HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023 Annual Report
2023
Cape Girardeau POLICE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Wes Blair Chief of Police Be the Difference!
www.cityofcape.org/police
@capepolice
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Table of Contents
Chief’s Message 3
Operations Bureau 6
Patrol Division 6
Criminal Investigations 10
Detective Unit
Scientific Investigations Unit
Professional Standards Unit
Major Case Squad
Special Operations 13
Community Policing
Nuisance Abatement
Traffic Unit
Support Services Bureau 16
Personnel 16
Employee of the Year 18
Auxiliary Services 19
Communications Unit
Operations Support 20
Jail
Training & Community Affairs 21
Statistics 22
Final Roll Call 25
MAYOR OF CAPE GIRARDEAU
Stacy Kinder
CHIEF OF POLICE
Wes Blair
CAPE GIRARDEAU POLICE DEPARTMENT
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
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Chief’s Message
Throughout 2023, our department remained steadfast in its
mission to uphold the highest standards of law enforcement
while fostering trust and collaboration within our
neighborhoods. Despite facing staffing shortages, our
officers continued to demonstrate resilience and adaptability,
working tirelessly to safeguard our streets.
I am proud to highlight the remarkable accomplishments
detailed in this report, from crime reduction initiatives,
collaboration with Community Counseling Center to
implement a Co-Responder Unit and countless community
engagement efforts to advancements in technology and
officer training. Together, we have made significant strides in
enhancing public safety and strengthening the bonds with
the Cape Girardeau community.
As we look ahead to the challenges and opportunities that
await us in the coming year, I am confident that our
collective resolve and shared commitment to service will
propel us toward even greater achievements. The success
of our police department is a testament to the dedication of
our officers, the support of our community partners, and the
trust and confidence of the residents we are privileged to
serve.
On behalf of the Cape Girardeau Police Department, I
extend my sincere gratitude to our officers, staff, and
community members for their unwavering support and
collaboration. Together, we will continue to build a safer,
stronger, and more resilient community.
Sincerely,
Wes Blair
Chief of Police
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Command Staff
Chief of Police
Wes Blair
Assistant Chief of Police
Adam Glueck
Support Services Bureau
Assistant Chief of Police
Rodney Barker
Operations Bureau
Lieutenant Jeff Bonham
Patrol Division
Commander
Lieutenant Joey Hann
Patrol Division
Commander
Lieutenant Don Perry
Criminal Investigations
Division Commander
Lieutenant Brad Smith
Special Operations
Division Commander
Lieutenant Rick Schmidt
Operations Support
Division Commander
Lieutenant Darren Estes
Auxiliary Services
Division Commander
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Organizational Chart
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.
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Operations Bureau
Patrol Division
When a citizen or visitor calls the Cape
Girardeau Police Department for
assistance, the initial responding officer
is assigned to the Patrol Division. These
officers meet with the reporting party,
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 Department deploys its patrol
officers in four Platoons that operate
twenty-four hours a day, seven days a
week. Each Platoon is staffed with a
Sergeant, a Corporal, and a set number of
officers that work rotating 12-hour shifts.
The Department’s two Patrol
Commanders alternate 12-hour shifts to
ensure interaction with personnel on all
four Platoons and oversee the function of
the Patrol Division.
The Department has divided the City into four patrol zones. Each zone represents a set geographic area
that an assigned Platoon officer is responsible for and patrols. Through data analysis, the patrol zones
were developed so that each one has a relatively similar amount of work, even though they are all
different in size. Consistent zone assignments to patrol officers allow officers to get to know residents,
business owners, what is normal and what is out of place within their assigned zone. It also allows them
to work, monitor, and resolve issues over time.
In 2023, there were 43,179 calls for service (118.3/day avg.) from the community which resulted in 6,253
cases (17.1/day avg.). 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.
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Operations Bureau
Patrol Division: K-9 Unit
The Cape Girardeau Police Department K-9 Unit
consists of three teams, which includes a handler and
a police K-9 on each team. The K-9’s are “multi-
purpose” dogs, utilized to assist officers with
narcotic detection, tracking of fleeing suspects,
article searches for evidence, and building searches
for suspects at crime scenes. The K-9’s are certified
annually through the Missouri Police Canine
Association.
K-9 Jango celebrated retirement in 2023. Upon
Jango’s retirement, the Department acquired K-9
Drax in May 2023. K-9 Drax and his handler,
Patrolman Whistler underwent their initial eight
week training program conducted by the
Department’s in-house trainer; and hit the streets
together in July 2023. K-9 Jango is living out his retirement years with the Whistler family.
Due to the resignation of in-house K-9 trainer, Patrolman Jeff Bourbon in 2023, K-9 Debo was de-commissioned due to
age. In August 2023, K-9 Debo was rehomed with his previous K-9 handler, former Patrolman Gabe Yoder. Officer
Yoder is employed by another local law enforcement agency and is providing a loving home for K-9 Debo to enjoy his
retirement. K-9 Debo is not included in the stats below as he was used for K-9 training purposes by Patrolman Bourbon.
Patrolman Scott Droddy has been selected to replace Patrolman Bourbon as the Department’s in-house K-9 trainer. After
completing 12 weeks of K-9 trainer training in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, he will assume the role upon his return toward
the end of January 2024. Patrolman Droddy has been a K-9 handler since May 2021.
2023 K-9 Stats K-9 Thor K-9 Yuki K-9 Jango
(Retired May 2023)
K-9 Drax
(July-December 2023) TOTALS
Vehicle Searches 30 28 11 35 104
Drugs Found 13 9 6 14 42
Building/Area Search 5 6 4 5 20
Tracking 0 2 1 3 6
Public Demonstrations 14 9 1 0 24
Patrol Assists 65 53 8 13 139
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Operations Bureau
Patrol Division: Special Response Team
The Special Response Team, commonly known as SWAT, is a group of high-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
controls.
During 2023, the Special Response Team had six callouts where the team was activated for a
scheduled callout. These callouts resulted in six, high-risk arrests.
Members of the Special Response Team serve on a voluntary, part-time basis. They train a minimum
of 12 hours a month, in addition to the critical-incident operations throughout the year. There are
currently 16 special response operators, three Cape Girardeau Fire Department paramedics, and one
commander that serve on the Team.
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Operations Bureau
Co-Responder Unit
In recent years, with the backdrop of a global pandemic, the Cape Girardeau Police Department has seen an
escalation in mental health and behavioral health calls. From 2020 to 2022, Cape Girardeau police officers
were dispatched to over 5,000 welfare checks and they spent an average of 61 minutes on calls that involved a
behavioral health crisis.
Recognizing an increased need among the community, the Department collaborated with the Community
Counseling Center and in February 2023, the Co-Responder Unit (CRU) was established. The CRU is
embedded within the Cape Girardeau Police Department and is staffed by Cape Girardeau Police Corporal
Will Rogers, Dr. Shannon Farris, and Rachel Alcantara, LSW.
The Unit responds to calls for service with mental health or behavioral components; and conducts follow-up
on events which occur outside their operational hours. The CRU creates a report each time they respond to a
call for service or perform follow-up duties. Cape Girardeau is one of few jurisdictions in the state to employ
the co-responder program.
Nationwide data supports the effectiveness of co-response, resulting in: better officer safety, less use of force,
fewer injuries to the community, more referrals to appropriate services for those in need, fewer arrests, and
more jail diversions.
2023 Results
Since the formation of the CRU to year end, the CRU reported 758 contacts; resulting in 305 individuals
assisted and 676 additional people impacted (family members, significant others, etc.)
Prior to the CRU, patrol officers would spend an average of 61 minutes on-scene for a behavioral health-
related call for service. With the CRU, patrol officers spend approximately 12 minutes on-scene, allowing
officers to return to the streets more quickly than before.
In addition, the CRU reported a decline of 16% in Emergency Room and Jail diversions, from the baseline of
53%. Because of their work, hospital and jail diversion savings are figured to be at $3,119,953 YTD.
The Cape Girardeau Police Department is proud to provide this service which not only assists the individuals
and people impacted in crisis, but benefits the department and community as a whole.
Cpl. Will Rogers Dr. Shannon Farris Rachel Alcantara, LSW
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Operations Bureau
Criminal Investigations Division
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, 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 that have law enforcement contact. In
September 2023, three civilian evidence technicians were added to SIU to assist in processing,
preserving, and maintaining evidence records.
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 our citizens as well as other divisions to reduce crime and the fear of
crime throughout the city.
Photo Credit: KFVS‐12
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Operations Bureau
Criminal Investigations Division:
Professional Standards Unit
The Professional Standards Unit (Internal Affairs) investigates allegations of employee
misconduct to ensure compliance with the professional standards with the Cape Girardeau
Police Department. This Unit is attached to the Criminal Investigations Division and is staffed
by the Commander of the Criminal Investigations 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
2023 Investigations & Findings
Professional Standards Investigations: Citizens Complaints:
No. of Investigations: 4 No. of Investigations: 3
No. of Employees Investigated: 7 No. of Employees Investigated: 5
Findings of Misconduct: 1 Findings of Misconduct: 0
No. of Unfounded Investigations: 3 No. of Unfounded Investigations: 3
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, it is thoroughly
investigated to determine the appropriate response.
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
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Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County
Major Case Squad
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 investigators from six law
enforcement agencies, has worked a total of 77 cases. Lieutenant Don Perry has served as the Major
Case Squad Commander since 2019.
2023 Activation
March 5, 2023: On March 4, 2023 at approximately 11:20 p.m., officers received a report of multiple subjects
shot inside a local bar establishment at 15 North Main Street in Cape Girardeau. Upon arrival, officers located
five victims with gunshot wounds. All victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Major
Case Squad was activated on March 5, 2023. By 4:00 p.m. on that same date, investigators had identified two
alleged suspects; Ranell Robinson (age 43) of Cape Girardeau and Tyler Banks (age 24) of Cape Girardeau.
The Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Robinson with Class D felony of
unlawful possession of a firearm, Class D felony of assault in the 2nd degree, and felony armed criminal
action. Robinson’s bond was set at $150,000 cash only bond. He was taken into custody on March 5th.
The Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Tyler Banks (age 24) with Class
D felony assault 2nd degree and felony armed criminal action. Banks voluntarily turned himself in to law
enforcement officials on March 6th. His bond was set at $150,000 cash only.
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Operations Bureau
Special Operations Division:
Community Service Unit
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
collective decide what local and neighborhood problems are and what
resources can be used to address them.
Corporal Couch is assigned to the Community Service Unit. He works
primarily with neighborhood residents and community groups, serving as a
link between them, the Department, service agencies, and the local
government to help recognize crime trends and eliminate the source of crime
in the community.
In 2023, the City of Cape Girardeau received grant funding to add a Crime
Prevention Officer to the staff. This position will work closely with Corporal
Couch in providing information to citizens concerning crime prevention
techniques, security techniques, and the practices required to reduce crime
incidents. We expect this position to be filled in early January 2024.
In 2017, the Department formed a Crime Analyst position. This 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 analyst is also responsible
for responding to requests for crime data from Department staff. Data
exported is used by officers for more effective, efficient policing, and by
Department administration for improved staffing decisions.
This position is currently staffed by Patrolman Bobby Bollinger.
Patrolman Bollinger serves the Cape Girardeau Police Department on a
part-time basis.
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Operations Bureau
Special Operations Division:
Nuisance Abatement Unit
During the 2023 calendar year, the Nuisance Abatement Unit was staffed with a full-time supervisor
and three full-time Nuisance Abatement Officers.
The Unit is responsible for enforcing illegal parking, inoperable/nuisance vehicles on public or private
property, domestic animal complaints, and wildlife complaints.
Property violations including trash, litter, weeds and grass were previously handled by the City of Cape
Girardeau’s Inspections Services Division; however, these duties transferred to the Department’s
Nuisance Abatement Unit in 2023.
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Operations Bureau
Special Operations Division:
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.
Due to continued staffing shortages in the Patrol Division, the four traffic officers have been assigned to
the Patrol Division since September 2021.
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Support Services Bureau
Personnel
The most important asset of the Cape Girardeau Police Department is our staff. Our Department is full
of talented and experienced individuals, many holding advanced certifications and degrees.
With an average of 11years of service, the diversity and experience our personnel hold provides a
balance of appropriate performance and preparation for the future.
The Cape Girardeau Police Department prides itself in having competent and capable members. Many
police departments throughout the nation continue to experience a shortage in staffing during 2023, and
we were no exception.
To effectively attract, recruit, and hire applicants for the position of police officer, the Department has
been sponsoring recruits through Southeast Missouri State University’s Law Enforcement Academy. In
2023, the Department sponsored a total of six cadets that graduated from the Law Enforcement
Academy and passed their P.O.S.T. examinations. These newest officers are now assigned to our Patrol
Division and have quickly become valued members of our personnel.
The Department’s command staff is committed to continuously seeking operationally and fiscally
responsible solutions to provide the exceptional services our community has come to expect from their
police department.
21‐25
19%
26‐30
16%
31‐35
10%36‐40
14%
41‐45
8%
46‐50
10%
Over 50
23%
Age of Officers
0‐5
39%
6‐10
23%
11‐15
7%
16‐20
11%
21‐25
11%
26‐30
6%
Over 30
3%Years of Service
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Support Services Bureau
Personnel
New Hires
Patrolman Jessica Humphreys, January 3 Internal Cadet Zayne Hulvey, August 5*
Patrolman Josh Harden-Trotter, January 3 Communicator Dan King, August 14
PT Jail Control Operator Katelyn Freeman, January 23 Nuisance Abatement Officer James Hermon, August 14
PT Jail Control Operator Yousif Alwatari, January 23 Jailer Tanerius Whitney, August 28
Behavioral Health Co-Responder Dr. Shannon Farris, February 6 Internal Cadet Yousif Alwatari, September 5*
Behavioral Health Co-Responder Rachel Alcantara, February 6 PT Jail Control Operator Jacob Malone, September 15
Jailer Zayne Hulvey, March 27 PT Jailer Megan Wallace, September 16
External Cadet Jaden Barney, April 10* Evidence Technician, Samantha Ladson, September 23
PT Jail Control Operator Connor Ritter, June 20 Patrolman Michael Spies, October 16
External Cadet Anthony Brooks, July 31* PT Jail Control Operator Percival Winter, November 8
Jailer Christian Braun, July 31 PT Jailer Macy Morehead, November 25
* Cadets graduated from the SEMO Law Enforcement Academy on December 14, 2023. They were sworn in as Police
Officers for the Cape Girardeau Police Department on December 15, 2023 and immediately entered the Field Training
Program.
Promotion
Patrolman Kevin Wehrle began employment with us on June 23, 2008. For the
past several years, Patrolman Wehrle has served as an asset to our Jail Unit. He
served as the Court Bailiff from October 2021 until his retirement on December
21, 2023.
Retirements
Records Clerk Janet Hahn began her employment with us on September 4, 2007.
Janet served in the Records Unit until her retirement on August 18, 2023.
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Employee Recognitions
Sergeant Blanner is a 16 year veteran of the Cape Girardeau Police Department and currently serves as a
Patrol Sergeant for “B Platoon.”
He began employment with the Cape Girardeau Police Department as a patrolman on May 14, 2007. He
was appointed as a K9 Officer in March 2012 and in 2014, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal and
remained on staff as a K9 Officer. In 2015, he was assigned as a Field Training Officer, and he was
appointed to his current rank of Sergeant on May 20, 2017.
Sergeant Blanner wears many hats for the Department, supervising three major areas; always showing
extreme attention to detail in these areas.
1. Overseeing “B Platoon”, Sergeant Blanner is always quick to teach and support the members of
his patrol shift.
2. As the Department’s Field Training Supervisor, Sergeant Blanner spends countless of hours
preparing and training the Department’s newest police officers so that they may be better
prepared to police our community at a high level.
3. Finally, as the Department’s K9 Unit Supervisor, Sergeant Blanner –as a previous handler
himself- is always quick to teach and support the officers working in the K9 Unit, creating
better equipped K9 handlers for the Department.
Sergeant Blanner’s dedication to duty is reflected through the service he provides as an officer to the City
of Cape Girardeau.
2023 Employee of the Year
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Support Services Bureau:
Auxiliary Services Division
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 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.
The Communications Unit continues to utilize “Text 911” and “Prepared Live” to better assist our
citizens in their time of need, and the new technology continues to enhance our response to
emergency situations.
Communications Staffing
The Communications Unit is budgeted to staff 15 trained full-time Public Safety Communicators
and a civilian Communications Manager. As with other Units within the Department, the
Communications Unit continued to operate through 2023 with staffing shortages. Communications
staff, along with other police and fire staff worked extra shifts in the Unit throughout 2023 to ensure
the safety of the citizens of Cape Girardeau, and our on-duty first responders.
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Support Services Bureau
Operations Support Division
Jail Unit
The municipal jail houses a 20-bed, direct-supervision jail. The jail facility has three pods to house
inmates, with a fourth pod available for future growth. Our jail 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 appearance is
no longer necessary.
The Jail Unit continued to face extreme staffing shortages in 2023. If sentenced by the Cape
Girardeau Municipal Court, inmate serving a prolonged municipal sentence continued to be
transported to the Perry County Sheriff’s Office to ensure the safety of our current jail staff.
Even with continued staffing shortages, the professionalism of the correctional staff assigned to the
Jail Unit is critical to maintaining a safe jail facility for our inmates and our public safety employees.
Males: 799
Females: 354
Not Specified: 4
2023 Total: 1,157
Admitted (2023)
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Support Services Bureau
Operations Support Division
Training & Community Affairs
The Training and Community Services Unit is responsible for the Department’s Training Unit, Public
Information Office, and crime prevention.
Training Unit
The Training Unit is the first Unit new officers experience as they embark on their career. This Unit also offers
continued employment development for Department employees 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 agency. The Training Unit ensures all commissioned
officers complete state-mandated P.O.S.T. program training hour requirements during each year’s reporting
period.
Officer training includes, but is not limited to:
Active Shooter
Defensive Tactics
Reality-Based Scenarios
Cultural Diversity
Use of Force
Domestic Violence
Public Information Office (Media Relations)
The Cape Girardeau Police Department fosters cooperation and mutual respect between the Department and news
media.
In 2023, Patrolman Bobby Newton was appointed as the Department’s Public Information Officer. The
Department understands the importance of using the media as a valuable resource to keep the public informed of
the Department’s activities. In this regard, Patrolman Newton realizes his role is to assist members of the media
in completing the task of gathering information and reporting on news events impacting residents and visits to the
City of Cape Girardeau. The public’s perception and image of the Department is largely dependent on the hard
work of Patrolman Newton.
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.
Through information gathered, areas of concern are determined and new strategies for injury prevention are
developed. The program has two full-time coordinators and a 19 member Advisory Committee. Grants through
the Missouri Department of Transportation-Division of Highway Safety provide funding for the program.
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Statistics & Crime Analysis
The National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) is a national data collection system used by law
enforcement agencies to report crime. Group A offenses are the most serious offenses reported under
NIBRS and include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, assault, and other serious crimes. These offenses
are typically the most violent and have the most significant impact on the community. They are also the
most likely to be solved by law enforcement agencies, and therefore considered the most important for
tracking crime trends.
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Statistics & Crime Analysis
In 2020, the FBI changed the way police departments were required to track and submit crime data
from the Uniform Crime Report (UCR) to NIBRS beginning January 1, 2021. To meet this
requirement, the Cape Girardeau Police Department had to switch it’s Computer-Aided Dispatch
(CAD) system from Global Software to Central Square (Zuerchers) due to the 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 with little
detail and 20 additional crimes where arrests only were reported.
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Accomplishments
ShotSpotter Gunfire Detective Software—Expansion
ShotSpotter was introduced to the Department in April of 2022 and quickly proved its effectiveness.
The technology detects the sound of gunshots and alerts the Department with locations of the
gunshots. With the successful launch and implementation of the system in 2022, the system was
expanded to cover other areas in Cape Girardeau in 2023. Currently, 2.68 square miles are covered by
ShotSpotter.
FLOCK Camera System
The Cape Girardeau Police Department launched FLOCK in early 2023. These infrastructure-free
cameras are placed strategically throughout the City of Cape Girardeau to help detect movement of
vehicles involved in criminal activity. The system works in tandem with ShotSpotter.
The cameras are linked nationwide to other municipalities utilizing the system throughout the United
States and are used to track stolen vehicles, apprehend wanted subjects, and assist in criminal
investigations.
Co-Responder Unit
In February 2023, the Cape Girardeau Police Department saw the formation of the Co-Responder
Unit (CRU). The Department has collaborated with the Community Counseling Center to provide two
full-time behavioral health specialists to respond, with officers, to situations involving mental and
behavioral health crisis. Corporal Will Rogers serves as the CRU supervisor.
Dr. Shannon Farris and Rachel Alcantara, LSW, are embedded within the Department and began
work to serve the public, assisting Cape Girardeau police officers, and educating the Department on
appropriate mental health crisis response and resources. Cape Girardeau is one of few jurisdictions in
the state to employ the co-responder program.
In 2023, CRU reported 758 contacts; resulting in 305 individuals assisted and 676 additional people
impacted (family members, significant others, etc.)
Nationwide data supports the effectiveness of co-response for several outcomes: better officer safety,
less use of force, fewer injuries to the community, more referrals to appropriate services for those in
need, fewer arrests, and more jail diversions.
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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 2023 Annual Report is produced by the Office of the Chief of Police
Cape Girardeau Missouri
Police Department
Compiled By
Sara Stensland, CAP, PM
Administrative Coordinator
Statistics
Ptlm. Bobby Bollinger
Council-Manager Government
Mayor Mrs. Stacy Kinder
City Manager Dr. Kenneth Haskin
Council Members:
Ward 1: Mr. Dan Presson
Ward 2: Ms. Tameka Randle
Ward 3: Mr. Nate Thomas
Ward 4: Mr. Robbie Guard
Ward 5: Ms. Shannon Truxel
Ward 6: Mr. Mark Bliss
Cape Girardeau Police Department
2530 Maria Louise Lane, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701
www.cityofcape.org/police