The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2024 Annual Report Ca p e G i r a r d e a u P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 2 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. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The members of the Cape Girardeau Police Department thank our city leaders and community members for their support. The partnerships that exist between the Cape Girardeau community and police are vital to prevenƟng and solving crimes and preserving a safe and desirable living environment for all to enjoy. 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Chief’s Message 4 OperaƟons Bureau 6 Patrol Division 6 K‐9 Unit Special Response Team Co‐Responder Unit Criminal InvesƟgaƟons 10 DetecƟve Unit ScienƟﬁc InvesƟgaƟons Unit Professional Standards Unit Major Case Squad Special OperaƟons 14 Community Policing Crime Analyst Nuisance Abatement Traffic Unit Support Services Bureau 17 Personnel Employee of the Year Auxiliary Services 21 CommunicaƟons Unit OperaƟons Support 22 Jail Training & Community Affairs StaƟsƟcs 24 Accomplishments 26 Final Roll Call 29 MAYOR OF CAPE GIRARDEAU Stacy Kinder CHIEF OF POLICE Adam Glueck CAPE GIRARDEAU POLICE DEPARTMENT Cape Girardeau, Missouri 4 MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as the Chief of Police for the Cape Girardeau Police Department. As we reﬂect on the year 2024, it has been a year of signiﬁcant transiƟons, challenges, and progress for our department and our community. I was appointed Interim Chief of Police in July 2024, and it has been my utmost priority to ensure the conƟnued safety and well‐being of the ciƟzens we serve. AŌer months of working alongside dedicated officers and community partners, I was humbled to be appointed as the permanent Chief of Police on November 22, 2024. This new chapter is one that I approach with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to making Cape Girardeau a place where everyone can feel safe and supported. This past year, our department faced unprecedented challenges—from addressing crime in the midst of staffing shortages, to embracing technologies and evolving law enforcement strategies. Despite these challenges, I am proud to say that our officers have risen to the occasion, showing re‐ markable resilience and a commitment to public service. Our work is never done, and the path ahead will require conƟnued innovaƟon, transparency, and collaboraƟon with the community. Together, we have laid a foundaƟon of trust, respect, and cooperaƟon, and I am commiƩed to conƟnuing this important work in the years to come. Looking forward, we will conƟnue to prioriƟze community engagement, enhance training programs for our officers, and work Ɵrelessly to ensure that Cape Girardeau remains a safe and vibrant place for all who live, work, and visit here. I want to thank each member of our department for their dedicaƟon and hard work, as well as the ciƟzens of Cape Girardeau for their conƟnued trust and support. I am conﬁdent that, together, we will conƟnue to build a safer, stronger community. Sincerely, Chief Adam Glueck Cape Girardeau Police Department 5 POLICE BUREAUS OPERATIONS BUREAU The OperaƟons Bureau is the largest and most visible division within the Cape Girardeau Police Department. It consists of the Patrol Division and several specialized units that serve as the ﬁrst responders to a wide range of incidents in the community. The dedicated men and women of the OperaƟons Bureau take great pride in serving our residents, businesses, and visitors. They do so through a community‐oriented policing approach, guided by the department's core mission, vision, and values. In 2024, the OperaƟons Bureau was led by Assistant Chief Rodney Barker, who served in the role unƟl his reƟrement in September 2024. SUPPORT SERVICES BUREAU The Support Services Bureau is responsible for overseeing key departmental funcƟons, including Human Resources, Training, Public InformaƟon Services, and Jail OperaƟons. It also manages the CommunicaƟons Unit, which serves as a primary point of contact for the community, handling both emergency and non‐ emergency services. A major focus of the Support Services Bureau has been the recruitment and hiring of top ‐Ɵer employees, both for sworn police officers and civilian staff. In 2024, the Support Services Bureau was led by Assistant Chief Adam Glueck. LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS & FUTURE APPOINTMENTS Following the reƟrement of Chief Wes Blair in July 2024, Adam Glueck was appointed Interim Chief of Police, before being named the permanent Chief of Police on November 22, 2024. With Assistant Chief Rodney Barker’s reƟrement in September, the workload of both Bureaus was temporarily redistributed among the remaining command staff members. Chief Glueck is in the process of appoinƟng two new Assistant Chiefs, and is expected to ﬁll these roles in early January 2025. 6 PATROL DIVISION The Patrol Division is the cornerstone of the Cape Girardeau Police Department, providing a visible and acƟve presence in the community. The division is divided into four platoons, each staffed with a sergeant, corporal, and a designated number of officers who work rotaƟng 12‐hour shiŌs. This structure ensures the department is able to maintain 24/7 coverage across the city, responding to calls for service and engaging in rouƟne patrols. To beƩer serve the community, the city has been divided into four patrol zones. Each zone represents a speciﬁc geographic area, and an assigned platoon officer is responsible for patrolling and overseeing the acƟviƟes within their designated zone. This zoning system allows officers to become more familiar with their areas, build relaƟonships with residents, and address issues more efficiently. The patrol zones were developed through careful data analysis to ensure that each zone has a relaƟvely similar workload, despite differences in geographic size. By balancing the amount of work across zones, the department is able to allocate resources more effecƟvely and ensure officers can respond quickly to incidents within their designated areas. In 2024, there were 37,486 calls for service from the community, resulƟng in 5,932 cases being documented. These ﬁgures reﬂect the division’s dedicaƟon to maintaining a strong presence in the community and ensuring prompt, efficient responses to a wide variety of incidents. The Patrol Division’s success in managing this volume of calls is driven by a high standard of professionalism, conƟnuous training, and a deep commitment to duty. Officers consistently demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and dedicaƟon needed to meet the demands of their role and effecƟvely serve the community. 7 PATROL DIVISION: K9 Unit The K9 Unit is a vital component of the Cape Girardeau Police Department, playing a key role in enhancing the department’s ability to address a wide range of law enforcement challenges. Comprised of highly trained dogs and their dedicated handlers, the unit is deployed in various operaƟons, including drug detecƟon, suspect apprehension, tracking, and public demonstraƟons. OperaƟng in both proacƟve and reacƟve roles, the K9 Unit provides criƟcal support during traffic stops, arrests, building and vehicle searches, and specialized operaƟons. The unit is also called upon to assist neighboring agencies and in high‐stakes situaƟons where their specialized skills help miƟgate risks to officers and the community. These K9s are oŌen instrumental in reducing crime and enhancing public safety. In 2024, the department bid farewell to K9 Thor, who reƟred aŌer an exemplary 7‐year career. Through‐ out his service, K9 Thor was deployed 594 Ɵmes, making signiﬁcant contribuƟons to the safety of the community and the success of numerous operaƟons. His work led to the apprehension of countless offenders and the removal of illegal substances from the streets. Thor is now enjoying a well‐deserved reƟrement with his handler, Corporal Spencer, and his family. Also in 2024, the K9 Unit welcomed K9 Nerro, a 1‐year‐old German Shepherd, and K9 Gaston, a 2‐year‐old German Shepherd. Both are dual‐purpose K9s, expertly trained in narcoƟcs detecƟon, tracking, and suspect apprehension. Their versaƟle skill sets make them invaluable assets to the department in a variety of operaƟonal situaƟons. AddiƟonally, the department proudly introduced K9 Ella, a 2‐year‐old German Wirehair Pointer, who has made a signiﬁcant impact on the department’s capabiliƟes. K9 Ella is the ﬁrst K9 in the area speciﬁcally trained to detect ﬁrearms and ammuniƟon. Her specialized skills allow her to locate these items through various search methods, including arƟcle searches, building searches, locker searches, person‐borne searches, and open area searches. K9 Ella’s addiƟon is invaluable in addressing gun‐related crime and providing crucial support during invesƟgaƟons, enhancing the department's ability to combat ﬁrearms offenses in ways that were not previously possible. As we look to the future, the K9 Unit remains commiƩed to strengthening its capabiliƟes, building upon its successes, and conƟnuing to make Cape Girardeau a safer place for all. Vehicle Searches 132 (74% SubstanƟated) Alarms 39 DemonstraƟons 22 NarcoƟc Searches 8 Building Searches 7 ArƟcle Searches 10 Tracks 7 Patrol/SRT Assists 57 Apprehensions 8 TOTAL DEPLOYMENTS FOR 2024 290 2024 K9 Unit Stats 8 SPECIAL RESPONSE TEAM The Special Response Team (SRT), commonly referred to as SWAT, is a highly trained unit deployed during criƟcal incidents. These incidents include hostage situaƟons, barricaded subjects, high‐risk search warrants, high‐proﬁle escorts, and crowd control operaƟons. In 2024, the SRT was called into acƟon eight Ɵmes, resulƟng in ﬁve high‐risk arrests. Members of the Special Response Team volunteer on a part‐Ɵme basis and are required to complete a minimum of 12 hours of training each month, in addiƟon to responding to criƟcal incidents. The team currently consists of 16 tacƟcal operators, four paramedics from the Cape Girardeau Fire Department, and one team commander. 9 CO‐RESPONDER UNIT In recent years, the Cape Girardeau Police Department has seen a conƟnued increase in mental and behavioral health‐related calls for service. From 2020 to 2022, officers responded to over 5,000 welfare checks, spending an average of 61 minutes on behavioral health crisis calls. Recognizing the growing need, the Cape Girardeau Police Department established the Co‐Responder Unit (CRU) in February 2023. The CRU is embedded within the department and is staffed by Corporal Will Rogers, Dr. Shannon Farris, and Rachel Alcantara, LMSW. This mulƟ‐disciplinary team specializes in responding to mental and behavioral health crises, ensuring individuals receive appropriate care while improving public safety. The CRU responds directly to 911 calls, provides follow‐ups on incidents, and coordinates with community resources to facilitate long‐term soluƟons. Cape Girardeau remains one of the few jurisdicƟons in Missouri to implement this proacƟve co‐response model. 2024 Results Total CRU Contacts: 565 calls for service Unique Individuals Assisted: 341 individuals AddiƟonal People Impacted: 972 family members, friends, or bystanders Patrol Officer Time Savings: 1) Prior to CRU, officers spent 61 minutes on behavioral health calls. 2) When officers do respond with CRU, their Ɵme on scene has been reduced to 37.5 minutes per call, allowing them to return to service more quickly. 3) However, CRU’s ability to handle many calls independently has signiﬁcant reduced the number of Ɵmes officers need to respond. 4) When factoring in all CRU‐involved calls, the average officer Ɵme per call drops to just 7.1 minutes. This demonstrates that CRU not only shortens officer response Ɵme, but also prevents them from being dispatched to many calls enƟrely. Hospital & Jail Diversions: 1) The diversion rate declined from 53% to 37%, reﬂecƟng a shiŌ toward early intervenƟon and alternaƟve placements. 2) EsƟmated savings in reduced jail and ER costs: $2,178,080. The Cape Girardeau Police Department is proud to provide this specialized response team that reduces strain on patrol officers, improves outcomes for individuals in crisis, and saves taxpayer dollars through proacƟve intervenƟon. 10 CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS The Criminal InvesƟgaƟons Division (CID) is led by Lieutenant Don Perry and consists of highly trained invesƟgators who specialize in various criminal areas, including juvenile offenses, sex crimes, and ﬁnancial crimes. One detecƟve also specializes in conducƟng polygraph examinaƟons. CID’s primary responsibility is to conduct follow‐up invesƟgaƟons on criminal cases referred to them. DetecƟves are tasked with managing cases unƟl they are cleared or saƟsfactorily closed—whether by arrest, determining that no crime occurred, or exhausƟng all invesƟgaƟve leads. The division includes the ScienƟﬁc InvesƟgaƟons Unit (SIU), which is responsible for the proper handling, storage, maintenance, and disposal of law enforcement‐held property and evidence. The SIU ensures the integrity of evidence for criminal prosecuƟons and the safekeeping of property for ciƟzens who have contact with law enforcement. The CID plays a key role in enhancing community safety by working closely with ciƟzens and other divisions to reduce both crime and the fear of crime in the city. AddiƟonally, the division maintains strong partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to addressing criminal acƟvity. 11 PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS The Professional Standards Unit, also known as Internal Affairs, is responsible for invesƟgaƟng allegaƟons of employee misconduct to ensure compliance with the Cape Girardeau Police Department's professional standards. This Unit is part of the Criminal InvesƟgaƟons Division and is overseen by the Commander of the Criminal InvesƟgaƟons Division. These allegaƟons may include, but are not limited to: Complaints of bias or proﬁling Excessive force Alleged corrupƟon InsubordinaƟon Breach of civil rights False arrest Other serious misconduct 2024 InvesƟgaƟons & Findings The Cape Girardeau Police Department is commiƩed to maintaining an open environment where community members feel comfortable sharing their feedback, whether posiƟve or negaƟve. When allegaƟons of employee misconduct are received, they are thoroughly invesƟgated to determine the appropriate course of acƟon. Findings of misconduct may result in disciplinary acƟons, which can include, but are not limited to: WriƩen reprimands, suspension without pay, and/or terminaƟon of employment. Professional Standards InvesƟgaƟons: CiƟzens Complaints: No. of InvesƟgaƟons: 7 No. of InvesƟgaƟons: 5 No. of Employees InvesƟgated: 5 No. of Employees InvesƟgated: 12 Findings of Misconduct: 3 Findings of Misconduct: 0 No. of Unfounded InvesƟgaƟons: 4 No. of Unfounded InvesƟgaƟons: 5 12 MAJOR CASE SQUAD Several employees of the Cape Girardeau Police Department also serve on the Cape Girardeau/ Bollinger County Major Case Squad (MCS) in addiƟon to their departmental roles. Since its incepƟon in 1983, the Major Case Squad—comprising officers and invesƟgators from six law enforcement agencies—has handled a total of 81 cases. Lieutenant Don Perry has served as the Major Case Squad Commander since 2019. 2024 AcƟvaƟons February 25, 2024: At approximately 3:10 a.m., the Cape Girardeau Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing in the 1200‐block of North Water. Upon arrival, officers found the vicƟm, Casimiro Hernandez‐ Ruiz (40) of Jackson, deceased. Through the invesƟgaƟon, two suspects were idenƟﬁed: Marcos Lopez (23) and Ariel Escobar‐Soler (25), both of Cape Girardeau. The suspects were taken into custody following the execuƟon of a search warrant at a residence in the 1000‐block of North Middle later that same day. The Cape Girardeau County ProsecuƟng AƩorney’s Office formally charged Lopez with the Class E felony of tampering with physical evidence, and a no‐bond warrant was issued. Escobar‐Soler was charged with Class A felony second‐degree murder and felony armed criminal acƟon; a no‐bond warrant was also issued for his arrest. February 27, 2024: At approximately 2:30 p.m., the Cape Girardeau Police Department responded to reports of shots ﬁred near CVS Pharmacy, where two vicƟms were found with gunshot wounds. Both vicƟms were transported to a local hospital for treatment. By 10:30 p.m., a person of interest had been idenƟﬁed. The vicƟms were a 17‐year‐old female juvenile, who later died from her injuries, and a 53‐year‐old male, who sustained non‐life‐threatening injuries. On February 28th, the Cape Girardeau County ProsecuƟng AƩorney’s Office formally charged Zhamius Smith (20) of Caruthersville, Missouri, with the Class E felony of hindering prosecuƟon and the Class E felony of resisƟng a lawful stop. Smith was issued a no‐bond warrant. AddiƟonally, Yaunique Cain (21) of Cape Girardeau was charged with the Class E felony of tampering with physical evidence. A no‐bond warrant was also issued for Cain’s arrest. May 19, 2024: At approximately 2:33 p.m., the Cape Girardeau Police Department received mulƟple reports of gunﬁre inside the Show Me Center. School Resource Officers, who were on‐site for the high school graduaƟon, quickly detained a person of interest and rendered aid to two vicƟms. Officers from the Cape Girardeau Police Department, Southeast Missouri State University Department of Public Safety, Cape Girardeau Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Jackson Police Department, and ATF responded to assist with building security and crowd control. The two vicƟms were transported to a local hospital with non‐life‐threatening injuries. 13 MAJOR CASE SQUAD (conƟnued) On May 20, 2024, at approximately 4:00 p.m., a felony traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle in the 900‐block of North Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau. The vehicle was occupied by four individuals: Kris E. Owens, Christopher J. Owens, Andra D. Jennings, Jr., and a fourth individual who has not been charged. Kris E. Owens was taken into custody on an acƟve warrant related to the May 19, 2024, shooƟng at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau. The warrant, issued by Judge Frank Miller on May 20, 2024, charged Owens with Assault in the First Degree, Armed Criminal AcƟon, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. The warrant carried a no‐ bond status. Christopher J. Owens was also arrested on an acƟve warrant related to the same incident. His warrant charged with him being a sex offender present within 500 feet of a school‐related acƟvity. During the arrest, Christopher Owens was found in possession of a fully loaded 9‐mm gun magazine. He admiƩed to possessing a 9mm handgun, which was recovered from the vehicle. On May 22, the Cape Girardeau County ProsecuƟng AƩorney’s Office charged Christopher Owens with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. A no‐bond warrant was issued by Judge Frank Miller for the weapons charge. Andra D. Jennings, Jr. (34) of Louisville, Kentucky was also arrested at the scene for possession of a Black Taurus 709 Slim 9mm ﬁrearm. Jennings is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing ﬁrearms. In 2016, he was convicted of Aggravated Robbery in the Circuit Court of Shelby County, Tennessee. On May 21, the Cape Girardeau County ProsecuƟng AƩorney’s Office charged Jennings with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Judge Frank Miller issued the $25,000 cash‐only bond for Jennings. On May 20, the Cape Girardeau County ProsecuƟng AƩorney’s Office declined to ﬁle charges against the fourth individual pending further invesƟgaƟon into their possible involvement. July 14, 2024: At approximately 12:34 a.m., the Cape Girardeau Police Department received a report of an individual who arrived at a local hospital with a life‐threatening gunshot wound. Officers quickly began invesƟgaƟng and determined the crime scene was located in the 400‐block of Broadway. The scene was secured for processing. At approximately 1:08 a.m., officers were noƟﬁed that the vicƟm, idenƟﬁed as Linard Thomas (42) of Cape Girardeau, had succumbed to his injuries. AŌer exhausƟng several leads, the Major Case Squad was disbanded on July 17. The invesƟgaƟon remains on‐ going and will conƟnue to be handled by the Cape Girardeau Police Department. 14 SPECIAL OPERATIONS Community‐policing iniƟaƟves have been developed across the country by local governments to enhance the quality of life. This philosophy involves collaboraƟon between the community and law enforcement to idenƟfy local issues and determine the resources needed to address them. Corporal Couch is assigned to the Community Service Unit, where he works primarily with neighborhood residents and community groups. He serves as a liaison between the community, the Police Department, service agencies, and local government, helping to idenƟfy crime trends and address the root causes of crime in the area. In 2023, the City of Cape Girardeau secured grant funding to add a Crime PrevenƟon Officer to the staff. This new posiƟon will work closely with Corporal Couch to provide ciƟzens with informaƟon on crime prevenƟon strategies, security measures, and pracƟces aimed at reducing crime. In 2017, the Cape Girardeau Police Department established the Crime Analyst posiƟon to enhance crime data analysis and intelligence collecƟon for the city. This role involves analyzing and disseminaƟng crime acƟvity data, which contributes to officer safety and supports crime reducƟon efforts. The crime analyst also responds to data requests from department staff, with the informaƟon used by officers for more effecƟve policing and by department leadership for improved staffing decisions. Currently, the posiƟon is ﬁlled by Patrolman Bobby Bollinger, who serves the department on a part‐Ɵme basis. CO M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E U N I T CR I M E A N A L Y S T 15 SPECIAL OPERATIONS During the 2024 calendar year, the Nuisance Abatement Unit was staffed with a full‐Ɵme supervisor and three full‐Ɵme Nuisance Abatement Officers. The Unit is responsible for enforcing illegal parking, inoperable/nuisance vehicles on public or private property, domesƟc animal complaints, and wildlife complaints. Property violaƟons including trash, liƩer, weeds and grass were previously handled by the City of Cape Girardeau’s InspecƟons Services Division; however, these duƟes transferred to the Department’s Nuisance Abatement Unit in 2023. NU I S A N C E A B A T E M E N T 16 SPECIAL OPERATIONS The Traffic Unit is one of the most visible divisions with which the motoring public interacts. Its primary responsibility is ensuring the safety of residents and visitors who use the city’s roadways, walkways, and bikeways. The unit's goals include maintaining the smooth ﬂow of traffic and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws. This is achieved through a combinaƟon of public educaƟon and enforcement efforts. The Traffic Unit also plays a key role in coordinaƟng campaigns such as "Click It or Ticket," DWI enforcement, and Hazardous Moving ViolaƟons (HMV) ReducƟon, in addiƟon to managing special events like parades and 5K races. With improved staffing levels in the Patrol Division, one officer has been reassigned to the Traffic Unit, and we anƟcipate the reassignment of a second officer in the near future. TR A F F I C U N I T 17 PERSONNEL The most important asset of the Cape Girardeau Police Department is our staff. Our team consists of talented, experienced individuals, many of whom hold advanced cerƟﬁcaƟons and degrees. With an average of 11 years of service, the diversity and experience of our personnel strike a balance between solid performance and long‐term preparaƟon for the future. To effecƟvely aƩract and hire qualiﬁed candidates, the Department has maintained its partnership with Southeast Missouri State University’s Law Enforcement Academy, sponsoring recruits through the program. In 2024, we proudly sponsored three cadets who graduated from the Academy and successfully passed the P.O.S.T. examinaƟon—one in May and two in December. AddiƟonally, in December 2024, we hired two internal cadets and two external cadets, all of whom began their training at the Academy in January 2025. We take immense pride in our team’s competence and capability. Like many police departments naƟonwide, we experienced staffing shortages in 2024. However, we are seeing improvements in staffing levels and are acƟvely addressing this challenge moving forward. The Department's command staff remains commiƩed to seeking operaƟonally and ﬁscally responsible soluƟons to provide the excepƟonal service our community expects and deserves. 18 PERSONNEL New Hires External Cadet Kaden Shipley, January 3 External Cadet Jeremy Crowder*, August 5* External Cadet Zachary Carte, January 3 Evidence Technician Todd Wooldridge, September 9 Patrolman Lenzie Summers, January 8 PT Jail Control Operator Breanna Helm, September 25 Communicator Lyza Koesterer, January 8 Patrolman Molly Johns, October 21 Patrolman Devin Kesterson, January 8 PT Jail Control Operator Oksana PaƩerson, November 5 Front Desk Officer Whitleigh Whitney, January 22 PT Patrolman (Bailiff) Kevin Wehrle, November 12 Jailer Alyssa Wehmeyer, March 11 PT Jail Control Operator Allyson Rouse, November 18 PT Communicator Michelle VanGennip, March 11 Communicator Esther Williams, December 9 Communicator Leasi McIver, March 11 Evidence Technician Tanner Peters, December 9 Jailer Hunter Gillespie, March 11 Jailer Joshua Mace, December 9 Communicator Tobi Stucker, April 1 Nuisance Abatement Officer Lynn Lester, December 9 Nuisance Abatement Officer Faith Parr, April 22 PT Jail Control Operator Colton Hodges, December 16 Nuisance Abatement Officer Jason Blanchard, May 5 Evidence Technician Jessica Whiteley, December 30 Internal Cadet Tyler Diebold, May 10* Communicator Peyton Ware, December 30 PT Jailer Jazmine Robinson, June 17 Communicator Tabbetha Buchanan, December 30 PT Patrolman Jay Freeman, July 19 Patrolman Kyle Myrick, December 30 Co‐Responder Shannon Farris, July 23 Internal Cadet Tanerius Whitney, December 30** Co‐Responder Rachel Alcantara, July 23 Internal Cadet Hunter RiƩer, December 30** PT Jail Control Operator Brendan Glass, July 29 External Cadet Alicen Sander, December 30** Internal Cadet Jason Blanchard, August 5* External Cadet Cori Teague, December 30** * Cadets graduated from the SEMO Law Enforcement Academy in 2024. They were sworn in as Police Officers for the Cape Girardeau Police Department aŌer successfully compleƟng the P.O.S.T. examinaƟon and Academy graduaƟon. Following graduaƟon, they immediately entered the Field Training Program aŌer graduaƟon. ** Cadets are currently in the SEMO Law Enforcement Academy. Expected graduaƟon date is May 2025. 19 PERSONNEL PromoƟons Adam Glueck, promoted from Assistant Chief (Support Services Bureau) to Interim Chief of Police on July 25 Adam Glueck, promoted from Interim Chief of Police to Chief of Police on November 22 ReƟrements Patrolman Jay Freeman joined the Cape Girardeau Police Department on September 11, 2000. He was most recently assigned to the Patrol Division. Patrolman Freeman reƟred on July 18, 2024, aŌer more than two decades of dedicated service. Chief Wes Blair became a part of the Cape Girardeau Police Department on July 29, 2013. Under his leadership, the department advanced in technology and innovaƟon. Chief Blair reƟred on July 24, 2024, to accept a posiƟon with the Memphis Airport. Assistant Chief Rodney Barker began his service with the Cape Girardeau Police Department on July 28, 1986. AŌer decades of leadership, he served as the Commander of OperaƟons unƟl his reƟrement on September 20, 2024. 20 EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Brad McKlin was named the Cape Girardeau Police Department’s 2024 Employee of the Year. CelebraƟng his 16th anniversary with the department in October, Brad currently serves as the Police Department’s IT Technician. Brad began his career with the Cape Girardeau Police Department in October 2008 as a Jailer and later transferred to the posiƟon of StaƟon Commander in September 2010. In July 2023, he was appointed to his current role as IT Technician. In his role, Brad plays a criƟcal part in ensuring the department’s 24/7 operaƟons run smoothly. He is responsible for maintaining the department’s technology infrastructure, keeping equipment updated and funcƟoning efficiently. Brad’s commitment is evident in his willingness to address IT issues at any Ɵme, no maƩer how big or small. As a co‐worker put it, “When he answers the call, he doesn’t leave you with ‘I’ll take care of it later.’ He always logs in and resolves the issue immediately.” In July 2024, a faulty update from American cybersecurity company CrowdStrike caused widespread disrupƟons to systems running MicrosoŌ soŌware, impacƟng millions globally, including the City of Cape Girardeau’s Police Department and 911 CommunicaƟons Unit. Brad responded promptly in the early morning hours, working Ɵrelessly to restore all computer systems within the department and communicaƟons. Within hours, all affected systems were back online, and Brad even shared the ﬁx with the City’s IT Department, ensuring a quick recovery citywide. Brad also took on the challenging task of sourcing new laptops for the department’s patrol vehicles. This process involved tesƟng and evaluaƟng various models, negoƟaƟng terms and pricing with vendors, and balancing the department’s needs with budget constraints. His efforts led to the purchase of high‐quality laptops that will serve the patrol division for years to come. Though Brad is officially the IT Technician for the Cape Girardeau Police Department, his contribuƟons go far beyond his job descripƟon. He is always willing to lend a hand, helping with any task or assignment, and his dedicaƟon to service is reﬂected in everything he does. 21 COMMUNICATIONS UNIT The Cape Girardeau Public Safety CommunicaƟons Unit serves as the central hub of the Police Department, playing a vital role in ensuring the safety and well‐being of the community. OperaƟng 24/7, the unit handles both emergency and non‐emergency calls for service, making it the ﬁrst point of contact for those in need of assistance. The CommunicaƟons Unit is essenƟal in responding to the increasing demand for police services, rapidly and efficiently dispatching resources to criƟcal situaƟons. The unit conƟnues to enhance its response capabiliƟes with cuƫng‐edge technology, including the use of “Text 911” and “Prepared Live.” These tools help improve communicaƟon during emergencies, ensuring a more effecƟve and Ɵmely response when every second counts. Staffing The CommunicaƟons Unit is comprised of 15 full‐Ɵme, trained Public Safety Communicators and a civilian CommunicaƟons Manager. Like many other units within the Department, the unit experienced staffing shortages throughout 2024. However, there are signs of improvement in staffing levels as the department heads into 2025. To maintain adequate coverage during this Ɵme, personnel from both the police and ﬁre departments frequently worked addiƟonal shiŌs, ensuring uninterrupted, high‐quality service to the ciƟzens of Cape Girardeau and conƟnued support for on‐duty ﬁrst responders. 22 JAIL UNIT The municipal jail operates as a 20‐bed, direct‐supervision facility, consisƟng of three housing pods, with a fourth pod available for future expansion. Designed for opƟmal security and efficiency, the facility ensures proper separaƟon of court offices, inmates, the public, and employees. With the co‐ locaƟon of the court and jail, the need to transport municipal prisoners to and from City Hall for court appearances has been eliminated. Throughout 2024, the Jail Unit conƟnued to experience signiﬁcant staffing shortages. As a result, inmates sentenced to extended municipal terms by the Cape Girardeau Municipal Court were transferred to the Perry County Sheriff’s Office to maintain the safety of our jail staff. Despite these ongoing staffing challenges, the professionalism and dedicaƟon of the correcƟonal staff assigned to the Jail Unit remain crucial to maintaining a safe environment for both inmates and public safety personnel. Males: 816 Females: 430 Not Speciﬁed: 9 2024 Total: 1,259 AdmiƩed (2024) Unknown: 4 23 TRAINING & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS The Training Unit is the ﬁrst step for new officers as they begin their careers with the Depart‐ ment. It also provides ongoing professional development opportuniƟes for employees throughout the year. CommiƩed to staying current with industry standards, the Training Unit ensures that all officers receive the most up‐to‐date training curriculum. AddiƟonally, the Unit hosts training sessions for other law enforcement agencies. It is responsible for ensuring that all commissioned officers complete the state‐mandated P.O.S.T. program training hours during each reporƟng period. Officer training includes, but is not limited to: AcƟve Shooter Defensive TacƟcs Reality‐Based Scenarios TR A I N I N G U N I T SA F E CO M M U N I T I E S The Training and Community Services Unit is responsible for the Police Department’s Training Unit, Public InformaƟon Office, and crime prevenƟon. Cultural Diversity Use of Force DomesƟc Violence The Cape Girardeau Police Department values cooperaƟon and mutual respect with the news media. Patrolman Bobby Newton serves as the Department's Public InformaƟon Officer. The Department recognizes the importance of the media as a vital tool for keeping the public informed about its acƟviƟes. Patrolman Newton understands that his role is to support the media in gathering informaƟon and reporƟng on news events that impact the residents and visitors of Cape Girardeau. The public's percepƟon of the Department is signiﬁcantly shaped by his efforts and dedicaƟon to facilitaƟng effecƟve communicaƟon. PU B L I C I N F O R M A T I O N The Cape Girardeau Safe CommuniƟes Program aims to implement injury prevenƟon strategies, with a primary focus on traffic safety, to beneﬁt the ciƟzens of Cape Girardeau County. By analyzing collected data, the program idenƟﬁes areas of concern and develops new strategies to address injury prevenƟon. The program is supported by two full‐Ɵme coordinators and a 19‐member Advisory CommiƩee. Funding for the program is provided through grants from the Missouri Department of TransportaƟon's Division of Highway Safety. 24 STATISTICS & CRIME ANALYSIS The NaƟonal Incident‐Based ReporƟng System (NIBRS) is a naƟonwide data collecƟon system used by law enforcement agencies to report crime. Group A offenses, which are the most serious crimes under NIBRS, include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, assault, and other major offenses. These crimes are oŌen the most violent and have a profound impact on the community. They are also the offenses most likely to be solved by law enforcement, making them essenƟal for tracking crime trends. 25 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 SoŌware to Central Square (Zuerchers) due to the Global SoŌware being incapable of tracking NIBRS data. NIBRS is a more robust system and has capabiliƟes of tracking crime data that the UCR lacked. NIBRS tracks 52 speciﬁc crimes including date, Ɵme of day, locaƟon, mulƟple criminal acts commiƩed within the same incident, and much more; plus 10 offenses with liƩle detail and 20 addiƟonal crimes where arrests only were reported. 26 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Solar Eclipse 2024 marked a historic year for Cape Girardeau, as the city was fortunate to experience two remarkable solar eclipses—the ﬁrst on April 8th and the second on August 12th. Both events brought thousands of visitors to the region, eager to witness these rare events. The Cape Girardeau Police Department was at the fore‐ front of ensuring the safety and well‐being of all residents and visitors during both eclipses. Our team worked seamlessly together to guarantee a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Officers were strategically staƟoned across key areas to assist with public safety, answer quesƟons, and address any potenƟal emergencies. Thanks to the collaboraƟon of local law enforcement, ﬁrst responders, and the community, both the April and August eclipses were not only unforgeƩable moments in history but also exemplars of how preparedness and teamwork can bring people together for a shared experience in safety. At the Cape Girardeau Police Department, we believe in maintaining an open dialogue with the community we serve. One of the ways we do this is through our neighborhood roll calls. Officers working the night shiŌ hold their roll call directly in the neighborhoods they patrol, usually at 7:00 p.m. These roll calls serve as an opportunity for officers to receive important updates from previous shiŌs and ensure they’re fully informed on the latest develop‐ ments. But it’s not just about informaƟon‐sharing— it’s also a chance for residents to engage with their officers. This is a perfect Ɵme to ask quesƟons, voice concerns, or simply learn more about what’s happening in your neighborhood or the city as a whole. And, of course, children are always welcome to aƩend, helping foster posiƟve interacƟons between the community and our officers. Neighborhood roll calls typically last about 30 minutes, though the duraƟon may vary depending on the informaƟon being shared, calls for service, and the valuable conversaƟons between officers and ciƟzens. Neighborhood Roll Calls 27 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Lt. Brad Smith Graduates from the PresƟgious FBI NaƟonal Academy Lt. Brad Smith successfully aƩended and graduated from the 292nd Session of the FBI NaƟonal Academy. This signiﬁcant achievement marks Lt. Smith’s place among an elite group of law enforcement professionals worldwide. InternaƟonally recognized for its academic excellence, the FBI NaƟonal Academy offers an intensive 11‐week program focused on advanced communicaƟon, leadership, and ﬁtness training. AƩendance at the academy is reserved for law enforcement professionals with proven experƟse and exemplary records within their agencies. ParƟcipaƟon in the FBI NaƟonal Academy is a rare opportunity, with only 1% of law enforcement officers worldwide earning the privilege to aƩend. Lt. Smith’s compleƟon of the program places him among the best in the profession and ensures he brings enhanced skills and leadership back to the Cape Girardeau Police Department. The Cape Girardeau Police Department was thrilled to host this year’s NaƟonal Night Out on August 6th at Arena Park, bringing together the community for an unforgeƩable evening of fun and connecƟon. With a strong showing from local ﬁrst responders, a variety of vendors, and generous sponsors, the event was packed with exciƟng acƟviƟes and opportuniƟes to engage with those who serve and protect the city. It was a true celebraƟon of community spirit, offering something for everyone— from kids to adults—and fostering posiƟve relaƟon‐ ships between ciƟzens and law enforcement. The hard work and dedicaƟon from all involved made this year’s NaƟonal Night Out a night to remember for Cape Girardeau residents of all ages! NaƟonal Night Out 28 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Driving While Impaired (DWI) Enforcement The Cape Girardeau Police Department is proud to report a signiﬁcant milestone in impaired driving enforcement, with officers handling 135 Driving While Impaired (DWI) cases in 2024. This marks the highest total since 2017, when the department managed 150 DWI cases. Notably, only 35% of these cases were a result of vehicle crashes, the lowest percentage since 2018 (32%). This shiŌ underscores the department’s proacƟve approach to traffic safety, as officers are increasingly idenƟfying impaired drivers through rouƟne traffic stops, rather than solely responding to incidents involving impaired driving. Patrolman Michael Spies led the department with 29 DWI cases in 2024. His dedicated efforts to remove impaired drivers from our roads are a testament to the department’s commitment to public safety. The Cape Girardeau Police Department extends its thanks to all officers for their hard work, as well as to the community for its conƟnued support. Looking ahead to 2025, the department remains steadfast in its commitment to proacƟve enforcement and enhancing roadway safety. 29 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Technology Upgrades In 2024, the Cape Girardeau Police Department made signiﬁcant strides in upgrading its technology to beƩer serve the community. The department introduced new body cameras for officers, enhancing transparency and accountability during interacƟons with the public. These upgraded cameras offer improved video quality and reliability, ensuring a higher level of evidence collecƟon and documentaƟon. AddiƟonally, all police vehicles were equipped with new mobile data terminals (MDTs), allowing officers to access criƟcal informaƟon more quickly and efficiently while on patrol. These upgrades not only bolster operaƟonal efficiency but also further strengthen the department's commitment to transparency, safety, and effecƟve service to the community. Rollout of the MDTs began in late December 2024 and will conƟnue into the early weeks of 2025. Technology & Community Safety Partnerships In 2024, the Cape Girardeau Police Department conƟnued its commitment to enhancing public safety through technology by renewing its yearly agreements with ShotSpoƩer and Flock. These innovaƟve tools support the department’s mission to respond quickly and effecƟvely to incidents in our community. ShotSpoƩer: This gunshot detecƟon system remains a crucial tool for improvement response Ɵmes to gun‐related incidents, providing real‐Ɵme alerts that help officers assess the situaƟon and deploy resources more effecƟvely. Flock Safety: The renewal of then Flock Safety agreement ensures the conƟnued use of automated license plate readers to assist in the invesƟgaƟon of vehicle‐related incidents and to bolster crime prevenƟon efforts through data‐driven soluƟons. These partnerships reinforce our department’s dedicaƟon to using technology in the service of public safety and community well‐being. 30 Roll Call 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 31 The 2024 Annual Report is produced by the Office of the Chief of Police Cape Girardeau Missouri Police Department Compiled By Sara Stensland, CAP, PM AdministraƟve Manager StaƟsƟcs Ptlm. Bobby Bollinger Council‐Manager Government Mayor Mrs. Stacy Kinder City Manager Dr. Kenneth Haskin Council Members: Ward 1: Mr. Dan Presson (Mayor Pro Tem) Ward 2: Ms. Tameka Randle Ward 3: Mr. Nate Thomas Ward 4: Mr. David Cantrell Ward 5: Mr. RheƩ Pierce / Mr. Ryan Essex Ward 6: Mr. Mark Bliss Cape Girardeau Police Department 2530 Maria Louise Lane, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701 www.cityofcape.org/police