that we don’t indulge every once in a while.
In 2012, we have at least four officers planning on running the
Iron Mom Half Marathon, set
for May 12th. Human
Resources Manager and
organizer of the Iron Mom,
Cindy Medford says, “The
support Iron Mom received
was overwhelming.” Medford
reports city employees were
fully engaged whether
running or volunteer-
ing. “We had employees
participating in teams, running the full 13.1 miles as well as
involved in every stage of planning and execution of the
event. Support from the Paducah Police Department was evi-
dent along the route and many runners commented that they
felt safe and appreciated all of the professional assistance.”
If you’d like more information on the Iron Mom race go to
paducahironmom.com
Detecve Jim Robbins
Officer Chris Bolton
19
2011 Traffic Report
Captain Don Hodgson, who helps administer the grant
each year and supervises the targeted enforcement
efforts says, “We are geng 12 new radar units in 2012,
and are going to connue to focus on the most
important enforcement factors: seat belt usage, alcohol
enforcement, and speeding. ”
The most commonly cited offense was the seat belt
violaon, with 2,620, not counng 41 child restrain t
citaons. Second to seat belts, the PPD issued 1,66 8
charges to people for not having proof of insurance.
While it may seem like a minor offense, not having
insurance is a serious issue to other motorists. In 2009,
the Insurance Research Council reported that an
esmated 16 percent of Kentucky drivers didn’t have
insurance.3 When someone tells the officer, “I have
insurance, I just don’t have my insurance card,” the
officer has no way of knowing whether or not the
person is lying. Giving them a citaon ensures they will
have to produce proof of insurance to the court.
In addion to seat belt violaons and no proof of
insurance charges, the PPD issued 1,167 speeding
citaons. We charged 467 people with disregarding
traffic control devices, like stop signs and traffic lights.
We charged 188 people with driving with no operator’s
license, and arrested 394 people for DUI. A variety of
other traffic charges made up the remaining 3,553
traffic offenses.
T raffic enforcement is a big part of keeping the
community safe, and the Paducah Police Department
takes that responsibility seriously. We issued 6,791 traffic
citaons in 2011, resulng in a total of 10,098 tra ffic-
related charges, in an effort to remind people of the
importance of safe driving.
State-wide, there were 150,300 crashes, resulng in 37,247
injuries, and more than seven hundred fatalies.1 The
Paducah Police Department invesgated 1,658 of thos e
crashes, 322 involving injury. In the 322 injury-collisions,
we had 483 persons injured, and three fatalies.
In 2011, we saw a 6.4 percent reducon in the numbe r of
injury collisions and an 11.3 percent drop in the total
number of injuries from crashes, over 2010. That was
almost four mes the reducon we had hoped for when
we set our safety objecves for the 2011 Highway Sa fety
Programs’ grant.
The state-funded grant supplied us with funding for 749
hours of traffic enforcement, which led to 26 Driving Under
the Influence (DUI) arrests, 936 seat belt citaons, 17 child
restraint citaons, and 25 speeding citaons. Addi onally,
we esmate our post-grant seat belt usage rate to b e 84
percent, which is consistent with the Naonal Highw ay
Traffic Safety Administraon’s esmates naon-wide of 85
percent.2
We are going to continue to focus on the
most important enforcement factors:
seat belt usage, alcohol enforcement,
and speeding.”
-Capt. Don Hodgson
20
Despite our success at reducing injury collisions during
2011, we remain very concerned about the number of
collisions in our community. The most dangerous road-
way again this year was Hinkleville Road between I-24
and Olivet Church Road.
“Ninety-five percent of the me, collisions are the result
of human error,” says Captain David White, the senior
accident reconstruconist at the department. We can ’t
stress enough the importance of paying aenon when
you’re behind the wheel.
In 2011, only 4.7 percent of reported collision involved
mechanical failures, such as a re failure or brake
failure. All others involved human error. Table 1
provides a breakdown of the top ten human errors; the
most significant being driver inaenon. As a side n ote,
cell phones were cited as a contribung factor in o ne
percent (18 total crashes).
PPD INVOLVED CRASHES
With the thousands of miles we drive each year, the PPD is
glad to report we had no serious injury crashes in 2011. We
had seven at-fault collisions; two were single vehicle collisions
where the officers struck curbs, and two involved a cruiser
striking another cruiser. One crash involved an officer backing
into a parked (unoccupied) car, and the remaining two crashes
resulted in no significant injuries to either party.
TOP 10 CONTRIBUTING
HUMAN FACTORS IN COLLISIONS
624 INATTENTION (38%)
385 FAILURE TO YIELD RIGHT-OF-WAY (23%)
212 MISJUDGED CLEARING (12 %)
197 NOT UNDER PROPER CONTROL (11%)
120 FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE (7%)
82 DISTRACTION (4%)
80 DISREGARDING TRAFFIC CONTROL (4%)
56 TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS (3%)
53 ALCOHOL/ DRUG USE (3%)
43 TURNING IMPROPERLY (2%)
TABLE 1
1. State-wide and local numbers are retrieved on demand from the Kentucky State
Police’s open web portal. This report produced 1/26/12.
2. U.S. Dept. of Transportaon (NHTSA) (Sept. 2010). Seat Belt Use in 2010—Overall
Results. Washington, D.C. DOT HS 811 378.
3. Corum, D. (Jan. 2009). Economic Downturn May Push Percentage of Uninsured
Motorists to All-me High. Insurance Research Counc il, Malvern, PA. Retrieved on
1/30/12 and cited here from: hp://www.ircweb.org/n ews/IRC_UM_012109.pdf
21
TRAFFIC FATALITIESTRAFFIC FATALITIESTRAFFIC FATALITIESTRAFFIC FATALITIES
T he Kentucky State Police (KSP) are reporng
that traffic fatalies were down across the
Commonwealth again for 2011. According to
KSP, there were 716 reported fatalies in 2011, dow n
from some 760 in 2010.1
In April 2011, the Naonal Highway Traffic Safety
Administraon (NHTSA) reported, “The number and
rate of traffic fatalies in 2010 fell to the lowest levels
since 1949, despite a significant increase in the number
of miles Americans drove during the year.”2 NHTSA’s
early esmates for 2011, based on the first quarter
reports, showed fatalies down less than one percen t
over the same period in 2010.3 However, with KSP
showing Kentucky’s 2011 numbers down some 5.7
percent, hopefully naonal trends will follow suit.
Locally, our traffic crash reconstruconist team
invesgated three fatal collisions that resulted in a total
of four deaths. However, one of those deaths was later
ruled to have been from natural causes (a suspected
heart aack) and not from traumac injury. Thus
leaving us with two collisions, resulng in three
traumac deaths. What was parcularly unusual was
that the two fatal crashes occurred less than one week
apart, both on Interstate 24. While both collisions
involved a commercial vehicle, the commercial vehicle
was not listed as the “at-fault” unit in either crash. “No
criminal charges have been filed in either collision,
though one remained under invesgaon at the close
of 2011,” said Captain David White, the senior
reconstruconist for the Department.
As reported in our 2010 report, motorcycle fatalie s, which
hit a high point in 2008 aer rising every year for the
previous ten or more years, had started to taper off,
declining in 2009, and again in 2010. 2011 witnessed similar
trends, at least in Kentucky, with motorcycle fatalies falling
by almost 24 percent, from 80 in 2010, to only 61 in 2011.1
We are thankful that we had no pedestrian fatalies to
report in 2011. Statewide, pedestrian fatalies, li ke the
overall numbers, were down. “Though we didn’t have any
pedestrian fatalies in 2011, I remain extremely co ncerned
about the number of these accidents, since they too oen
involve children or seniors,” says Captain White.
White reports that a ten-year look at our fatal crashes (2001
-2010) reveals 10 pedestrian fatalies, 9 of which include
vicms over the age of fiy-five, and one under the age of
10.4 That represents about a quarter (23.4 percent) of our
overall fatalies over that 10-year period. White s ays drivers
should always stay aenve to what they are doing b ehind
the wheel, but it is parcularly important that the y pay
aenon in areas known to have pedestrian traffic.
State-wide, Kentucky saw a drop in alcohol-related fatalies,
from 20 percent of reported crashes to 16.89 percent.
Locally, alcohol is not believed to be a factor in either of the
two fatal collisions during 2011.
__________________________________
1. Kentucky State Police. Retrieved on 1/6/12 from: www.kentuckystatepolice.org/p2011.htm
2. NHTSA. Retrieved on 1/6/12 from: www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/2011/
ci.Traffic+Fatalies+in+2010+Drop+to+Lowest+Level+in+Recorded+History.print
3. NHTSA. Retrieved on 1/6/12 from: www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811490.pdf
4. Local data retrieved on demand from KSP open web portal on 1/6/12.
22
Cold Cases
A.B. Long (1967)
A.B. Long was the owner of a vending machine company located at
1201 Madison St. He lived in an apartment above the company. Police
discovered his body with three bullet wounds in it on July 16, 1967,
aer two of Long's business associates contacted po lice voicing con-
cerns about his well-being. Leers were found in t he apartment docu-
menng threats to Long and his relaves.
Anna Brantley (1981)
Someme overnight on June 21-22, 1981, 74-year-old Anna Williams
Brantley was assaulted and murdered in her home at 410 South 22nd
St. One of her sons discovered her body on June 22. Her assault and
death are believed to be the first in a series of sexual assaults in this
area known as the West End Rapes.
Judy Wright (1997)
At approximately 1 p.m. on October 26, 1997, the PPD Sergeant’s Office
received a call from an unknown male. He stated there was a skeleton
of a female in the wooded area where the old [railroad] e place used
to be.” Police responded to that locaon, a vacant lot between 5th and
6th, Jones and Norton streets, and located the body. Police held the
scene unl the next day, when Dr. Emily Craig, a fo rensic anthropologist
arrived. Dr. Craig examined the body and determined the vicm was a
white female, and believed the me of death was aro und May or June
of 1997. The vicm was idenfied as Judy Wright, wh o was last seen
during the early morning hours of June 25, 1997. Wright was at Bob’s
Place on South 6th Street in Paducah. She met a man there who called
himself Lloyd. She le Bob’s Place with this man s omeme during the
late morning or early aernoon. No one reported se eing her aer she
le Bob's Place. Police have been unable to idenf y “Lloyd.”
Eugene “Happy” Thomas (1998)
On October 27, 1998, Eugene “Happy” Thomas, a 74-year-old Paducah
man, was found shot in front of his home at 1141 Marn Luther King Jr.
Drive. Thomas was taken to Western Bapst Hospital , where he died
from his injuries on January 11, 1999. Thomas was well-known in the
community as the owner of Happy’s Chili Parlor, located on North 12th
street near his home.
Of the Paducah Police Department
Cold Cases
Undrea D. Donald (2000)
On September 24, 2000, Undrea D. Donald, 26, of Fort Worth, Texas,
was shot to death in the parking lot of Club B-Bone on North 13th
Street. Witnesses observed three men running from the area.
Tommy Ham (1975)
On November 25, 1975, Tommy Ham, a 26-year-old Paducah man, was
found stabbed mulple mes in the 500 Block of Sout h 8th Street. Ham
was taken to Western Bapst Hospital, where he died the next day.
P eople always seem intrigued by those cases
that go unsolved, and turn cold. And as hard
as we try, investigators occasionally find
themselves chasing down dead-end leads and
struggling to come up with answers.
In Paducah, we have seven unsolved homicides
dating back to 1967; our last being in 2006.
Considering that the FBI reports the average solve
rate on homicidal deaths to be 70 percent, it’s not
surprising that we have a handful of open cases.
From 2001 through 2011, our homicide solve rate
has been 95.6 percent, which is well above average.
DNA and other modern advances in forensic
technology, as well as cell phones, computers, and
video surveillance equipment have all helped give
investigators angles that at one time were not
available.
Each case is assigned to a detective, and though
they are cold, they get reviewed periodically to see if
there is anything that may develop new leads. Addi-
tionally, civilian Investigative Assistant Malinda
Elrod-Baltz has worked tirelessly combing through
old evidence looking for possible DNA. As a result,
she says, “We have been able to extract several
DNA profiles and partial profiles that have been giv-
en to known offender databases and could be used
to help link suspects to their crimes.” Additionally,
she reports that re-interviewing some witnesses has
sparked a review of some other records, dating
back to 1967, that may be linked to the older cases.
Our most recent cold case is that of Dr. Frank
Shemwell. On July 24, 2006, the Paducah Police
and Fire Departments responded to a house fire at
the home of 81-year-old Dr. Shemwell. Once inside
the home, firefighters located the burned body of
Dr. Shemwell on the kitchen floor. After an
autopsy, the medical examiner ruled the death a
homicide. The other six cases are highlighted in the
right column.
23
General Investigations Unit
T he General Invesgaons Unit (GIU) serves an
integral part of the Support Services Division, with
the primary mission of invesgang major cases. The unit
is led by Assistant Chief of Support Services Stacey
Grimes, and the division captain, David White. The GIU
office has one sergeant, Brian Laird, five detecves, a
civilian invesgave assistant, Malinda Elrod-Baltz , and
one civilian clerical specialist, Connie Waldridge.
In 2011, the GIU detecves were assigned 278 new ca ses,
including 44 aer-hours callouts. The detecves hav e to
take turns rotang “on-call” for aer-hours request s. The
process of invesgang these types of cases is seri ous
work; it requires aenon to detail, a significant u nder-
standing of the law, and a strong desire to relentlessly
pursue all the leads necessary to come to the proper
conclusion in a case.
The GIU detecves maintained a 77.6 percent clearan ce
rate overall in 2011, which is well above the naon al
averages for clearance. In 2010, the FBI reported that
cies our size had a violent crime clearance rate o f 49.9
percent and a property crime clearance rate of 21.3
percent.1 Chief James Berry says, “The numbers speak for
themselves. Our guys are constant professionals and
really do a great job at solving crimes.”
One of the things we would like to highlight from 2011 is our
creaon of the Regional Computer Forensic Laborator y (RCFL),
right here at the PPD.
The RCFL is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of
Invesgaon and local and state law enforcement age ncies,
aimed at streamlining the examinaon processes asso ciated
with digital evidence. The RCFL in Louisville, Kentucky is one of
16 full-service computer forensic laboratories in the naon and
Paducah is one of five satellite labs in Kentucky. The first RCFL
opened in 1999 in San Diego, California, and Kentucky’s lab in
Louisville was the 14th in the naon, opening in 20 06.
Detecve Jusn Crowell has been trained in computer forensics
through the RCFL. The training he received will allow him to
extract and preserve hidden digital evidence that will aid in
prosecuon of cases involving child pornography to drug
trafficking to homicide. “This cung edge training and
technology will allow our detecves to find the hidden needle in
the haystack,” says Captain David White.
“The men and women serving in GIU are highly dedicated to
solving crimes and their passion is appreciated. I would put
them up against any invesgave unit in the state a nd if I were
personally a vicm of a crime, I’d want these guys and gals on
the case,” says Assistant Chief Stacey Grimes.
24
Drug & Vice Enforcement
A report on drugs in our community
The Paducah Police Department’s Drug and Vice Enforcement
(DAVE) Unit, is a part of the Support Services Division. It is led
by Sergeant Will Gilbert, and has five addional detecves and
one civilian secretary, Jan Saxon.
The primary focus of the DAVE Unit is to invesgate mid- to
upper-level drug dealers, and two of the detecves assigned to
the unit are also assigned to state and federal drug task forces,
in partnership with the Kentucky State Police and the U.S.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF).
In 2011, the partnership with the ATF led to 35 federal
indictments in what was labeled “Operaon New Day.” On
October 13, 2011, U.S. Aorney David Hale, as well as
McCracken County Commonwealth Aorney Dan Boaz, and his
assistant and Assistant U.S. Aorney, Seth Hancock, were
among those present during the press conference announcing
the indictments.
The indictments were the result of more than two years of
undercover invesgaon by PPD DAVE detecves and loc al
agents of the ATF. Addionally, the DAVE Unit iniat ed a total
of 290 cases in 2011.
Drug arrests were down over-all from 342 in 2010, to 206 in
2011. That number brings us much closer to the nao nal
average for cies our size, and like most other jur isdicons, the
largest number of drug offenses are related to marijuana
arrests. In 2011, the PPD made 121 marijuana-related arrests,
represenng 58 percent of the total drug arrests. T he second
largest category was crack cocaine, with 36 arrests (17%), then
14 methamphetamine arrests (6%).
In addion to the work of the DAVE Unit, the PPD als o
promotes educaonal efforts to reduce drug abuse in our
community. Officers Chris Fearon and Gretchen Morgan are
both cerfied DARE Instructors, and they teach the Drug Abuse
Resistance Educaon curriculum in our local schools . In 2011,
they graduated 160 elementary students through the
naonally recognized an-drug program, and “We are very
proud of their efforts,” says Chief James Berry.
As we reported in 2010, we are connuing to watch a nd
respond to the emerging trends in drug abuse within our
community. The synthec versions of marijuana and b ath salts
that produce cocaine- or methamphetamine-like highs are on
our radar. The pictures at the top and boom of the page are
of a large quanty of the products our DAVE Unit sei zed at a
local convenience store during 2011. We worked this past year
with McCracken County Aorney Mike Murphy, and his
assistant Aorney Todd Jones to get a county-wide o rdinance
passed helping control the sale of these substances. One issue
with state legislaon is that it moves too slow, an d the
manufacturers of synthec drugs, many of which are based
overseas, are simply altering one or two chemical compounds
to skirt the law, and that has been troublesome for law
enforcement.
Prescripon drug abuse is also of serious concern. Kentucky
connually ranks high among other states for prescr ipon drug
abuse and overdose deaths. The PPD invesgates pres cripon
abuse, using the Kentucky All Schedule Prescripon Electronic
Reporng system (KASPER), and we work with local pa rtners to
ensure that we do our part to cut down on this growing trend.
Anyone with informaon to share regarding drug abus e is
encouraged to contact Sergeant Will Gilbert at 270-444-8555,
or the Crime Stoppers hotline at 443-TELL (443-8355).
25
FIREARMS TRAININGFIREARMS TRAININGFIREARMS TRAININGFIREARMS TRAINING
In a changing world
Law enforcement has evolved over me, and with it,
the American law enforcement arsenal has changed. In the
1800s and even into the early 1900s, professional police offic-
ers may not have carried a firearm. In Paducah, we know the
City purchased six revolvers for the department in 1865, which
was the first indicaon of the City buying service weapons.
Over me, revolvers, like the one
pictured here, gave way to the
semi-automac weapon, which
gave officers more shots and
easier funcon under stress. And
today, part of an officer’s standard
issue is the Glock™ .40 caliber
handgun, like the one pictured below.
In addion, just like in the portrayals of
the old westerns, law enforcement has
maintained access to rifles and
shotguns. However, like handguns,
those have changed too, especially in
recent years.
Threats of terrorism, school and workplace shoongs , and
shoot-outs with high-powered gunmen, like those in the North
Hollywood Bank shoot-out of 1997, have led law enforcement
to recognize the necessity of having assault-style weapons, like
the .223 Colt, pictured at the top of the page.
“As much as policing has changed over the years, one thing
remains the same: police have to carry guns, just like in the
early days. However, it’s imperave that we stay be er
equipped than the criminals,” Chief Firearms Instructor Rob
Estes says. The unfortunate thing is that “we currently can’t
afford to equip every patrol officer with their own rifle,” Estes
reports. We have eight patrol rifles that have to be
checked in and out as officers come on shi. Sixteen of our
officers have gone as far as to get approval, purchase, and
get qualified with their own rifles. At $1,300 a rifle, that is a
big investment on the part of the officer.
While assault-style weapons look more militarisc, which is
not necessarily the image we like to portray, they offer a
much safer, much more accurate alternave for long-range
shots than the standard service pistol. “As an agency, you
have to be prepared if you want to protect your community
and keep them safe. That’s why we are trying to equip and
train officers the right way,” Chief James Berry said.
Here at the PPD, we have to qualify twice each year, under
both dayme and nighme condions. “If we fail to t rain,
then we have trained to fail,” quips Estes. With the assis-
tance of our firearms training team, Estes has developed a
curriculum that both builds skills and ensures that we will
help keep officers and the community safe in this highly
unlikely, yet very crical part of the job.
The new challenges, and new tools, have called for constant
revisions and updates to our training curricula. In 2012, we
are planning to implemenng a 24– to 40-hour Rifleman’s
Course designed specifically for patrol officers to obtain
more advanced training with the .223 rifle than we have in
place now. In addion, the PPD is evaluang a Curri culum
Commiee that would evaluate training outlines and ensure
that they keep up with changing social and professional
standards, as well as delivery methods that best suit adult
educaon.
OUR FIREARMS INSTRUCTORS
Rob Estes, Jason Merrick, Rob Hefner, Kevin Neal, Jusn
Canup, James Robbins, Chris Baxter
Glock 22 (.40 Cal)
Colt .38 Cal. Revolver
26
As the Naonal Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C.
reads, FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.
We are proud to say that we have 24 veterans working at
the Paducah Police Department. Among them, Krisne
Shanks (pictured above) is the oldest, enlisng in the United
States Marine Corps in 1972. Shanks was a second
generaon Marine, following in her dad’s footsteps. Her son,
Staff Sergeant Michael Shanks, is a Marine today. He has
served for the past 18 years, currently serving with the
Marine Air Group 26, as an EKMS Manager (Encrypted
Communicaons). Shanks says she’s proud not only of him,
but of the fact that one of her grandchildren will enlisng
soon, making the Marine Corps a family tradion for four
generaons. Interesngly enough, Shanks’ mother ser ved as
a Canadian cizen in the Royal Canadian Navy as a c ook
during World War II. Shanks says her mother was staoned
at Halifax, Nova Scoa, Canada on VE Day.
“It created in me a sense of unit; that it’s always what’s good
for the team, and it’s simply Semper Fi (The Marines’ Moo,
Lan for Always Faithful). That’s what it inslled in me long
ago,” Shanks says. And she says she sll carries th at spirit
with her to work today.
Shanks, who just joined the civilian ranks of the PPD in late
2011 as the Evidence Technician, is originally a nave of
Wheaton ,IL. She has lived in Paducah since 1984, with her
husband, Leigh Shanks, who works as the PPD’s parking
enforcement officer.
Chief James Berry says, “I’m proud of the diverse group of
veterans. It really shows how dedicated our employees are
to the fundamental ideas of our country.”
Many of our veterans have served overseas in Iraq and
Afghanistan, but in 2011, we are glad to report our reservists
and naonal guardsmen were safely right here at hom e.
If you are a veteran, or know of a veteran, that is looking for a
career in law enforcement, contact Sgt. Wes Kimbler, at
270-444-8548 or wkimbler@paducahky.gov
Sgt. Kimbler is a member of our PPD Recruing Team and he
has almost 20 years of service in the United States Army.
Our Troops
Brian Krueger—USMC
Jason Merrick— USN
Will Gilbert—USMC
Wes Kimbler— Army (Acvely Serving)
Steve Smith— Army
Kevin Neal —USMC (Acvely Serving)
Joe Hayes— USMC/Army (Acvely Serving)
Wes Orazine— USMC
Rob Estes— USMC
Brent Obermark — Army
Michael Simak— Army
Brian Kopischke— USMC
Nathan Young— USN
Paul Stevenson— Army (Acvely Serving)
Cindy Neihoff— Army
Travis Counts— USN
Troy Turner— Army
Loon Rowley— Army
Chris Baxter— USN
Nathan Antonies— Army (Acvely Serving)
Keith Thuline— Army
David Carroll— USCG
Lourdes Morrison— USN
Krisne Shanks— USMC
Honoring our service men & women
27
ADJUSTADJUSTADJUSTADJUST
ADAPT
OVERCOME
A 2011 Internaonal Associaon of Chiefs of Police (IACP) study
showed that 94 percent of law enforcement leaders saw a “new
reality” in American policing because of the economic down-
turn.1 And, the United States Department of Jusce (DOJ) (2011)
reports that “the impact of this downturn will result in a change
of how law enforcement services are delivered” (p. 2).1
While expectaons of law enforcement service remain high, the
economic realies are forcing both real and ideolog ical changes
in policing. The same DOJ report indicated that over half of
America’s police departments have seen a decrease of five per-
cent or more to their operang budgets, while line items like
fuel, healthcare, and pension costs connue to rise . 1 Fuel costs
alone rose 62.5 cents per gallon between November 2010 and
November 2011. 2 The medical care Consumer Price Index, up
more than three percent and Kentucky hazardous duty pension
costs absorbed by the city are more than 35 cents on the dollar.
It is important to note that the hazardous duty pension costs
will rise again in July 2012 to more than 37.6 cents on the dollar
and fuel costs are expected rise.
Since roughly 80 percent of a police department’s operang
budget is ed to personnel costs, it’s not surprisi ng that the
COPS Office reported a confirmed number of 5,738 layoffs by
October 2011, with other professional esmates that include
unfilled posions running as high as 15,000.1 Other departments
are resorng to less drasc measures, like mandator y furloughs.
The COPS office esmates that some 28,000 cops furloughed 40
or more hours in 2010 (p.16).1
Amid the reducons in the work force, law enforceme nt’s job is
not geng any easier, or safer. In 2010, there was a 25 percent
increase in line-of-duty deaths over 2009. 2011 was no beer,
with another nearly 16 percent increase overall, and 20 percent
increase in the number of firearms-related deaths. 3
The forced reducons in staffing and increased costs of items
like fuel are causing police execuves to consider which services
are crical and which ones the community will have to live with-
out — all while trying to keep their officers safe.
financial
Challenges
The DOJ report, which cited three different studies, said police
execuves consistently report they reduced or disco nnued
training and travel items from their budget (61-72 %), while over
half (55%) cut back on technology, disconnued spec ial
operaons units (38%), or even made cuts in their d rug
enforcement efforts (35%).
Cuts in training and travel for law enforcement can be disastrous
and really couldn’t hit at any worse me for law en forcement. In
Kentucky, officers are required to have a minimum of 40 hours of
in-service each year in order to maintain their cerficaon.
However, many of the state-sponsored classes offered locally are
very basic and don’t cover the more advanced specializaon that
many officers and invesgators need to be successful at handling
major crimes, advances in technology, or management-related
issues. For example, a traffic accident reconstruconist requires a
minimum of 240 hours of training, not even offered by the
Kentucky Department of Criminal Jusce Training. Officers have
to travel to the Traffic Instute of Northwestern University in
Chicago, or the Instute of Police Technology and M anagement
in Jacksonville, Florida, to receive that type of training. Addion-
ally, state-sponsored trainings do not include specialized topics
like firearms, Taser ™, driver’s training, and other essenal tasks.
In Paducah, we have experienced many of the same financial
issues as other agencies across the naon. While o ur adopted
2011-2012 budget increased $212,000 over the previous year, an
uncontrollable increase of $122,000 in pension costs and $62,000
in fuel costs was incurred. The remaining $28,000 went for mini-
mal pay adjustments and other issues such as outdated computer
replacement and increased costs in ulies. As the City’s largest
budgeted department, we appreciate the support from our elect-
ed officials and are, too, awaing the economic upswing.
1. U.S. Department of Jusce, COPS Office. (Oct. 2011). The Impact of the Economic
Downturn on American Police Agencies.
2. Bureau of Labor Stascs, Retrieved on 1/4/2012 from: www.bls.gov/news.release/
cpi.nr0.htm
3. Naonal Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Retrieved on 1/4/2012 from:
hp://www.nleomf.org/facts/officer-fatalies-data/officer-fatality-data.html
28
DECISIONS
AND WHAT THEY MEAN FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
Supreme Court
EEEE very year, our local, state and federal elected legislators impact the management and operaons of law enforcement
agencies across this country by passing laws and ordinances. These statutes are enforced by those sworn men and
women employed to protect their communies. The ju dicial system is tasked with deciding the constuo nality of
those statutes and provides direcon to keep law en forcement and legislators in check to protect the rights and free-
doms we enjoy.
In 2011, there were a few landmark cases decided by the United States Supreme Court that will impact the way we conduct business
in law enforcement. Snyder v. Phelps, 131 S. Ct. 1207 (2011), was a controversial case in which poli cal pickeng occurred at the
funeral of Marine Lance Corporal Mahew Snyder by t he Westboro Bapst Church in Topeka, Kansas. The p rotestors, on public
property, were peaceful and only conveyed a message on signage that God is punishing the United States for its tolerance of homo-
sexuality and that America is morally flawed. In an 8-1 decision, the Supreme Court held that hurul s peech on public property is
protected to ensure that public debate is not subdued; and is thereby protected speech under the First Amendment. Law
enforcement must be commied to protect the rights of each cizen, even if their speech is unpopular, as long as the protestors do
not encroach upon private property.
In Kentucky v. King, 131 S. Ct. 1849 (2011), in an 8-1 decision, the Supreme Court gave police more latude to forcibly enter a home
without a search warrant to prevent the destrucon of illegal drugs. In Lexington, Kentucky, law enforcement purchased crack
cocaine from a suspect outside an apartment complex. The suspect walked inside the complex and entered an apartment but
pursuing police did not see which apartment the suspect had entered. They stood between two apartment doors and smelled
burning marijuana coming from one apartment. They knocked and announced their presence on that apartment door. Officers
heard people inside moving about and believed the occupants were destroying evidence aer there was no response at the door.
Police forcibly entered the apartment and seized marijuana and cocaine from Hollis King, who later received an 11-year sentence,
even though the inial suspect was not in the apart ment. The Supreme Court ruled that the officers’ conduct was “enrely lawful”
in order to prevent the destrucon of evidence. Ju sce Samuel Alito said residents who “aempt to des troy evidence have only
themselves to blame” when police burst in.
The Kentucky General Assembly also impacted law enforcement when it passed House Bill 463, which was signed by the governor
and became law on June 8, 2011. House Bill 463 substanally restricted a peace officer’s arrest authority for numerous
misdemeanors and requires that citaons be issued i nstead of making a physical arrest if there are reasonable grounds to believe
that the person being cited will show up in court. The purpose of the bill is to reduce the prison and jail populaons and associated
incarceraon costs. Paducah police officers received training from the Commonwealth Aorney’s Office and the Department of
Criminal Jusce Training to ensure compliance with the new law.
—Stacey Grimes, Assistant Chief of Police
29
KINGS OF THE COURT We would like to thank the
sponsors that helped make the
Kings of the Court Basketball
Tournament a huge success: The
City of Paducah, WKCTC for the use
of Haws Gymnasium, WPSD, Bristol Broadcasng, Sign
-A-Rama, Hultman’s, Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart
(Hinkleville Road), Kele’ Sports Depot, Ayrie Crump/
Zumba, David Scheer/Royal Crown Cola, Steve
Marn/Nabisco, Terry Wilford/Recognions Plus.
We hope you can join us on April 21, 2012, for our
second annual tournament to be held at Paducah
Tilghman High School. All proceeds benefit
McCracken County Relay For Life.
—Malinda Elrod-Baltz, PPD Organizer
O n April 16, the Paducah Police Department
participated in the Kings of the Court Basket-
ball Tournament at WKCTC’s Haws Gymnasium to bene-
fit for McCracken
County Relay for Life.
The City of Paducah
Relay for Life Team
organized the tourna-
ment. The tournament
championship resulted
in a showdown be-
tween Paducah police and Bristol Broadcasting, with
Bristol Broadcasting getting the nudge in a very close
game. The event raised approximately $1,500.00. Our
team is already practicing for the 2nd Annual Kings of the
Court, which will be held on April 21, 2012, at Paducah
Tilghman High School, and we plan on bringing home the
championship trophy and raising even more money for
this worthy cause!
On September, 10, the
Paducah Police Depart-
ment joined nine other
teams in the 2nd Annual
Utilities United Softball
Tournament benefitting
the United Way. The
arduous day-long double
elimination tournament concluded with our team losing in
the championship game to Comcast Cable. Nearly $3,300
was raised. We are looking forward to competing in next
year’s event and outlasting the rest of the teams.
On September 27, our rib-eating team comprised of
Detective Nathan Young and Officers Ryan Clark, James
Davis and Josh Bryant, competed at the Barbeque on the
River. This year we came out on top, “smoking” the fine
men and women of the Paducah Fire Department and
bringing home the traveling trophy.
Community
Commitment
On November 3, an interdepartmental bowling
tournament benefitting the United Way was
conducted and our team comprised of Chief James
Berry, Detective Sergeant Will Gilbert and
Detectives Nathan Young and Justin Rundles took
first place for the second year in a row.
On December 10, 16 families, including 36
children, participated in the annual Paducah Area
Christmas Cops program. The Paducah Area
Christmas Cops is a 501C3 organization founded
by an anonymous Paducah couple. Each family
was treated to a shopping spree at Wal-Mart
followed by lunch at Ryan’s Steakhouse. The
families were then taken to Supervalu Foods for
grocery shopping. Each family was paired up with
off-duty law enforcement officers and more than
$11,000 was spent helping these families have a
better Christmas.
On December 14, the
command staff volun-
teered to collect canned
goods and donations dur-
ing the annual Christmas
in the Park. Paducah
Power sponsors the annu-
al event, which generated
69,134 pounds of food and $35,614 this year.
30
EVIDENCE REPORT
Tracy Lynch, Records Manager
T his was a dynamic year for our Records and Evidence Unit. Evidence
Technician Tracy Lynch was promoted to Records Manager and we had to
hire two new Records Clerks, an Evidence Technician, and an Evidence Clerk. We
are glad to announce that Krisne Shanks is our new Evidence Technician, Amy
Travis is our Evidence Clerk, and Kim Newlon and Leah Pirtle are our records
clerks.
Despite these changes, Tracy Lynch was able to dispose of 5,148 items of
evidence, resulng in a net decrease of 2,308 items . The unit took in 2,840 items
in 2011, which represented a 25 percent increase over 2010. Our goal each year
is to try to dispose of more items than what we take in, because as you can see,
it’s not easy to store all of that evidence. We currently maintain around 10,000
items of evidence.
Our 2009 re-accreditaon with the Kentucky Associa on of Chiefs of Police
(KACP) affirmed that our handling of evidence is in line with professional
pracces around the Commonwealth, and around the co untry. We have truly
been a trend-seng agency when it comes to evidence storage. “We go above
and beyond what accreditaon requires and that’s wh y the KACP has sent several
other agencies to review our set-up, ” says Assistant Chief Stacey Grimes.
With the changing of the guard in the evidence room, we conducted a full
evidence audit in November 2011, and all of the 11,765 items were physically
located and verified. To meet our accreditaon standards and ensure internal
accountability, quarterly spot audits are conducted by the commander of the
Professional Standards Unit.
While we didn’t host a public aucon in 2011, we ar e planning one for 2012. The
date will be announced through local media outlets. Addionally, we
connuously aucon seized vehicles as they come ava ilable through the on-line
website govdeals.com. For more informaon, or to se e seized vehicles available
from the PPD, check out their website.
I n partnership with Kentucky Crime Prevenon Coalio n, we are proud to
offer a drug drop box program to cizens year-round. Cizens can dis-
pose of le-over and unwanted medicaons by brining them to our main
lobby anyme during normal business hours, and we d on’t require ID.
The program is intended to provide a safe and environmentally friendly
way of disposing of unwanted personal medicaons or those from recently
deceased loved ones. In 2011, we took in more than 155 pounds of pills.
Kentucky ranks among the worst states in prescripo n drug abuse and
overdose deaths each year, and this effort is aimed at helping reduce those
numbers while offering an environmentally friendly alternave.
31
CITIZEN’S POLICE ACADEMY
Class #16
NEW SESSION STARTS AUGUST 2, 2012NEW SESSION STARTS AUGUST 2, 2012NEW SESSION STARTS AUGUST 2, 2012NEW SESSION STARTS AUGUST 2, 2012
T he Cizens’ Police Academy, which held its first
class in March 2002, is designed to provide
community leaders with a greater understanding
of the Paducah Police Department and its operaons
through class lectures, as well as hands-on experiences. It
is the goal to make this course an informave and enjoy-
able experience for all those involved. It is also an oppor-
tunity for the police department to learn from parcipants
through discussion and interacon with instructors, class-
mates, and Paducah Police Department commanders and
staff. The overall objecve is to further partnerships and
make Paducah a great place to live, work, and raise our
families!
Academy Schedule
The Paducah Police Department conducts one fall
session of the Cizens' Police Academy each year. E ach
session is eleven weeks in length, with classes meeng
from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings at the
Police Department and other training facilies. The final
session of the Academy is a graduaon ceremony, whi ch
family and friends are welcome to aend.
Some of the covered topics include:
Department organizaon, chain of command, policies
and procedures, cizen complaint process, disciplin e,
criminal invesgaons, crime scenes, evidence proce -
dures, domesc violence, juvenile crime, use of fo rce,
recruing and selecon process, community oriented
policing, crime prevenon, ride-along program, patr ol
taccs, accident invesgaon, DUI, firearms training and
safety, K9, SWAT, bomb squad and accreditaon.
It is the intenon of the Paducah Police Department ,
through this 11-week Academy, to provide students with
knowledge and understanding of the funcons and
responsibilies of providing law enforcement servic es in
Paducah.
"The Cizens Police Academy provided excel-
lent informaon on all facets of community policing . From
officer training, use of special equipment, K-9, as well as a
ride along with officers to the aesthecs of buildings and
how such can discourage crime; I gained
an understanding of many policies and procedures
effecng our cizens. The instructors took the me t o
demonstrate and explain each subject in detail. A
very educaonal experience” says CPA graduate and C ity
Commissioner, Carol Gault.
Entrance Requirements and Selecon Procedure
Interested candidates for the Cizens’ Police Acade my
must meet certain criteria: Individuals 18 years of age
and older who live, work or aend school in Paducah ,
McCracken County or the surrounding areas are eligible
to apply; all applicants are subject to a criminal
background check prior to acceptance. The Police
Department confidenally reviews all applicaons for
approval and the Chief of Police or his/her designee
generally selects Cizens’ Police Academy students.
Enrollment is limited to approximately 25 students per
session. There is no cost to apply or enter the Cizens’
Police Academy.
32
FLOOD
T wo thousand and eleven proved to be one of the wettest
years on record for Paducah. In early December we
surpassed the yearly rainfall record with more than74 inches of
rain, and much of that new record was attributed to the heavy
spring rains, which led to devastating flooding for much of the
region.
In April 2011, the Ohio River at Paducah crested at 53.5 feet,
which was higher than it had been in at least 50 years. The flood
control system, which was put in place following the flood of
1937, proved that it was capable of keeping our residents safe.
But we would be remiss if we didn’t say that public safety and
government officials were worried. After all, the flood walls and
levy systems had not been tested to that level in any of our life-
times. The water level was nearly five feet high on the floodwall
at the foot of Broadway (pictured below).
While other city departments did their part to make sure city
residents were taken care of, the PPD kept a watchful eye on the
situation. Hoping for the best, we planned for the worst.
As a preemptive move, we moved valuable resources to higher
ground and met with two of our local partners, St. Mary Schools
and West Kentucky Community and Technical College. The
PPD has Memorandums of Understanding with both institu-
tions, through the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), to
relocate our base operations, if necessary. However, this was the
first time we had to seriously evaluate the logistics of
relocating our department’s operations should
the downtown area flood.
2011
Our Response We assisted with patrolling the flood control systems for
the purpose of chasing off those that were putting them-
selves at risk by climbing on the flood wall, driving around
safety barricades and otherwise getting too close to the
potentially dangerous waters. And of course, in today’s
society, we also were watchful for those who may have
wanted to intentionally damage the systems for the purpose
of causing a mass catastrophe. While there were a few
minor situations that arose from the these patrols, we are
happy to report that there were no major incidents.
We also moved the nearly 10,000 pieces of evidence we
have in criminal cases from the basement, up to the second
floor of the department, ensuring that if the basement flood-
ed, we would not lose evidence critical to successfully
prosecuting our cases. We are proud to say that our
Evidence Technician Tracy Lynch did a fabulous job
relocating these items safely and securely in a very short
timeframe, which proved that in a real crisis, we would be
able to ensure mission-critical functions like evidence
control could be maintained efficiently.
Chief James Berry would like to thank Dr. Barbara Veazey
and the WKCTC staff, as well as Principal Riegling and the
St. Mary staff, for their important assistance to the
continuity of police operations during
this time.
33
BOMB SQUAD:
Answering the calls for our region.
Sgt. Will Gilbert, Bomb Squad Commander
The Paducah Police Department Bomb Squad has been serving the Paducah and Western Kentucky area since 1982. It is a five-
member team consisng of four FBI/HDS-cerfied bomb technicians, and one specially trained paramedic. The Unit Commander,
Sergeant William Gilbert, has been with the PPD since 1999, and a member of the Bomb Squad since 2002. Sergeant Steve Smith
jointed the squad in 2004, followed by Detecve Ant hony Copeland in 2008. The squad’s newest member, Officer Michael Rigdon,
who has been with the department since 2006, joined the bomb squad in 2010, but didn’t complete his basic cerficaon training
unl 2011. Medic Shane Moore has been a part of the squad since 2006.
During 2011, the Bomb Squad responded to more than 40 incidents. These incidents varied from recovered military ordnances and
munions, improvised explosive devices, commonly kn own as “IEDs,” to old commercial explosives, and to a barricaded subject.
The Bomb Squad also provided 22 public presentaons for schools, civic groups, professional organizao ns, and other emergency
responders. The PPD also hosted trainings for a Post Blast Reconstrucon and Invesgaons school, tau ght by the Bureau of Alco-
hol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and assisted with Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) training.
The squad trains regularly, twice each month, and together they undertook more than 2000 hours of training in 2011. Officer
Rigdon received 240 hours of training at the FBI’s Hazardous Devices School in Huntsville, Alabama, as part of his inial FBI/HDS
cerficaon.
The squad also uses their knowledge to innovate. Detecve Copeland recently used his skills to build a device that allows the larg-
er of the squad’s robots to carry a smaller, more portable robot that can be deployed easily
inside a residence, called a “Dragon Runner.”™ The device was used in late 2011, when the
squad assisted the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office with a barricaded subject that had
threatened to shoot law enforcement if they came near the house. The Dragon Runner Robot
was successfully delivered through a window of the residence by a larger robot, keeping law
enforcement at a safe distance. Once inside, it was able to locate the subject, which aided law
enforcement in bringing a peaceful end to the potenally lethal situaon.
During 2011, the Paducah Police Department Bomb Squad ulized a $170,000 Federal Home-
land Security Grant to purchase some cung-edge tec hnology. The Quintec™ Dragon Run-
ner™ robot was the largest purchase made with these funds. The robot was designed for the
U.S. military and has seen use in Iraq and other areas of the Middle-East. The Dragon Runner
is “man portable” and can be deployed remotely using a stand-alone controller and radio sys-
tem. Also purchased with Homeland Security funds was a Live Scan X-Ray system. This sys-
tem will enable the squad to provide a live X-ray feed showing moving parts inside of packages
that was not previously possible. We are very excited about both new tools.
With the addion of new cung-edge technology, the development of tools and innovave
techniques, and thousands of training hours, the Paducah Police Department Bomb Squad
strives to be the best and make the Paducah and Western Kentucky area as safe as it can be.
34
S.W.A.T.
Sgt. Joe Hayes, Team Leader
Sergeant Joe Hayes, Special Weapons and Taccs Team Leader, reports that the team was u-
lized seven mes in 2011. Of these calls, four were to assist with the execuon of arrest war-
rants on violent felons, and the other three were to assist with the execuon of high-risk
search warrants. High-risk search warrants are defined as those that involve a suspect who is
known to be violent, keep firearms, and/or have a history of physical encounters with law en-
forcement.
The SWAT team is used in some of the most difficult and dangerous situaons that law en-
forcement encounters, and as such, they are trained in more advanced, military-style tech-
niques. In 2011, the average SWAT officer spent just more than 350 hours training on these
techniques, and six of the team members aended a t wo-week training hosted by the Ken-
tucky Taccal Officers Associaon. Two other members aended a one-week school taught by
the Louisville Metro Police Department.
The SWAT team represents a serious use of force and is reserved for crical incidents and high-
risk operaons. The PPD ulizes a Threat Assessment Matrix designed by the Legal & Liability
Risk Management Instute and endorsed by the Kentuc ky League of Cies, our insurance pro-
vider. The Matrix requires police commanders to assess each situaon based on a set criteria
of risk. “It’s not always an easy call to authorize SWAT, but in most cases it just makes sense
given the possibility of something going wrong. The matrix helps guide us in making the best
decision,” said Captain Roberts, the Special Units Commander. In 2011, there were no serious
injuries reported from SWAT calls.
In addion to their crical mission, SWAT team memb ers provided eight public presentaons
where they discussed the mission of the SWAT team, and showed off some of their tools.
The 2011 SWAT Team included: Captain Mark Roberts, Special Units Commander — Sergeant
Joe Hayes, Team Leader — Jason Montgomery and Loon Rowley, Assistant Team Leaders —
SWAT Officers Chris Baxter, Ryan Conn, Jarre Woodruff, Nathan Young, James Robbins, Jusn
Rundles, James Davis, Kevin Crider, Ma Wentworth, and Medics — Dr. Irvin Smith,
Paramedics Greg Edwards and Steve Skipworth.
35
Crisis Negoaons Team
Our Crisis Negoaons Team is also an important par t of our response to serious situaons, like
barricaded subjects. In 2011, the Crisis Negoaons Team responded to three separate incidents,
two of which involved mutual aid to the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office. The team was
successful at geng one of the suspects to come out side and give up, rather than deploying SWAT.
Despite the team’s best efforts, the other two incidents sll required officers to enter the
residences.
Our Crisis Negoaons Team consists of Sergeant Geo rge Johnson, Detecve Ma Smith, and
Officers Brian Kopischke and Melissa Dillon.
THE FALLEN
“Right is more precious than
peace.”
REMEMBERING
I n 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation
declaring May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the
week in which that date falls, Police Week. Since then, thou-
sands of officers gather in Washington D.C. every May to
hear the roll call of officers that will be added to the national
memorial, including those that were killed in the line of duty during
the current year. In 2010, that number was up 40 percent, to 162,
and shooting deaths, up 24 percent over the previous year.1
Having taken personal leave to attend the national ceremony for the
first time, I must say that it was a very humbling experience to sit at
the candlelight vigil, hear the names called, and look around at the
widows and children of fallen officers. I could not help but thinking;
that could be my family. I attended with my friend David Goodman,
who I had met in graduate school in 2008. Goodman is a captain
with the Tampa Police Department, in Tampa, Florida. Tampa had
not only lost two officers during 2010, but Goodman had the misfor-
tune of loosing his old undergraduate college roommate to a line of
duty death in San Diego, California, in October of 2010. He, better
than I, seemed to grasp the reality of the moment. Yet I found myself
reflecting on a lesson from history that I had heard used as an
illustration some years before; a maxim for those of us in law
enforcement.
It was the story of how in April 1917, President Woodrow Wilson
asked Congress to declare war, thus casting America into World War
I. In doing so, he declared that “right is more precious than peace.”
And in order to ensure that freedom is protected, both home and
abroad, how glad we are that there are those who understand the
sometimes grave obligation of that call.
Law enforcement shares in that calling. And regardless of why any-
one tells you they become a police officer, those with a pure
motivation cannot deny that they do so because they believe in the
fundamental truth of Wilson’s statement.
When I taught DARE at Cooper-Whiteside Elementary
School, I was inevitably asked about my bullet-proof vest,
and I would always tell the kids, “Putting it on is as much
part of my regular morning routine and as natural to me, as
you putting on your shoes or brushing your teeth.”
Officers across the country put on the vest, the gun belt,
and all the gear each day, knowing that they set aside their
personal sense of peace to protect the ideal that life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness embodied in our Constitution is
worth defending and protecting. Officers also set aside their
family’s sense of peace as well, as they put everything they
hold dear on the line each day hoping that they make it
home at the end of their watch. While that reality some-
times escapes us, as officers, it is never brought home any
better than when we hear of a fellow officer that has died in
the line of duty, or we attend a memorial service, like the
national peace officers’ memorial in Washington, D.C.
Locally, Jackson Purchase Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge
#15, offers a police memorial service each May on the lawn
of the McCracken County Court house. There you will also
find the local memorial to those who have died in the line of
duty. The service is advertised locally, and it is open to the
public. We encourage everyone to attend. If you would like
more information on the national police memorial, or would
like to contribute to the National Law Enforcement Officers
Memorial Fund check out their website at:
www.nleomf.com.
1. Naonal Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. (2011). Law Enforcement
Fatalies Spike Dangerously in 2010. Retrieved on 2 /10/12 from: www.nleomf.com
—By Captain David White
36
STARTING A CONVERSATION
ABOUT A JOINT PUBLIC SAFETY COMPLEX
I n 2011, we began evaluang the possibility of build ing a joint fire-police public safety complex. With cooperaon
from Paducah Fire Chief Steve Kyle, we started a conversaon with city leaders about our desire to wor k together
on a project that may save the city, and the taxpayers, money.
The fire department’s main staon (Staon 1), which also serves as the department’s headquarters, is located down-
town. It was built in 1967, and no longer meets the needs of the department. Addionally, Fire Staon #4, located on
Jackson Street, was built in 1954, and no longer is suitable for modern fire apparatuses. These factors have led Chief
Kyle to evaluate moving his headquarters westward, and possibly alleviate the need for Staon #4 as we ll.
Since 1997 the police department has operated out of the old Paducah Power building, built in 1955. The building has
several major deficiencies, including energy efficiencies and space. The drug division is currently housed off-site and
the chief is worried that some of the deficiencies may limit our ability to seek CALEA Accreditaon (Co mmission on
Accreditaon of Law Enforcement Agencies).
Both the fire and police departments had money already earmarked for building-needs assessments, which would help
the city idenfy the shortcomings of both facilies , and idenfy the future needs and possible cost-sa ving areas of
combined resources. This assessment will be completed by a local architectural firm in 2012.
The idea of a joint facility would offer cost savings on design, site acquision, and construcon; poss ibly as much as 15
percent. Addionally, public safety facilies today are built to the highest standards of survivability (against tornados,
earthquakes, and other severe weather threats), and so it is becoming a common trend to build co-site emergency
operaons centers that can beer serve as the city’s center for operaons in a disaster. Crical infra structure like back-
up power, and other essenals can be built more eas ily in a joint facility. A shared facility could also offer many other
possibilies, such as shared technology, training s paces, exercise facilies, and even shared services , such as records
management.
We recognize that building projects are costly and require serious planning. We also recognize that these projects take
me, but the conversaon has to start somewhere. We are glad that we were able to start the planning process this
year by moving forward with the needs assessment, and look forward to the progress we will make in 2012 toward this
long-term goal.
37
Copyrighted 2012: Paducah Police Department, City of
Paducah. Printed with public funds.
Photos by: George Johnson, Steve Smith, David White,
other city employees, or taken from non-copyrighted mate-
rial. (Cover art by George Johnson)
Edited by: Robin Newberry, Malinda Baltz & David White
Contributors: Brandon Barnhill, Stacey Grimes, David
White, Anthony Copeland, and a special thanks to all of our
staff that assisted with pung this report together.
A look back to a different era; the 1940s and the PPD’s “Big 4”