Beech Tree News Network

Morgantown Chief of Police J.R. Wilkins released the following information for the Morgantown Police Department. The police department saw several changes during 2012. 

             Activity                             2012                     2011
•    Incidents/ Calls for Service        2,175                    2,979
•    Traffic Citations Issued               274                    352
•    Arrests                                      133                    167
•    Charges Placed                          409                    523
•    Accidents Investigated                  75                    82
•    Juvenile Cases                              8                    N/A
•    Extra Patrols (New)                     121                    N/A
•    Cases Opened                             92                    45
From January 1, thru July 31        21 cases were opened
August 1, thru December 31        71 cases were opened
•    DUI                                            19                    N/A
Total citations counting traffic and arrests 407 for 2012

Personnel
Between April and July of 2012, the Morgantown Police Department had 4 officers leave and one retire.
•    Chief Phelps (Retired July)
•    Officer Josh Amos (April)
•    Officer John Ford (June)
•    Officer Travis McIntosh (June)
•    Officer Charlie Tomes (July)

Since July 2012
•    Field Training Manual for new officers.
•    Revamped the officer activity reports.
•    Audit from the Compliance Section at DOCJT for KLEFPF (Glowing Report).
•    Two new cruisers.
•    Made arrangements with BGPD to utilize their firing range.
•    Participated in Fund Raisers for the school system.
•    Officer Burden was the guest speaker at the Elementary School for Veterans Day
•    Sgt. Gidcumb and Officer Deweese made a presentation at the Elementary School for a career day type event.
•    Sold three vehicles and a boat. Gave one cruiser to the jail.
•    Implemented an Internship program with Daymar College.
•    Started the house check program for residents who would be out of town.
•    Joined the Southern Ky Regional Intelligence Group (SKYRIG).
•    Obtained new lockers for Evidence Storage.
•    Were able to obtain destruction orders on eight old cases to destroy various drugs and paraphernalia.
•    Officer Deweese obtained his certification as a K-9 handler.
•    Hired two new officers (Justin Williams and Retired Trooper Charlie Swiney).
•    Worked on updating the website and gave all officers an email address.
•    Reviewed and updated policy manual.
•    KLC audit and review of policies revealed that there are still some areas to add to the policy manual.
•    Created and revised forms (Use of Force, Medical Treatment, Evidence, Case Activity Log, etc...)
•    Reviewed City ordinances and began gathering information for future code enforcement actions.
•    Presented materials for an officer career path and STEP increases.
•    All officers have been scheduled for their 2013 training for DOCJT requirements.
•    Bringing the Crime Stoppers of South Central Ky. to Morgantown
•    Basic Police Academy is going from 18 weeks to 22 weeks starting in January 2013

 
Special Events
•    Catfish Festival
•    Bear Run
•    Antique Engine and Tractor
•    Halloween Trick or Treating
•    Veterans Day Parade
•    Christmas Parade