SJPD Family Crimes Unit

City Weekly
St. Joseph, Missouri
SJPD Family Crimes Unit
City news & information....
December 31, 2014
www.stjoemo.info
Channel 19
(816) 279-4YOU
by Sergeant Jennifer Protzman
The St. Joseph Police Department Family Crimes Unit is comprised of four investigators who include detectives Trenny Wilson, Quentin Abbott, Dustin Robinson, and Jason Strong, and are supervised by Sgt. Jennifer Protzman. The Family Crimes Unit primarily investigates domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault,
and missing persons cases. These types of cases are complex and require extensive investigation which
can take endless hours to properly complete. This is especially amplified in child abuse and sexual assault
investigations. Written statements must be taken not only from victims, eye witnesses, and suspects, but
also from corroborating witnesses. Corroborating witnesses are those who were not directly involved or
did not actually witness the incident, but have information to support, confirm, or contradict other statements and evidence in the case.
Physical evidence must be identified, collected, and sent for analysis which could take several months for the lab to process depending on the type of the crime and how back-logged they are. Corroborating evidence must also be obtained. Often times,
obtaining certain evidence requires search warrants and subpoenas, which is an additional necessary tool in an investigation that
can be time consuming. Properly investigating a crime to ensure all the facts and evidence have been gathered does not happen
in a one-hour episode like popular television crime shows lead you to believe.
Being a family crimes detective requires extensive training. An investigator must keep up with their training on a yearly basis in
order to stay educated in the crimes they investigate and to be able to be a competent witness when testifying in court. Children
13 and under are sometimes deemed as being impressionable and easily influenced, so special training is necessary to be able to
properly interview them. Detectives must complete a lengthy course that involves the education portion, practical scenarios, and
testing which allows them to be able to be a “forensic interviewer.” This is necessary for the detective to be able to testify later in
court as to what the child disclosed. Family crimes detectives work as part of a multi-disciplinary team along with other agencies
such as the juvenile office, prosecutor’s office, and children’s division.
Forensic interviewing of children provides for a structured interview to show that the child was not led or told what to say. Generally, forensic interviews are conducted at the Children’s Advocacy Center which is a child-friendly environment away from the police station. The center has on-site counselors who will follow-up with the children and provide counseling services at no expense
to the family.
With public education and awareness, among other society factors, family-related crimes have been on the rise and the case load
is demanding. Family crimes-related incidents in St. Joseph
have exceeded 5,000 so far this year. SJPD family crimes detectives proudly take a proactive approach and participate in
community-oriented coalitions, and also take their knowledge
out into the community by educating students, teachers, parents, and the community.
Quentin Abbott, Trenny Wilson, Dustin Robinson, Jennifer Protzman, and Jason Strong.
UAVs
by Abe Forney, Airport General Manager
When I began flight school in 1998, my instructor joked that in 30 years the cockpit of the aircraft would
have a person in the pilot seat and a dog in the co-pilot seat. The person was in charge of monitoring the
systems throughout the aircraft and the dog was there to bite the person if he touched anything. Well,
those days he joked about are here. Unmanned aircraft (UA) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are no
longer visions of the future; they are the realities of today. The UA is the flying portion of the system, flown
by a pilot via a ground control system, or autonomously through use of an on-board computer, communication links, and additional equipment that is necessary for the UA to operate safely. Examples of other
types of equipment include a control station, data links, telemetry, communications and navigation equipment, etc., necessary to operate the unmanned aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues an
experimental airworthiness certificate for the entire system, not just the flying portion of the system.
The popularity of UA, or drones as most of us call them, has increased exponentially throughout the last decade. Currently, in the
United States, it is illegal to fly UA commercially, though the possibility of delivering packages and goods to customers with drones
is something companies are already strongly investigating. Amazon’s Chief Executive Jeff Bezos unveiled plans last year to deliver
goods to customers via a squadron of UA. Dominos Pizza, too, is considering UA to deliver their pizzas to our front doorsteps.
Currently, FAA guidelines say that model aircraft flights should be flown a sufficient distance from populated areas and full scale
aircraft should be kept within visual line of sight of the operator. Also, the FAA requires businesses to obtain approval for flying UA
for experimental drone development. With that being stated, the operations for commercial use will need to be even more clear,
safe, and regulated.
Although we hear about these aircraft all the time, I personally think we are still a ways away from seeing businesses use them on
a daily basis and a very long way from seeing them fly passengers. The demands of the FAA are changing. With the focus on UA,
comes an exciting new frontier for universities and flight schools to train new pilots on all things UA. The countless new issues,
regulations, and protocol to regulate regarding the use of UA in a potentially commercial use are being researched and drafted
now. We are on the cusp of a very different life in the United States when it comes to UA, but for now, we will just have to settle for
a hot pizza delivered by an actual homosapien.
A Minor Rant and a Major Rave
by Carolyn Harrison, Director of Administrative Services
As of the date this City Weekly is published, I will be, as they say, a short-timer... fifteen working days left
until I retire. As my last contribution to the City Weekly, I thought I’d take a little time to air one rant and
one rave.
My little rant is about the state of the vocabulary used in my profession. I’m not even going to go into
the acronyms used. I once provided a city council with a list of dozens of acronyms and what they stood
for. Acronyms are found in all professions – public and private. I’ve been in the government business for
thirty-six years and what has begun to grate on me, like nothing else, is the use and abuse of whatever
happens to be the jargon-of-the-year. These are words and phrases which come into vogue for a year or
two only to be supplanted by the next “new thing.”
Some that come to mind include: metrics of success, Sigma 6, institutional capacity building, lean applications (or just ‘lean’),
stakeholders, resilience. I could drone on. You find any of the above terms in the professional literature and, inevitably, the author
provides its definition. My feeling – if you have to define it, just use plain English in the first place.
However, the two words I would love to never read/hear again are “sustainability” and “transparency.” I call a personal foul on them
due to criminal overuse. For example, transparency jumped the shark when I heard it used by a local used car salesman in his TV
pitch. Enough. Really.
My rave: It has been an exciting, challenging, rewarding pleasure, both personally and professionally, working for the city of St. Joseph these last sixteen years. I will miss doing the budget (if not the hours involved). I will miss the involvement in so many aspects
of the city’s services and missions. Most of all, I will miss the people with whom I’ve worked. Thank you all.
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Stop by City Hall to pick up a free calendar, and have city meetings and events already pencilled in for you! Copies are in the city
manager and city clerk offices on the third floor, and in customer
service on the first floor.
2015 city calendars are now available.
What’s Happening?
City departments at a glance...
City Manager’s Office...
• We wish you and your family a happy and
healthy new year, and look forward to
continuing to provide quality customer
service to our community.
• As a reminder, the City Weekly will be
published every other week until sometime
after the first of the year. Thanks for your
continued interest in this publication.
Police Department...
The police department would like to thank
the members of our community for helping
keep St. Joseph a safe place for the holidays.
Public Works & Transportation...
In 2012, the FAA approved the use of iPads in the
cockpit. They are used to replace a pilot’s kitbag
(paper manuals and maps weighing 35 lbs.).
When fully implemented, American Airlines
estimates it could save $1.2 million in fuel.
Planning & Community Development...
The property maintenance work crew completed four
weed, eleven trash, five rank growth, one brush abatement,
and one dangerous building securing.
Health Department...
The health department wishes everyone a
“healthy” 2015!
Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities...
If you haven’t been through Holiday Park or the South
Pole yet, you are missing out on a fantastic light display!
However, you still have this weekend to drive through
the parks. The last opportunity for this year is Sunday
evening. The parks are open nightly from 6-10pm.
Administrative Services...
The city’s FY2014 Annual Financial Report and
application for the Certificate of Excellence in
Financial Reporting have been submitted to the
Government Financial Officers Association.
Fire Department...
The department’s new first responder trucks have
been decaled and striped. Radios and knox boxes are
scheduled for installation soon.
Money, Money, Money Did You Know?
A resolution authorizing execution of Work Order
Number R40050-04 with Snyder & Associates, Inc. for
design of the Krug Park Lagoon and Waterfall Project in
an amount not to exceed $67,500.
• Rosecrans Memorial Airport just signed a new farm lease
for $188.15 per acre. This will increase annual revenue for
the airport about $30,000 annually.
• St. Joseph’s first known lawman was Constable Howell
Thomas in 1845. In 1858, the local police department
was known as the “city guard.”
• Although soon to retire, Carolyn Harrison may be back
on an occasional basis to help with the FY2016 budget.
Your Tax
Dollars At Work
Creature Feature
Gonzo is a stunning black
and white cat. He is 3-5 years
of age and is looking for a
home to roam around in.
Gonzo will be approximately
$62.50 to make him a part
of your family (adoption,
fecal, neuter, vaccinations,
registration, microchip).
The renovations of the health department’s social welfare
area should be complete in the near future.
For information call 271-4877
Hours of operation:
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 1-5:30pm
Wednesday 1-6:30pm
Friday & Saturday 1-4:30pm
Property Maintenance Update
6318 Grant Street
A notice was sent to the owner of
6318 Grant Street to remove trash
bags, scattered trash and debris
from the entire property. Upon
re-inspection, the owner had not
complied so the property was
placed on a work order, cleaned
by our work crew, and a bill sent
to the owner.
BEFORE
AFTER
To Your Health Parks, Recreation
Setting a Fit-Tastic New Year’s Resolution
If living a healthier lifestyle is part of your New Year’s resolution, then let these five healthy habits help you to become
12345 Fit-Tastic in 2015!
1 HOUR OR MORE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY - Be active 60 minutes or more each day. Staying active can help you keep your
energy up and reach or stay at a healthy weight.
& Civic Facilities
Local History Stage
2 HOURS MAXIMUM OF SCREEN TIME - Less time spent watching TV, playing video games, or texting means more time being active. Keep screen time to less than two hours a day.
3 SERVINGS OF LOW OR NONFAT MILK OR YOGURT - Drinking
milk helps make bones and teeth strong. Include three servings each day.
4 SERVINGS OF WATER NOT SUGARY DRINKS - Water is best
to keep your body running well and for when you are thirsty.
Drink at least four glasses of water a day. Be sure to check the
label on flavored waters. Many are full of added sugars.
5 SERVINGS OR MORE OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES - Fresh,
frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables are full of important
vitamins, minerals, water, and fiber that help keep your body
healthy! Be sure to include five or more servings each day.
Learn more at www.12345Fit-Tastic.org
Public Safety Corner
Stay off the Ice to Stay Safe
Recent articles about people and animals falling through
the ice and into lakes or ponds is a good reminder to be
aware of the different types of ice and the fact that the only
safe ice is that which you don’t walk on.
Ice thickness is the most recognized factor in determining
ice strength, however, you can’t judge ice safety strictly
on thickness alone, since ice does not form or maintain
uniform thickness. Wind can either speed up ice formation
or slow it down. Light winds help with ice formation by
dropping the water temperature, while heavy winds slow
down ice formation by creating choppy conditions in the
water. Snow can also affect the ice either way as well. In
the fall, snow may insulate a thin layer of ice and slow its
growth while in the spring a layer of snow may insulate
a well developed ice sheet and slow its deterioration. Air
temperatures consistently below 32 degrees will form
stronger ice than fluctuating temperatures do. Fluctuating
temperatures cause wet or dry cracks. You should always
avoid cracks that meet at 90% angles.
Date:
Time:
Location:
January 14, 2015
1pm
JRP Senior Center
100 South 10th Street
Glimpses of Our Historic Past presented by Joni and Gary
Westcott. Gary is the creator of a Facebook page of the
same name. Joni is the owner of the Downtown Abbey.
The Westcott’s will tell about the history of St. Joseph
inspired by the Facebook page and also tell the history
of The Downtown Abbey which is currently remodeled
as an event space.
JRP Senior Center...
Weekly Cafeteria Menu
Located at 100 South 10th Street - St. Joseph, MO
CAFETERIA HOURS:
Tuesdays - Fridays from 11am-12:30pm
CAFETERIA OPEN TO ALL AGES
Meal is $4 and includes entree, two side dishes,
bread, and coffee or tea.
MENU January 6-9
Tuesday
Country Fried Steak
WednesdayGoulash
Thursday Beef Patty
FridayTenderloin
Menu Subject to Change
Groups of 7 or more, call for reservations.
Get Connected
DATE
TIME
January 5, 2015
EVENT
LOCATION
City Council Work Session
4th Floor Conference Room, City Hall
January 5
7pm
City Council meeting
Council Chamber, City Hall
January 6
1pm
Administrative Violation Review Board Meeting
4th Floor Conference Room, City Hall
7pm
Landmark Commission
Council Chamber, City Hall
Downtown Review Board
Council Chamber, City Hall
January 7
6:15pm
City of St. Joseph public meeting information ...
5:30pm
Full-Time City Job Opportunities
Visit www.stjoemo.info for more information ...
POSITION
WAGE
DEPARTMENT
DEADLINE TO APPLY
Firefighter
$31,233 Annually
Fire
Applications taken year-round
Electronics Technician
$15.49 Hourly
Public Works & Transportation
January 4, 2015
Booking Officer
$12.27 Hourly
Police
January 4, 2015
Airport Maintenance Specialist
$14.62 Hourly
Public Works & Transportation
January 11, 2015
Purchasing Agent
$47,931 Annually
Administrative Services
January 11, 2015
Airport Operations Manager
$47,931 Annually
Public Works & Transportation
January 19, 2015
Police Officer
$17.60 Hourly
Police
June 30, 2015
Seasonal City Job Opportunities
Visit www.stjoemo.info for more information ...
POSITION
WAGE
DEPARTMENT
DEADLINE TO APPLY
Referee - Youth Basketball
$10 - $15 Hourly
Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities
January 9, 2015
Concession Attendent - REC Center
$7.50 Hourly
Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities
March 1, 2015
Informational Segments
Current video segments running on Channel 19 ...
TOPIC
DEPARTMENT/ORIGINATOR
Combined Sewer Overflow
Public Works & Transportation
Get Connected
General
Hike & Bike Trail Etiquette
General
St. Joseph Avenue Bike Lane
Winterizing Your Home
• Channel 19 •
General
Planning & Community Development
Winter Weather - Emergency Snow Ordinance
Public Works & Transportation
Winter Weather - Snow Removal
Public Works & Transportation
Winter Weather - Sidewalks
Public Works & Transportation
Winter Pet Care
Health
Around Town...
DATE
TIME
January 3, 2015
7pm
Take advantage of what our community has to offer ...
EVENT
LOCATION
The Volunteers - Dancing at the Senior Center
JRP Senior Center
January 10
6:30pm
Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet
Civic Arena
January 10
7:30pm
Dancing Clark’s Mega Tunes
JRP Senior Center
January 16 - 18
varies
St. Joseph Sport Show
Civic Arena
January 17
7pm
Klasik Kuntry Musik Band
JRP Senior Center
January 23-24
varies
Ag & Rural Lifestyle Show
Civic Arena
January 31- February 1
8am
St. Joseph Kennel Club Dog Show
Civic Arena
February 7
8pm
PAA presents Cantus
Missouri Theater
February 7-8
varies
Gun Show
Civic Arena
February 14-15
varies
St. Joseph Antique & Vintage Mart
Civic Arena
February 20-22
varies
RRT presents Tarzan
Missouri Theater
February 21-22
9am
Liberty Nationals Youth Wrestling
Civic Arena
Black Snake Roller Derby Girls
Civic Arena
February 27
6 & 7:30pm
February 28
1-3pm
Kids Craft - Edible Igloos
Remington Nature Center
March 1
11am
UCP Annual Chili Challenge
Civic Arena
March 3
TBA
MSHSAA - Class 1 Boys and Girls Basketball Sectionals
Civic Arena
Wishing you and your family a
healthy and happy holiday season!
City Directory
St. Joseph 2014 - 2018 City Council
Mayor’s Office
City Council
City Manager’s Office
City Attorney
City Clerk
Administrative Services
Finance & Revenue
Human Resources
Municipal Court
Purchasing
Utility Billing
Fire Department
Health Department
Animal Control & Rescue
Birth/Death Certificates
Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities
Bode Sports Complex
Civic Arena
Fairview Golf Course
JRP Senior Center
REC Center
Remington Nature Center
Sports Information Line
Planning and Community Development
Planning & Zoning
Property Maintenance
Police Department
Public Works & Transportation
Landfill
Recycling Center
Rosecrans Memorial Airport
Street Information Line
Street & Sewer Maintenance
Transit
Water Protection
Mayor Bill Falkner
(816) 271-4640 • bfalkner@ci.st-joseph.mo.us
Deputy Mayor Pat Jones, District I
(816) 244-6229 • pjones@ci.st-joseph.mo.us
Ken Beck, Councilmember-At-Large
(816) 273-3108 • kbeck@ci.st-joseph.mo.us
Donna Jean Boyer, Councilmember-At-Large
(816) 279-5259 • djboyer@ci.st-joseph.mo.us
Kent O’Dell, Councilmember-At-Large
(816) 341-4502 • kodell@ci.st-joseph.mo.us
Joyce Starr, District II
(816) 244-3906 • jstarr@ci.st-joseph.mo.us
PJ Kovac, District III
(816) 261-2934 • pjkovac@ci.st-joseph.mo.us
Gary Roach, District IV
(816) 341-4506 • groach@ci.st-joseph.mo.us
Barbara LaBass, District V
(816) 233-9838 • blabass@ci.st-joseph.mo.us
Department Directors
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271-4640
271-4730
271-4610
271-4680
271-4730
271-5526
271-5526
271-4670
271-4686
271-4696
271-4773
271-4603
271-4636
271-4877
271-4636
271-5500
271-5352
271-4717
271-5350
271-4666
271-5512
271-5499
271-5503
271-4827
271-4827
271-5342
271-4702
271-4653
253-1120
232-4401
271-4886
271-4699
271-4848
233-6700
271-4693
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Phone...
279-4YOU
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www.stjoemo.info
TV...
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“City of St. Joseph MO”
Front (L-R) Bill McKinney-Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities; Chris Connally-Police
Channel
Middle (L-R) Carolyn Harrison-Administrative Services;
Debra Bradley-Health; Lisa Robertson-Legal
Back (L-R) Mike Dalsing-Fire; Bruce Woody-City Manager; Online streaming of live and archived City Council and Planning
Jody Carlson-Public Works and Transportation; Clint Commission meetings available at www.stjoemo.info/media
Thompson-Planning and Community Development