HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019_2020 Annual Report
2020
ANNUAL REPORT
CAPE GIRARDEAU POLICE DEPARTMENT
2 Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2017 Annual Report
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Cape Girardeau Police Department is to protect life, property, and the rights of persons;
to enforce ordinances and laws; and to preserve peace, order, and safety.
In the pursuit of our mission, the Cape Girardeau Police Department will establish effective relationships
with the community through community partnerships, community involvement, and by nurturing public trust.
We will hold ourselves to the highest standards of performance and ethics. We will be constantly aware of
the needs of our community and those we serve. We will consider innovative strategies to improve working
conditions and policing programs in order to enhance our service. We will continually strive toward
community problem solving and accountability.
We will, through concerted efforts, improve the overall quality of life in our community.
INTEGRITY
We are committed to obeying the law and
respecting the human dignity of all people.
We are committed to honest and ethical
behavior. We accept individual responsibility
and accountability for our actions and our
decisions.
FAIRNESS
We are committed to protecting the rights of
all people. We believe people deserve
impartial service from our department and we
are committed to fairness, respect, and
compassion in our interactions with the
people we serve.
COMPETENCY
We are committed to excellence in our skills,
knowledge, and ability in the community we
serve. We teach, coach, mentor, and
empower our members through proper
training and continued development.
PROFESSIONALISM
We are committed to building and maintaining
public confidence. Our commitment to being
professional reflects our core values, which
ensures we merit the support and trust of our
community.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
We are committed to working in working in
partnership with our community to improve
quality of life, to identify problems, to ensure
the safety and security of our neighborhoods,
and to develop innovative solutions to
promote a safe environment.
PHILOSOPHY
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chief’s Message 4
Operations Bureau 7
Patrol Division 8
Criminal Investigations 11
Detective Unit
Scientific Investigations Unit
Professional Standards Unit
Major Case Squad
Special Operations 15
Community Policing
School Resource Officers
Traffic Unit
Support Services Bureau 19
Personnel 20
Personnel Awards 23
Auxiliary Services 24
Communications Unit
Operations Support 26
Jail
Training & Community Affairs 28
Statistics 30
Final Roll Call 33
MAYOR OF CAPE GIRARDEAU
Bob Fox
CHIEF OF POLICE
Wes Blair
CAPE GIRARDEAU POLICE DEPARTMENT
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
4
Message from the
Chief of Police
WES BLAIR
Chief of Police
On behalf of the Cape Girardeau Police Department, I
am pleased to present the department’s 2020 annual
report. The Cape Girardeau Police Department is
comprised of more than 125 dedicated police officers
and civilians. This report highlights many significant
accomplishments achieved by these employees as they
diligently worked to protect and serve the people of our
community.
It goes without saying that 2020 was an unprecedented
year for our community as we grappled with how best to
respond to a worldwide pandemic, national tensions
involving police responses, and a local cyber-attack that
hampered our abilities to conduct “business as usual.”
Despite these obstacles, the men and women of the
Cape Girardeau Police Department continued to work
deliberately and without hesitation to provide the
citizens of Cape Girardeau professional police services.
At the forefront of our mission in 2020 was a consistent
focus on addressing violent crime in our community.
Through efforts such as directed patrols, partnerships
with regional, state and federal agencies, we witnessed
a 50% reduction in homicides and a 4% reduction in
gunshot victims.
I invite you to explore the information in this report. As
you do, you will see that the Cape Girardeau Police
Department is a progressive law enforcement agency
that is committed to providing the residents and visitors
of Cape Girardeau with exceptional services.
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
5
Organizational Chart Cape Girardeau Police Department
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
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POLICE DEPARTMENT BUREAUS
The Operations Bureau, under the command of Assistant Chief
Rodney Barker, is the largest and most visible component of the
Cape Girardeau Police Department. The Operations Bureau is
comprised of the Patrol Division and a number of specialized
units who serve the community as first responders to a myriad of
incidents. The men and women assigned to the Operations
Bureau take pride in serving our residents, businesses, and
visitors through a Community-Oriented Policing approach using
the department’s mission, visions, and values as guiding
principles.
The Support Services Bureau, under the command of Assistant
Chief Adam Glueck, oversees Human Resources, Training, Public
Information Services, and Jail Operations. The Support Services
Bureau is also responsible for the Communications Unit, which is
often a point of first contact with the community in providing
emergency and non-emergency services. The Support Service
Bureau has been intensely focused on hiring the highest caliber
employees for sworn police officer positions, as well as civilian
staff.
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
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Operations Bureau
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
OPERATIONS
BUREAU
2020
patrol division
8
When a citizen or visitor calls the Cape Girardeau Police Department for assistance, the
initial responding officer is assigned to the Patrol Division. Officers of the Cape Girardeau
Police Department who are assigned to the Patrol Division handle all of the initial
investigative duties that pertain to calls for service in the City of Cape Girardeau. These
officers meet with the reporting person, interview witnesses and suspects, collect
evidence, and make arrests. If a scene or criminal investigation is complex, the patrol
officer can request the assistance from a specialized unit for additional investigative
resources; however, the initial case is worked by the patrol officer.
The Patrol Division, the backbone of the Cape Girardeau Police Department, is the
largest division within the department. The Patrol Division is comprised of the majority of
the uniformed officers working the city. There are four patrol platoons, each supervised by
a corporal and sergeant. These officers are responsible for patrolling the city limits of
Cape Girardeau and responding to calls for service from our residents of the city. The
department has four active K-9 Units, which are each assigned to a platoon.
The Patrol Division relies on a high standard of professionalism, a strong ongoing training
program, and a high level of dedication to duty to accomplish their mission of service.
PATROL DIVISION
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
9
The Cape Girardeau Police Department K-9 Unit consists of four teams, which include a handler and
a police K-9 on each team. Our K-9’s are what we refer to as “multi-purpose” dogs. Due to K9
Handler Aaron Bennett’s resignation, K9 Debo was re-assigned to a new handler, Patrolman Gabriel
Yoder. They began training together in January 2019 and continue to work the streets of Cape
Girardeau together.
The Department had to unexpectedly say goodbye to K9 Dallas in July 2020 when he was diagnosed
with acute non-compressive nucleus puplosus extrusion. This diagnosis caused spinal failure and left
Dallas in constant discomfort and pain. Thanks to a generous donation from a private citizen, the
Department was able to purchase a replacement K9 in the fall of 2020. K9 Freedom and his handler,
Patrolman Steiner completed their initial 8-week training program in early December and are now
working together as a team. K9 Freedom was trained by our in-house K9 Trainer, Patrolman Jeff
Bourbon; a position that was added to our Department in 2020.
K-9 UNIT
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
2019 & 2020
K9 STATS
Ptlm. Steiner / K9 Dallas
2019 / 2020
Ptlm. Spencer / K9 Thor
2019 / 2020
Ptlm. Brotz/K9 Jango
2019 / 2020
Ptlm. Yoder / K9 Debo
2019 / 2020
TOTALS
2019 / 2020
Vehicle Search 17 / 11 46 / 57 47 / 61 48 / 58 158 / 196
Drugs Found 5 / 4 20 / 38 27 / 46 23 / 42 75 / 135
NarcoƟcs Search
(Building)
2 / 0 5 / 0 3 / 3 5 / 9 15 / 12
Drugs Found 1 / 0 4 / 0 3 / 1 4 / 3 12 / 4
Building Search
(Suspect)
1 / 0 5 / 0 0 / 0 1 / 0 7 / 0
Tracking 5 / 2 9 / 4 2 / 1 6 / 8 22 / 16
Public
DemonstraƟons 2 / 0 8 / 0 0 / 1 5 / 1 15 / 2
Assist Police Units 7 / 5 74 / 40 2 / 11 18 / 20 101 / 77
Ptlm. Steiner / K9 Freedom
2020
9
5
0
0
0
1
0
1
10
SPECIAL RESPONSE TEAM (SRT)
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
The Special Response Team, commonly known as SWAT, is a group of highly-trained
tactical officers designed for deployment during critical incidents. These incidents include, but
are not limited to, hostage situations, barricaded subjects, high-risk search warrants, high-
profile escorts, and crowd control.
During 2019, the Special Response Team had 9 callouts where the team was activated for a
scheduled callout.
During 2020, the Special Response Team had 4 callouts where the team was activated for a
scheduled callout.
There were no additional instances in 2019 or 2020 where partnering agencies (Drug Task
Force, US Marshalls, ATF, etc.) requested SRT members and resources for operations.
Members of the Special Response Team serve on a voluntary, part-time basis. They train a
minimum of 12 hours per month, in addition to the critical-incident operations throughout the
year. There are currently 13 special response operators, three CGFD paramedics, one
auxiliary member, and one commander.
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Operations Bureau
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
OPERATIONS
BUREAU
2020
detective division
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CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is under the command of Lieutenant Don Perry.
The division is comprised of ten trained investigators that specialize in a variety of different
crimes, such as juveniles, sex offenses, narcotics, and financial crimes. One detective also
specializes in conducting polygraph examinations.
The division also includes the Scientific Investigations Unit (SIU). The SIU provides proper
handling, storage, maintenance, and disposal of law-enforcement-held property and
evidence. The property and evidence room maintains the integrity of evidence for criminal
prosecutions, as well as the safe keeping of property for all citizens who come in contact with
the Department.
The CID’s primary responsibility is to conduct follow-up investigations of criminal matters
referred to them. The detectives are responsible for follow-up on all assigned cases until such
time the case can be cleared or satisfactorily closed. Cases can be cleared or closed by
arrest, determining no crime was actually committed, or exhausting all investigative leads.
The CID provides leadership and expertise to improve the quality of life in our community.
The CID works together with citizens, as well as other divisions, to reduce crime and the fear
of crime throughout the city.
Photo Credit: Southeast Missourian
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PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS UNIT
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
The Professional Standards Unit (Internal Affairs) investigates allegations of employee
misconduct to ensure compliance with the professional standards of the Cape Girardeau
Police Department. This unit is attached to the Detective Division and is staffed by the
Commander of the Detective Division.
These allegations may include, but are not limited to:
Complaints of Bias or Complaints of Profiling
Excessive Force
Alleged Corruption
Insubordination
Breach of Civil Rights
False Arrest
Other Allegations of Serious Misconduct
2019 Investigations and Findings:
Professional Standards Investigations: Citizen Complaints:
No. of Investigations: 9 No. of Investigations: 9
No. of Employees Investigated: 13 No. of Employees Investigated: 9
Findings of Misconduct: 9 Findings of Misconduct: 0
No. of Unfounded Investigations: 1 No. of Unfounded Investigations: 9
2020 Investigations and Findings:
Professional Standards Investigations: Citizen Complaints:
No. of Investigations: 6 No. of Investigations: 6
No. of Employees Investigated: 8 No. of Employees Investigated: 7
Findings of Misconduct: 6 Findings of Misconduct: 0
No. of Unfounded Investigations: 1 No. of Unfounded Investigations: 6
Findings of misconduct result in disciplinary actions that may include, but are not limited to:
Written Reprimand, Suspension Without Pay, and/or Termination of Employment
The Cape Girardeau Police
Department works diligently to
maintain an open environment where
our community members can freely tell
us when they are pleased or
dissatisfied with our performance.
When we receive allegations of
employee misconduct, we thoroughly
investigate the incident to determine
the appropriate response.
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CAPE GIRARDEAU/BOLLINGER COUNTY MAJOR CASE SQUAD
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
Several employees of the Cape Girardeau Police Department serve on the Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad
(MCS) in addition to their positions within the Department. Since its inception in 1983, the Major Case Squad, made up of officers
and detectives from six law enforcement agencies has worked a total of 70 cases. Lieutenant Don Perry was appointed as the
Major Case Squad Commander in February 2019 after the retirement of Assistant Chief Mark Majoros.
2019-2020 Activations
March 9, 2019: Edward Palmer was shot in front of 2 North Main Street in Cape Girardeau.
Charges were filed on Charles Selvy, Jr. for Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action. Selvy
was taken into custody on March 10, 2019 without incident.
August 24, 2019: A 15 year old female died as a result of gunshot wounds suffered in a shooting
in the 900-block of Jefferson Street. Investigators identified Isaiah Lane as the primary suspect in
the homicide, and apprehended Lane during a traffic stop a few hours after the shooting. Due to
uncooperative witnesses in this case, charges against lane were not filed on by the Cape
Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and Lane was released from custody.
December 11, 2019: Richard Reeves was murdered in an apartment complex located at 652
South Spring Street. Through the investigation, Thomas Bean and Maurice Patterson were
charged with Second Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, First Degree Robbery,
and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Maurice Patterson turned himself into law enforcement officials on
December 31, 2019. A citizen tip led officers to the location of Thomas Bean on July 31, 2020. He
was taken into custody without incident.
January 28, 2020: Marc’Anthony Jones was found shot inside of a residence in the 1100-block of
South Sprigg Street. Jones was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to injuries.
After a 96 hour activation and investigating the initial leads in the case, the Major Case Squad
disbanded on Saturday, February 1, 2020. The case continues to be investigated by Cape
Girardeau Police Department investigators.
July 20, 2020: Anthony Miller was shot in the 400-block of Sheridan. He was taken to an area
hospital where he later died. Five suspects were identified and ultimately arrested for the
homicide. Brandon Pratt was arrested on July 24, 2020. He was charged with 2nd Degree Murder,
two counts of Armed Criminal Action, 1st Degree Burglary, and 1st Degree Attempted Robbery.
Derrick Stafford was taken into custody August 4 for 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed
Criminal Action, 2nd Degree Burglary, and 1st Degree Robbery. Clarence Smith was taken into
custody August 6 with assistance from the Newport Police Department and Jackson County
Sheriff’s Office in Arkansas. He was charged with 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed
Criminal Action, 2nd Degree Burglary, and 1st Degree Robbery. Jaden Young turned himself into
local law enforcement on August 7. He was charged with 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of
Armed Criminal Action, 2nd Degree Burglary, and 1st Degree Robbery. Robert Simmons was
taken into custody August 10 for 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, 1st
Degree Burglary, and 1st Degree Attempted Robbery.
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Operations Bureau
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
OPERATIONS
BUREAU
2020
special operations division
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Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
Community-policing initiatives have been developed nationwide by local governments in an
effort to help improve the quality of life. Community policing is a philosophy in which the
community and law enforcement collectively decide what local and neighborhood problems
are and what resources can be used to address them.
The officer assigned to the Community Service Unit works primarily with neighborhood
residents and groups serving as a link between them, the police department, service
agencies, and the local government to help recognize crime trends and eliminate the source
of crime in the community.
COMMUNITY SERVICE UNIT
CRIME ANALYST
In April 2017, Corporal Ryan Droege was
appointed as our department’s first Crime
Analyst. The Crime Analyst position is
responsible for the analysis and
dissemination of crime activity data and the
collection and maintenance of crime
intelligent information for the city of Cape
Girardeau. The information provided
contribute to officer safety and crime
reduction efforts. The Crime Analysis Unit
is also charged with responding to requests
for crime data from departmental staff. Data
exported from this Unit is used by officers
for more effective, efficient policing, and by
administration for improved staffing
decisions.
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Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS
Five officers are currently assigned to
the Cape Girardeau Public School
District. These officers provide a forum
through which students, parents, faculty,
and law enforcement officers can
become better acquainted and, as a
result, continue mutual respect for one
another. These officers are involved in
activities such as conducting classroom
presentations, coordination of group
discussions with students in the area of
mutual concern, patrolling school
premises and surrounding areas to
reduce loitering and prevent criminal
activity, as well as stimulate student
involvement in crime-prevention
programs.
2019-2020 School Resource Officers
Cpl. Wyatt: Career & Technology Center
Ptlm. T. Angle: Central High School
Ptlm. Potts: Central Junior High School
Ptlm. Rhodes: Central Academy
Ptlm. Rubin: Elementary Schools
AIRPORT SECURITY
Since May 2002, the Cape Girardeau
Police Department has been in contract
with the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) to provide security at
the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport.
Officers are assigned to provide security for
screening passengers and luggage.
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Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
TRAFFIC UNIT
The Traffic Unit is one of the
most visible units with whom
the motoring public has
contact. This unit is tasked
with ensuring the safety of the
residents and visitors that
utilize the network of
roadways, walkways, and
bikeways within the city. Goals
include ensuring the
expeditious flow of traffic and
compliance with local, state,
and federal laws. This is
accomplished by utilizing
several different approaches,
including a combination of
public education and
enforcement efforts. The
Traffic Unit also assists in the
coordination of “Click It or
Ticket” campaigns, DWI
enforcement, Hazardous
Moving Violations (HMV)
Reduction, as well as special
events, including parades and
5Ks.
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Operations Bureau
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
SUPPORT
SERVICES
BUREAU
2020
personnel
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Our Personnel in 2020
The most important asset of the Cape Girardeau
Police Department is our staff. Our department is
filled with talented and experienced individuals who
hold many advanced certifications and degrees.
Currently, 38% of our officers hold a Bachelor’s or
Master’s Degree.
With an average of 10 years of service, their diversity
and experience provides a balance of appropriate
performance and preparation for the future.
The Cape Girardeau Police Department prides itself
in having competent, capable, and relentless
members. Employees serve extended productive
careers which provides stability for the department
and a wealth of experience. We salute their
dedication as they move through their career.
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
21‐25
5%
26‐30
14%
31‐35
25%
36‐40
13%
41‐45
15%
46‐50
11%
Over 50
17%
Age of Officers
0‐5
39%
6‐10
27%
11‐15
9%
16‐20
11%
21‐25
9%
26‐30
1%
Over 30
4%
Years of Service
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Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
2019 NEW HIRES
PT Jail Control Operator Brittany Howie, February 11 PT Jail Control Operator Sandra Alvarado, July 29
PT Jail Control Operator Julia Carter, April 8 Nuisance Abatement Bailey Drake, August 12
PT Jail Control Operator Jacey Harris, April 8 Patrolman Amanda Rhodes-Harris, August 12
Patrolman Cecil Ray, April 15 PT Jail Control Operator Jocelyn Reyes, August 26
Jailer Chayse Schuette, April 22 PT Jail Control Operator Sophie Machen
Patrolman Joseph Whistler, May 20 Communicator Brianna Carron, November 4
PT Patrolman Bobby Bollinger II, June 10 Communicator Quiansha Williams, November 4
PT Patrolman Shaun Smelser, June 10 Jailer Dylan Corvick, November 4
Patrolman Scott Droddy, June 10 Jailer Kaleb Eldridge, November 4
PT Nuisance Abatement Jared West, June 10 Hospital Police Officer Kenneth Mayberry, December 16
Communicator Alana Burke, July 15
2019 PROMOTIONS
Assistant Chief Rodney Barker, February 2 (Operations Bureau)
Lieutenant Richard Schmidt, February 23 (Operations Support Division Commander)
Lieutenant Darren Estes, February 23 (Patrol Division Commander)
Sergeant Rodney Edwards, February 23 (Patrol Division, Platoon Supervisor)
Sergeant Cary Dunavan, February 23 (Patrol Division, Platoon Supervisor)
Corporal Orrin Hawkins, February 23 (Detective Division, Supervisor of the Scientific Investigations Unit)
Corporal Darrin Sides, February 23 (Patrol Division)
Corporal Brett Hellmann, February 23 (Patrol Division)
2019 RETIREMENTS
Assistant Chief of Police Mark Majoros
began employment with us on January 1,
1980. He was promoted to the rank of
Assistant Chief on July 1, 2014 and he
retired from the Department on January
31, 2019. Before his retirement, Assistant
Chief Majoros was the Commander of the
Operations Bureau.
2020 NEW HIRES
Hospital Police Officer Kurt Hicks, January 6 Jailer William Hulvey, August 24
Hospital Police Officer Darren Bullard, March 16 PT Patrolman Dane Stausing, August 31
Patrolman Jacob Carter, May 26 Patrolman Wyatt Willis, September 8
PT Jail Control Operator Madeline Burmester, August 10 K9 Trainer Patrolman Jeffrey Bourbon, September 14
PT Jail Control Operator Madison Hovenga, August 10 PT Patrolman Jeffery Crites, October 17
PT Jail Control Operator Victoria Liebsch, August 17 Communicator Nathan Adams, October 26
Communicator Lexie Cornelius, August 24
Corporal Joseph Tado began
employment with us on January 24,
1994. He was promoted to the rank of
Corporal on January 25, 2003 and he
retired from the Department on January
31, 2019. Before his retirement,
Corporal Tado was assigned as a
School Resource Officer in the public
school district.
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2019 PERSONNEL
Employee of the Year
Each year, the Chief of Police accepts nominations for Employee of the Year. The
distinction is one of great honor at the department, as several people are usually
nominated each year for very worthy efforts. A group of peers then meets to select an
employee to receive this recognition.
The 2019 recipient was Communications Manager, LaDonna Beard.
LaDonna began her employment as a 911 Communicator in 2005. She served as a Lead
Communicator where she was in charge of 3-4 Communicators, trained new personnel, and
helped develop the training manual for Communications. She was promoted to the
Communications Manager in October of 2018. Since LaDonna’s promotion, she has worked
tirelessly to make positive changes and improve the Communications Unit. The
Communications Unit has endured staffing shortages during 2019 and LaDonna took it
upon herself to help cover multiple shifts. As one co-worker described LaDonna, “She
always has an open door policy and would help any of us, inside or outside of Commo.
She’s not quick to judge and will always listen to both sides before moving forward with
anything.”
LaDonna is playing an instrumental role in the implementation of Zuercher’s software, which
consists of a total overhaul of our multi-jurisdictional Zuercher CAD (Computer Aided
Dispatch) and Next Generation 911 system. “LaDonna is deserving of this show of
confidence by her peers,” said Chief Wes Blair. “She has a true passion for her profession
and she’s a tremendous asset to our Department.”
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
Law Enforcement Life Saving Award
Sergeant Blanner, Corporal Farrow, Patrolman Hiett, and Patrolman Owens
received recognition for their act of bravery and heroism on the night of
February 19, 2019.
On Tuesday, February 19, 2019 officers of the Cape Girardeau Police
Department responded to a domestic assault situation involving a firearm.
While officers responded to the scene, the Communications Unit advised
each officer that the male suspect was armed with a firearm and there was a
female victim that had been shot several times.
Once on scene, officers located the male suspect standing over the female
victim with an object in his hand that officers believed to be a firearm. It
should be noted it was dark outside and it was raining at the time of this
incident.
Several officers repeatedly shouted for the suspect to “drop the weapon” to
which he failed to comply with their orders. The suspect remained in a
bladed posture from the officers with both of his hands down by his side.
Officers feared he would use the firearm on the victim who was lying
wounded on the ground at his feet. After several seconds of gaining no co-
operation from the suspect, officers began firing upon him to eliminate the
imminent threat of further injury or death that the suspect had placed over
the victim.
It was later determined that the suspect had forced his way into his
estranged wife’s residence. Once inside, he chased her throughout her
residence and outside in the yard. He was armed with a firearm and
began firing at her. Ultimately, she was shot several times and was lying
LaDonna Beard
Communications Manager
2019 Employee of the Year
on the ground outside as officers arrived on scene. The
actions of our officers that night likely saved her life.
It is apparent that each officer acted in defense of the
victim while putting their own lives in jeopardy. Each officer
approached the armed suspect without any form of
concealment or cover. Their decision to directly confront
the suspect placed each of their lives in jeopardy however
their sworn oath to protect and serve the citizens of Cape
Girardeau was courageously demonstrated.
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2020 PERSONNEL
Employee of the Year
The 2020 Police Department Employee of the Year recipient
was Ptlm. Tanner Hiett. Ptlm. Hiett began his employment with
us in 2016 and is assigned to the Patrol Division. Beyond
excelling at his patrol duties, Ptlm. Hiett has also shown
initiative by becoming a Field Training Officer, training our
newest officers on the street. He is also a member of our
Special Response Team.
Ptlm. Hiett perhaps shines brightest in his work as part of the
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT). He is truly an advocate for those
in mental crisis as he displays genuine empathy for those he
assists and takes the time to listen and build a rapport with
citizens in crisis. As a coworker noted, “I have personally
witnessed Ptlm. Hiett make breakthroughs with citizens in crisis
that have been resistant to prior CIT intervention. For example,
he recently responded to an unruly juvenile experiencing a
mental health crisis. This juvenile was well-known to authorities
and had been resistant to law enforcement’s attempts to assist
him in the past; however, Ptlm. Hiett still conducted himself as a
true professional choosing to speak with the juvenile for an
extended period in an effort to help him. This conversation
determined what the issue was, what could be done to
deescalate and calm the situation, and even covered ways to
ensure a similar episode doesn’t occur in the future. Ptlm.
Hiett’s efforts made an impression as the juvenile later relayed
to his assigned juvenile officer how much he appreciated that
Ptlm. Hiett made a real effort to understand and help the
situation. These types of incidents are not out of the ordinary for
Ptlm. Hiett.”
"Ptlm. Hiett is incredibly deserving of this show of confidence by
his peers. It speaks to his level of commitment to our
community, the police department, and his co-workers," said
Chief Wes Blair. "He is a tremendous asset to our Department."
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
Law Enforcement Life Saving Award
Ptlm. Humphrey, Ptlm. McCain, and Ptlm. Broz were recognized
and received the Department’s “Life Saving Award” for their actions
on August 6, 2020. On the afternoon of August 6th, officers were
dispatched to the intersection at Independence and East Rodney
for reports of a male subject waiving a gun around and pointing it at
his head. As officers approached, the suspect sped off in a vehicle
from the area, eluding officers. The suspect had his 10-month old
baby with him.
Patrol officers were alerted that the vehicle was seen on Interstate
55, northbound at the 99 mile marker. The suspect was located
walking in the interstate traffic lanes holding the infant. As officers
approached the suspect, he began choking the infant and
threatening to kill him. Officers responded appropriately,
neutralized the suspect without doing serious injury to him, and
were able to save the life of an innocent child from a situation that
could have easily resulted in a tragic outcome.
“The way you responded to this call, and very calmly and
professionally handled that situation,” said Chief Blair, “shows your
professionalism, your commitment to others, and risking your own
lives on the interstate. We appreciate your service to our
community and your concern for others.”
____________________________________________________
Sgt. Joey Hann was recognized and received the Department’s
“Life Saving Award” for his actions on July 11, 2020. Sgt. Hann was
off-duty and spending time with his family at a favorite campground
when he learned of an individual drowning in the lake. Sgt. Hann,
along with a citizen swam out to the subject. The victim had already
gone under the water several times and by his own statement,
“was ready to give up. I had closed my eyes.” He stated when he
opened his eyes again, he saw a hand come in the water and it
pulled him up and brought his head above the water again. Sgt.
Hann and the citizen that aided in this rescue were able to get the
victim to the shoreline and took aggressive, lifesaving actions to
remove water from his lungs. The victim stated, “These guys being
there was a blessing…I think about ‘What if, what if, what if,’ and I
just thank God for everyone out there who helped. I’m blessed.”
In recognizing Sgt. Hann, Chief Blair said, “Sergeant Hann’s
actions speak to the caliber of our police department but also
speak to the caliber of Joey Hann as an individual. He exemplifies
humility and service above self and that’s what makes him a great
leader within our Department.”
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Operations Bureau
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
SUPPORT
SERVICES
BUREAU
2020
auxiliary services division
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Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
COMMUNICATIONS UNIT
The Cape Girardeau Public Safety Communications Unit is the nerve center and lifeline of the department.
The Communications Unit handles both emergency and non-emergency calls for service 24 hours a day,
seven days a week, and plays a pivotal role in the department’s efforts to meet increasing demands for police
services. As the first point of contact, personnel answer emergency (911) and non-emergency calls and
ensures resources are dispatched rapidly and efficiently.
Our Communications Unit underwent several updates in 2020 to provide a more enhanced services to our
community as well as safety features for our first responders. In the
Spring of 2020, the CAD system underwent a major update.
These updates enable our Communications Unit to have the
capability to transfer calls directly to other agencies. This type of
technology can save minutes to what could be an in-progress or life
threatening incident. In addition, by having this capability, the caller
does not have to repeat the same information that was given to our
agency, saving minutes.
CAD is also connected to the State MULES system, making it
easier for communicators and officers to enter related-incident
information into the CAD. This information adds to the department’s database that officers can use as a
resource for future investigations. The CAD system has a shared in-house messaging/bulletin system so if
there is a high risk issue, all departments connected to the system (currently, Cape City, Cape County, and
Jackson Police) can share information to ensure officer safety throughout the county. In addition, the new
CAD system streamlines the department database, warrants, etc. so they are easily accessible.
RapidSOS was also recently initiated. RapidSOS will give Communications an exact location of the 911
caller’s whereabouts in exact time. The RapidSOS will continue to send updates to the Communications Unit
on the caller’s location. Being able to see accurate location at the 911 call-taker position, through existing
software systems that the call-takers and dispatchers are already used to, we can actually take action to
improve the safety of our citizens today.
In addition, the new 911 system also has abandoned call que. This allows us to text a caller on a 911 hang-
up instead of calling them. The purpose of this type of technology keeps the caller safe from having to speak
aloud if they are in a dangerous situation.
In the Fall of 2020, the Department received new radios. The new radio system provides for a more clear
radio transmission as well as providing a grouping system that will allow the Communications Unit to connect
different agencies working at the same incident together to talk directly to each other over the radio.
Plans are underway to implement “Text 911” in 2021, allowing all forms of communication to come through
our 911 center.
Communications Personnel:
In July 2019, the City Council approved the addition of two full-time Communicator positions to help alleviate
overtime expenses. This brought the unit’s staffing to 15 trained full-time Public Safety Communicators, 3 part
-time Communicators, and a civilian Communications Manager.
Each Communicator plays a vital part in the overall mission of the Cape Girardeau Police Department.
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Operations Bureau
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
SUPPORT
SERVICES
BUREAU
2020
operations support division
27
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
JAIL UNIT
The municipal jail houses a 22 bed, direct-supervision jail. The jail facility has three pods to
house inmates, with a fourth pod available for future growth.
The jail facility underwent inspection and was
ultimately approved to begin housing federal inmates on February 6, 2020. Federal inmates are housed in a separate pod than the other jail
inmates. Due to requirements set forth by the Federal government, jailer staffing was approved from 8 full-time jailers to 12 jailers. To
assist in budgetary needs, a Records Clerk
position was eliminated to facilitate this requirement.
Our facility is designed to properly separate
court offices, prisoners, the public and employees. With a co-located court and jail, transporting municipal prisoners to and from
City Hall throughout the week for court appearances is no longer necessary.
The expertise and professionalism of the
correctional staff assigned to the Jail Unit are critical to maintaining a safe jail facility.
2019 CITY Male 773
Female 370
2019 12-HOUR HOLDS Male 27
Female 10
2019 FEDERAL Male 0
Female 0
2019 STATE Male 447
Female 215
2019 TOTAL ADMITTED 1,842
2020 CITY Male 303
Female 180
2020 12-HOUR HOLDS Male 7
Female 3
2020 FEDERAL Male 84
Female 1
2020 STATE Male 544
Female 247
2020 TOTAL ADMITTED 1,369
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Training & Community Services
The Training and Community Services Unit is responsible
for the department’s training unit, media relations, and
crime prevention.
Training Unit
The Training Unit is the first spot new officers will experience as they embark on their career. It’s also a place
that offers continued employee development throughout the year.
The Training Unit is committed to providing the most updated training curriculum for employees and other law
enforcement agencies who may attend courses at our facility. The Training Unit ensures that all
commissioned officers complete their state-mandated POST program training hours during each year’s
reporting period.
Officer training includes, but is not limited to:
* Active Shooter * Reality-Based Scenarios * Use of Force
* Defensive Tactics * Cultural Diversity * Domestic Violence
Media Relations
The Cape Girardeau Police Department fosters cooperation and mutual respect between the department and
news media.
Sergeant Joey Hann was transferred from the Patrol Division to the Public Information Office in 2019. He,
along with Patrolman Rich McCall are assigned as media liaisons and are highly-trained individuals who
understand the importance of using the media as a valuable resource to keep the public informed of the
department’s activities. In this regard, they realize their role is to assist members of the media in completing
the task of gathering information and reporting on news events impacting residents and visitors to the City of
Cape Girardeau. The public’s perception and image of the department is largely dependent on the hard work
of these officers.
Safe Communities Program
The goal of the Cape Girardeau Safe Communities Program is to provide injury prevention strategies,
primarily in the areas of traffic safety to the citizens of Cape Girardeau County.
The Safe Communities Initiative is working to expand partnerships in the community to access local injury
data. Through this information, areas of concern are determined and new effective strategies for injury
prevention are developed. The program has two full-time coordinators, and a part-time employee
(TRACTION), and a 19 member Advisory Committee. Grants through the Missouri Department of
Transportation-Division of Highway Safety provide funding for this program.
Safe Communities coordinates multi-jurisdictional law enforcement efforts throughout Cape Girardeau
County.
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
TRAINING & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
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The Cape Girardeau Police Department has maintained a Facebook and Twitter account since 2013,
however, we began to greatly increase our presence on the popular social media sites in 2015 and
continued to do so throughout 2019 and 2020.
Social media continues to be a valuable resource for getting information out to the public in a timely
manner. Twitter is often used by the department to send out emergency status updates for motor vehicle
crash responses, or lane closures, while Facebook is primarily used to promote events bringing
awareness to programs the department has in place to engage citizens in public safety initiatives, and
giving recognition to sworn and non-sworn personnel who have received compliments from citizens for
their work. In addition, several posts requesting the public’s assistance in identifying and/or locating
persons of interest or suspects proved to be extremely successful and resulted in several arrests
throughout 2019 and 2020.
Social media has also allowed citizens to ask questions or make statements (publicly or privately) and
receive quick feedback back from the department. Many have expressed how grateful they are in having
the opportunity to approach us with questions in such an open manner.
The department’s social media presence increased throughout the year, engaging a growing audience of
interactive citizens. From 2018, our Facebook page grew from over 17,000 followers to 23,400. Our
Twitter account became verified in 2018 and since 2018, our following increased from to 3,391 to 3,710.
Lastly, since 2018, our Instagram increased from 2,256 followers to 3,642 followers. We anticipate these
numbers will continue to grow as we actively seek to engage the citizens of our city.
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
SOCIAL MEDIA
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Statistics
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
STATISTICS / CRIME ANALYSIS
In 2020, the FBI changed the way police departments were required to track and submit crime
data from the UCR (Uniform Crime Report) to NIBRS (National Incident-Based Reporting
System) beginning January 1, 2021. To meet this requirement, the Cape Girardeau Police
Department had to switch CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) systems from Global Software to
Central Square (Zuerchers) due to Global Software being incapable of tracking NIBRS data.
NIBRS is a more robust system and has capabilities of tracking crime data that the UCR
lacked. NIBRS tracks 52 specific crimes including date, time of day, location, multiple criminal
acts committed within the same incident, and much more, plus 10 offenses where arrests only
are reported. Compared to the UCR which only tracked 10 offenses with little detail and 20
additional crimes where arrests only were reported.
Due to these changes, our data from 2020 is a mixture of UCR data and NIBRS data and from
a crime analysis perspective, we cannot compare the two. The only data that is somewhat
comparable are homicides. You will see that homicides dropped from 6 in 2019 to 3 in 2020.
We can also report total calls for service and the number of criminal cases initiated in 2020
and compare them to 2019.
Our traffic and parking citations from 2020 were down considerably from 2019. This is mainly
due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lastly, we can report motor vehicle accidents were down in 2020 from 2019, most likely due to
the COVID-19 pandemic as many more people were staying home and not traveling.
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Statistics
Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
STATISTICS
32 Cape Girardeau Police Department | 2020 Annual Report
COVID-19 RESPONSE
In March 2020, the Cape Girardeau Police Department initiated efforts to mitigate the spread of
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and began following modified protocols in regards to our calls for service.
Throughout the pandemic, our officers have responded to “in progress” calls for service while all non
-emergency and routine business calls are handled over the telephone to reduce face-to-face
contact. During the Summer of 2020, the department launched “Online Incident Reporting”, allowing
citizens to easily report non-emergency incidents that have taken place within the city limits of Cape
Girardeau through the department’s website. These calls and reports are still investigated and
handled in accordance to our usual high standard of service.
Since the onset of the pandemic, our Communications Unit ask all callers a brief series of basic
COVID-19 screening questions in an effort to safeguard against exposure to responding officers if a
call warrants an officer’s response. The response to these answers do not exclude a caller from
receiving police services or from having an officer respond, they only allow the officer the
opportunity to take necessary safety precautions if necessary.
In March 2020, most office personnel were ordered to work remotely in an effort to help reduce the
potential of an outbreak at the department. Those employees were welcomed back to the office in
June 2020 when numbers seemed to be holding steady in our area. However, when numbers begin
to spike in August of 2020, civilian clerical personnel were once again ordered to work remotely.
Those employees continue to work remotely. In addition, our lobby has been closed to the general
public since March of 2020 to make every attempt to protect our staff from COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccinations became available to first responders in mid-January 2021. We are hopeful
this is a step in the right direction and hopeful for the future of public health.
The mission of the Cape Girardeau Police Department is to continue to function at its same high
standard of service. These modified protocols are in place to protect our staff so that they may
continue to serve this community without interruption and they are also in place to protect the public
and effectively diminish the spread of COVID-19 throughout the community. We continue to actively
evolve with the situation and we intend to remain unwavering in our dedication to serve and protect
the citizens and visitors to Cape Girardeau.
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Ptlm. Albert Demortiers
EOW
10/27/1917
Ptlm. Willis A. Martin
EOW
02/27/1921
Chief Nathaniel J. Hutson
EOW
10/07/1922
Auxiliary Officer
Herbert L. Goss
EOW
03/10/1961
Ptlm. Donald Crittendon
EOW
03/21/1961
Heroes Live Forever
Roll Call
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The 2020 Annual Report is produced by the Office of the Chief of Police
Cape Girardeau Missouri
Police Department
Compiled By
Sara Stensland, Administrative Coordinator
Statistics
Ptlm. Bobby Bollinger
Council-Manager Government
Mayor Mr. Bob Fox
City Manager Mr. Scott Meyer
Council Members:
Ward 1: Mr. Dan Presson
Ward 2: Ms. Shelly Moore
Ward 3: Mr. Nate Thomas
Ward 4: Mr. Robbie Guard
Ward 5: Mr. Ryan Essex (2019) / Shannon Truxel (2020)
Ward 6: Ms. Stacy Kinder
Full Time Commissioned Personnel: 87 Full Time Civilian Personnel: 37
Cape Girardeau Police Department
2530 Maria Louise Lane, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701
www.cityofcape.org/police