the SNSO STAR

Perseverance is truly a state of mind and the ability to withstand or outlast the discomfort of a difficult situation. This agency has persevered and endured the effects of personnel shortages for a good many years. Presently, our agency is operating at a shortage of 18 deputies from our allocated staffing numbers. Additionally, our Communication center operates well below the authorized numbers by 19 positions. All in all, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office has been operating with a total deficit of 49 people throughout the agency.

Like so many governmental agencies throughout the city, county and state we have endured the budgetary constraints. Subsequently, several agency and department administrators have been forced to make the difficult budgetary cuts by lay-offs. Consequently, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office has been in a significant position of “lay-offs” for several years simply because we made the conscious decision to leave positions vacant to overcome budgetary shortfalls. Moreover, our agency has worked with a personnel deficit for a considerable amount of time. We have averaged 38 total vacant positions (including 12 deputies, 21 communication specialist) for the past five years. Sadly, the people of this county feel the effects of

staff shortages as calls for service are affected by inadequate staffing. Adequate staffing plays a role in how many officers are available to patrol in an effort to prevent crime and/or motor vehicle crashes. Simply said, an officer’s mere presence can deter crime. We have all heard of the saying, “out of sight, out of mind.” Truly that becomes a factor for individuals that commit crime or traffic offenses. This can be said for those that commit traffic offenses as well. Individuals generally behave properly in the presence of law enforcement. Although officers cannot be everywhere all the time; a substantial presence will make a difference.

I have a serious concern as it relates to providing services to the constituents of Shawnee County. Public and officer safety obligations require that the Sheriff’s Office staff an adequate amount of on-duty personnel. Thus, several shift positions require a “call back” or “hold over” of personnel to adequately fulfill our obligated duties of public

From the desk of Sheriff Herman T. Jones

Undersheriff 2

Major 3

Chaplain 3

Investigations 5

Services 6

Communications 7

Operations 8

Inside this issue

May/June 2014

safety. These measures increase agency cost since many of the supplemental staff in these cases require overtime compensation. Essentially, overtime cost has a substantial effect on conducting public safety. With the help from our County Commission I am hopeful they will see fit to fund the Sheriff’s budget so that we might be able to adequately provide police duties for the safety of our community.

Nonetheless, the employees of this agency have persevered during these shortages but remained vigilant to their profession. Often I receive positive comments regarding their conduct in the field, in the office and on the phone. Our personnel are to be commended for their tenacity of providing quality service to the citizens in our community. Every day the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office prove to be the Shining Stars of Shawnee County.

As you go about your daily duties remember to stay safe and be well.

WWW.SHAWNEESHERIFF.ORG

Sheriff Jones welcomed this years Sunflower Girls State, “Sheriff’s” June 6th.

Message from Undersheriff Terry L. Maple

Since our last newsletter, the Accounting, Professional Standards and Community Services Staff have been busy with a variety of activities.

The Accounting Section has worked diligently to craft for consideration and submission the Sheriff’s 2015 Budget request. Much work went on internally with Sheriff Office Staff and other County Partners and stakeholders to craft the document that was submitted. They have also been actively working with Audit Finance and other partners in identifying fiscal resources to finalize recommendations for our 2012 Certificate of Participation payments as well as working to provide the Sheriff and Staff accurate forecasting information on current year budget resources. Additionally, they have managed to keep up with activities and processes necessary for successful daily operation of the Office of the Sheriff. This a great demand to place on our two person staff. Diana and Sharlene have worked hard to balance all of the required duties and responsibilities and I sincerely appreciate their efforts.

Sheriff Jones directed the Professional Standards Section to conduct a Deputy Hiring Process. Lt. Bronaugh has been actively working with the Human Resources Department in identifying and processing applications. Physical performance testing was conducted with the help of our Reserves and other members of the agency. Our Records Section is currently conducting electronic background inquiries and detailed background investigations are expected to be in Deputies hands in the near future. Depending on results of the background investigations and applicant success in the remainder of the hiring process and available funding the Sheriff has indicated he would like to hire up to four Deputies to help address staffing issues.

Since managing end of school activities, the Community Services Section has been extremely busy. They started the summer running and are just finishing up two highly successful week long SNSO Youth Camps. Nearly 100 Shawnee County youth attended the events held the first couple weeks of June. Campers got a chance to see an overview of the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office as well receiving some quality information from our public safety, media, and other community partners. As I understand it, there was also some spirited dodge ball competition between Deputies and Campers. I believe the SNSO Deputies Dodge ball Team is still undefeated. Notwithstanding, there was much very positive interaction between Campers and Deputies and many positive comments were received. Campers were also personally recognized, congratulated and received a Certificate of Attendance from Sheriff Jones.

Community Services has also been actively involved in the planning for the National Night out against Crime. To date, 63 neighborhoods have signed up to participate. It is estimated that as many as 9,500 people are scheduled to participate. This year’s event will be held August 9

th. You will certainly hear more about

this county wide event in the not too distant future.

Sheriff Jones and Undersheriff Maple,

I wanted to thank the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office for putting on the youth academy. My daughter Regan at-tended the academy at Seaman. All of the deputies did an excellent job based on how much fun my daughter had and what she learned. I got to hear about Regan’s morn-ings each day after I picked her up, she was very excited to share. I was able to easily tell how much fun she had by the enthusiasm she expressed as she related the days events to me. Regan really enjoyed the K-9, so a special thanks to Deputy Boling. She now thinks she wants to be a K-9 Officer someday!

I learned of the Youth Academy on your facebook page, great resource keep it up!

Thanks for everything that the Sheriff’s office does on a daily basis to make Shawnee County a better and safer community.

Jerod J. Bond

Special Investigator II

Fraud and Special Investigation Division

Kansas Department of Labor

401 SW Topeka Blvd.

Topeka, KS 66603

SNSO Personnel received an awareness brief from members of the Heart of America Joint Terrorism Task Force June 16th.

Those who serve in Law Enforcement are often called peacemakers. We enter into a troubled situation and endeavor to bring peace.

Jesus said, Matthew 5:9

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons (daughters) of God”

“We’ve got to recognize that we are not working (primarily) for a peaceful world. Peace will be a by-product of something else. We are working for a world of justice and rightness. Peace is a by-product of justice and mercy.” by Stanly High

May your day be filled with Blessing.

-your Chaplain

Chaplain’s Corner Chaplain John Hansen

“PEACEMAKERS”

Major Phil Blume

By the time this newsletter is published it will most likely be summer. For me personally, summer is a favorite season and that makes it easy for me to have a positive attitude and that connects to this specific newsletter piece. Hopefully for you summer is also a time of positive interaction. I do have to admit that I usually have some idea or some event that has recently occurred that gives me very specific ideas on what I should address in my newsletter article. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, I haven’t had that happen for this particular newsletter article.

For this article, though, I would like to address something as much for myself as for others and that is the stance of positive and negative thinking. It is so easy to get wrapped up in thinking about such things as what we don’t have, what we have to do and what others get. Instead of this what we should be addressing are the things that we do have and of what we get to do and are capable of doing. Negativity breeds more negativity and then it spreads. Negativity is something that is for people who are lazy. Anyone can sit around and do nothing but complain about what is wrong with someone else or some situation in our lives, it is so easy to wallow in self pity. It takes effort and energy to address things positively and move beyond the negative thoughts of ourselves or others. Just today I have had a couple of instances where I have thought, ‘I could have handled that situation differently.’

Changing a mindset is not as difficult as one may think, it is all in the perspective that one chooses to accept. We must all deal with information or processes that may not meet with our approval, but how we handle that is entirely up to ourselves. So the challenge that I face is how will I handle negativity today and each day forward?

Think about it. Having a great attitude is not the result of having a great live; having a great life is the result of having a great attitude.

Congratulations to

Deputy Joe Forshee

Porter Steven-June 6th, 7lbs. 6oz.

Herman,

I just wanted to let you know that Todd and Tim attended the GTEAP ToT last week and it was a pleasure working with both of them. I was really impressed with them, they fully participated, and contributed to some great conversations. I look forward to working with both Tim and Todd on this project.

In fact, we are lacking trainers in Region 1 (NW Kansas) and Tim offered to train in that region if we needed him to, with your ap-proval and if funding is available, of course.

Thanks and it was great to see you last week at KLETC.

Take care,

Shirley Fessler sfessler@kcsdv.org Criminal Justice Project Coordinator

Thanks to our employees, retirees and public safety partners our annual Employee Appreciation Lunch on June 5th was as success!

Partnerships in Motion

SNSO Deputies and other local law enforcement officers & Special Olympics athletes gathered at the Statehouse June 4th for the Topeka leg of the Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Sheriff & Mrs. Jones helping with a lunch for Vacation Bible School attendees at the First Presbyterian Church June 12th.

Approximately 900 participants in the annual “Biking Across Kansas” passed through Rossville, Silver Lake and other parts of Shawnee County June 12th. Deputies assisted bikers and motorists to help insure everyone’s safe travel.

Investigations Captain Phil Higdon

Summer has finally arrived and with the warmer weather comes those unsavory types who seize the opportunity to take advantage of the hard working citizens of Shawnee County. Recently there has been an increase in burglaries to vehicle‘s, most of which were the result of unlocked vehicles. The Investigation Division asks that you take just an extra second to remove any valuables from your vehicle and lock your doors even if parked in your drive. Don’t be a victim!

The Investigation Unit wishes to thank the citizens within Shawnee County that have reported suspicious activity in their area. Some of the calls have resulted in deterring crime and or apprehending individuals in the commission of a crime. Deputy Coffin was selected to fill the open position in the Crime Scene Unit, welcome back!

On February 15th, 2014 George K. Winter was found deceased in the roadway near the intersection of SE Howard and

Croco Road. Detective Clemmons needs assistance from YOU the citizens of Shawnee County in determining what happened to Mr. Winter the night of the 15th and bring closure to his family. Anyone with information pertaining to the death of Mr. Winters is asked to call Detective Clemmons at (785) 251-2254.

The last two weeks I had the opportunity to visit both summer camps sponsored by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office. I’ve got to say there are some really great kids in our community. Good job to the Community Service Unit for a successful summer camp.

As always stay safe!

National Council on Fireworks Safety Offers Common Sense Tips

for Staying Safe During Holiday Celebrations

Using consumer fireworks on New Years is a tradition. And it can be safe if a few common sense rules are followed, says Ralph Apel, the spokesperson for the National Council on Fireworks Safety. Consumer fireworks go through vigorous third party testing in China before being shipped to the United States. But he notes, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”), there were an estimated 9,600 fireworks related injuries during the Fourth of July season in 2011. Most of these injuries would not have occurred if the fireworks had been used under close adult supervision and if some basic safety steps had been taken. The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these common sense safety tips for using consumer fireworks in hopes that injuries to consumers can be greatly reduced this season:

Always purchase fireworks from a reliable source.

Use fireworks as directed on consumer product safety label; never alter products.

Observe local laws and use good COMMON SENSE.

Have a designated shooter to organize and shoot your family show.

A responsible ADULT should supervise all firework activities.

Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.

Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.

Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; AWAY from buildings and vehicles.

NEVER carry fireworks in your POCKET.

Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.

Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.

Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.

Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor trash can.

Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

Services Captain Michael Kolbek

Greetings from the Services Division.

As of this writing there remains one in-service training period and one 8 hour firearms training for this training year (ends June 30

th). If you have not attained at least your 40 hours of training I encourage you to not waste any time in

contacting your supervisor about getting this taken care of. Ultimately it is your responsibility.

Welcome to Erin Subelka, Office Assistant II in Records. Ms. Subelka is a welcome addition to the unit. Welcome aboard. Also, congratulations are in order for Lezlie Vargas who was selected for and transferred to the Warrants Unit from Records. I wish you well in your new endeavors.

As many of you know, our agency has nearly completed the transition to the new radio system. The portion of this transition for Services has mainly been the installation of the mobile radios in our vehicles. By and large this process is almost completed. This was a team effort requiring the coordination of all the divisions but especially Sgt. Good, John Suther, and Jeff Rhoads. Thank you for all of your continued hard work.

As previously discussed, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office has decided to alter our Accreditation somewhat in that we will pursue a Tier One accreditation. While this reduces the number of standards we are required to adhere to it does not diminish the priority established by Sheriff Jones that we remain accredited. If you are tasked with any CALEA related duties please make them a priority. Currently we are in about as good of shape as possible for 2012 and 2013 but a lot of work remains for 2014. Thanks to Deputy Pittz for her hard work both in getting up to speed in the

administrative processes of accreditation and also in her tireless efforts to get us where we are today.

A shout out to our Accounting folks is in order. Even though they are not part of the Services Division so much of what they do touches us all. I see it every day, and especially this time of year as they toil over getting the budget ready all the while still fulfilling their daily duties to make sure the bills are paid and our paychecks are on time and accurate. Thanks ladies for all you do.

Lastly, last month (May) was Motorcycle Safety Month and June 16th

was Ride Your Bike To Work Day so some motorcycling safety tidbits are in order. As the weather continues to warm up there will be many two wheeled travelers out and about on our roadways. So as to be fair and balanced I offer the following:

1. If you are a motorcyclist, be conspicuous. Wear bright colored clothing, invest in a modulating headlight, and first and foremost ride defensively. I don’t believe they really are trying to kill us, but we do share some responsibility in helping them see us.

2. For you “cagers” out there, recognize the fact that there are motorcycles on the road. They enjoy the same rights on the roadway as you do (and the same responsibilities). Understand that they are less obvious than a car and oftentimes it is difficult to judge their speed due to their size. Look twice before turning left or entering a roadway from a stop.

3. To both of you, should you choose to partake in adult beverages this summer, have a plan so you don’t have to get behind the wheel (or handlebars) of your ride. Be safe and enjoy this awesome time of year.

Communications Captain Lance Royer

The new P25 radio system project made steady progress over the past two months as participating agencies have been “going live” one by one. Hundreds of P25 portables were issued to Topeka Police Department officers, which started at 5 a.m. on May 5, by Radio Services staff, Lt. John Ostenson, and myself. TPD personnel joined the system as they received radios. The massive project of programming new P25 radios continues. Mobile radios were programmed and installed for all Shawnee County Sheriff vehicles, and programming and installation on P25 radios commenced for TPD cars. Portables have been issued to Topeka Fire Department personnel, and installations are complete on TFD vehicles. Because of difficulties that would be encountered in Communications attempting to dispatch to fire agencies simultaneously on the new vs. old radio systems, TFD will not go fully live until rural fire agencies in Shawnee County are ready to join P25. Soldier Fire, Shawnee Heights Fire, and Mission Fire have been issued new P25 radios, but other Shawnee County rural fire agencies are still pending. SCECC personnel are adapting well to hurdles encountered in radio operations created by the transition from the old radio system to the new. In mid-May, Motorola notified me of a possible microphone cord malfunction on the law enforcement portables, so all 600-plus portables are being tested. A small percentage of defective radios have been returned to Motorola for exchange. Other issues identified since the radios went live are being addressed. The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office went live on portables in April.

Shawnee County New World project “build” teams continue their efforts to customize our New World Systems Microsoft Platform (MSP) CAD and records management system for use by individual participating agencies. The teams are working to utilize mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) features. GIS integrates hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, and displaying geographic data, and combines spatial data with map services. MSP is heavily dependent on GIS interfaces, so once MSP is functional with GIS, the project will have completed a significant step forward. The SCECC build team has met regularly to consult on CAD issues and with Nick Callaghan, Shawnee County GIS Coordinator, and Rodger Shepard, Topeka Fire Department Communications Officer, to answer questions related to GIS and mapping. Lloyd Trimble (Shawnee County I.T.) and John Goldsmith (Topeka Police Department I.T.) have been working many hours on multiple aspects of MSP programming and security issues. Much work remains for all build teams, which include teams from SNSO CAD and Records, TPD Records, TFD in collaboration with rural fire agencies, and Shawnee County DOC. “Go live” for Shawnee County MSP has been projected for early 2015.

The SCECC welcomed a new CSI, Abigayle Smith, on May 19.

Two CSIs recently successfully achieved permanent employee status. CSI Alexis Bone completed her probation on May 5, and CSI Kali Specht completed hers on June 9. Congratulations to Lexi and Kali!

CSI Riane Harsha resigned effective June 6. We wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Our sincere condolences go to CSI Yolonda McCray, whose mother passed away on May 1.

SS Michelle Barnes continued her annual fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society by participating in the 25th

Annual Relay For Life of Shawnee County/Topeka at Hayden High School on May 30. Team members walking with

Michelle were SNSO Deputy Ashley Previty, Tonya Heiden (a family friend), and Michelle’s sons Taelur and

Thaddeaus. The team raised more than $700 through the walk, contributions, bake sales, and a shift challenge at the

SCECC. This was Michelle’s 20th year of Relay For Life participation, beginning when she was a senior in high school.

Thank you, Michelle, for your ongoing commitment to a worthy cause.

April 2014 Fastest Fingers:

Overall: Angelica Huber

First Shift: Julie Sewell

Second Shift: Erin McKeon

Third Shift: Heather Gerhardt

In April, SCECC answered 29,343 calls, 48% of them in less than two seconds

In May, SCECC answered 32,037 calls, 47% of them in less than two seconds.

May 2014 Fastest Fingers:

Overall: Heather Gerhardt

First Shift: Sondra Hamilton

Second Shift: Erin McKeon

Third Shift: Angelica Huber

June has been a challenge in Operations as In-Service comes to a close all three shifts have been working at minimum staffing on multiple days. We appreciate the assistance all of the other Divisions have provided and the communities understanding as response times have been delayed. I would like to congratulate Corporal Foster on his promotion effective 5/31/14. Congratulations also to Deputy Coffin as well as he was selected to fill the vacancy in Crime Scene, I wish him well in his new assignment.

June 12, 2014 the annual Bike Across Kansas went through Shawnee County. With the incredible number of bicyclists (900+) travelling through Shawnee County the safety of the riders was paramount we were able to assist them in their travels with the assistance of Rossville PD, Silver Lake PD and multiple members of the Sheriff’s Office. Thank you to all that assisted!

Some highlights of recent cases handled by the Animal Control Unit:

Case # 14-05966. On Nov. 3, 2013 Deputy Ed Nelson took a cruelty to animals call in the Tecumseh area of Shawnee County. In this case a dog had been purposely shot with an arrow. Deputy Nelson thoroughly investigated at the time and then followed up with ACO’s Hamilton and Hottman. Ultimately the suspect was convicted. The following was entered and displayed on the DA’s public web site:

Hearing result for Court Trial held on 06/04/2014 01:30 PM: Bench Trial - Guilty Verdict. State by Jacqie Spradling, Def. in person, with counsel, Tom Lemon. Reporter: Miranda Cummings. Trial held. Evidence and arguments submitted. Def. found guilty of Ct. 1 - cruelty to animals. PSI waived/allocution offered. Def. sentenced to 90 days in SN CO DOC. Court suspends execution of imprisonment and places Def. on 12 months supervised probation with Court Services. Def. to pay court costs $136, surcharge $22, probation fee $60, fine $500. No contact with victim.

Case # 13-04338 - On July 22, 2013 ACO Supervisor Vicki Hamilton and Deputy Cole Hawkins began an investigation into reported neglect of horses in the NW portion of Shawnee County. The officers found horses that were malnourished and neglected. ACO Hamilton was familiar with the suspect and had made contact with them several times over the past few years. On this occasion the owner of the animals refused to cooperate in any fashion to correct the problem with the animals. ACO Hamilton applied for and was granted a search warrant for the property on which the horses were kept. Evidence of neglect was found and three horses were seized. After about a year of legal wrangling the suspect was convicted of three counts of Cruelty to Animals. The following was entered and displayed on the DA’s public web site:

Hearing result for Court Trial held on 06/02/2014 01:30 PM: Plea Entered 0010300D. State by Jacqie Spradling, Def. in person, with counsel, Dionne Carter. Reporter: Kris McNeil. Def. pleads no contest to Cts. 1, 2, and 3 - Cruelty to Animals - all three counts. Reading is waived. PSI waived. Allocution offered. Def. is sentenced as follows: Ct. 1 - 6 months in SN CO DOC, Ct. 2 - 6 months in SN CO DOC consecutive to Ct. 1, Ct. 3 - 6 months in SN CO DOC consecutive to Cts. 1 and 2. Sentences shall run consecutive to each other count. Court suspends execution of imprisonment and places the Def. on 18 months supervised probation with Court Services. Def. shall pay court costs $136, surcharge $22, Attorney fee waived, Restitution $13,557.00. All monies to be paid during term of probation. Supervision by Court Services of condition of all animals in care and control of Def. on a regular basis. Involved horses to be conveyed to supervising probation authority and sold with funds to be applied to restitution amount.

A lot of hard work went into these successful prosecutions.

Operations personnel are currently busy preparing for the Annual Spirit of Kansas celebration and multiple other summer activities. Have a safe holiday.

Operations Captain Shane Hoobler

Letter of Thanks

Capt. Lance Royer, Commander of the SNSO

Communications Division, graduated on May 21 from

Leadership Greater Topeka 2014. Leadership Greater

Topeka is a program of the Greater Topeka Chamber of

Commerce that brings together a broad spectrum of area

leaders and aspiring leaders for an annual leadership training

course. Program goals are to challenge and motivate leaders

to utilize both traditional and non-traditional approaches to

ongoing local challenges through information, dialogue, and

hands-on experience. Topics include quality of life,

government, crime, business and economic development,

community services, education, health care, and the media.

Participants are encouraged to apply their talents in

volunteer, appointed, and elected positions throughout the community. Participation encompasses a retreat and eight

day-long sessions over a four-month period. Capt. Royer was one of 37 individuals chosen from more than 200

nominees. Graduates were recognized at a luncheon at the Ramada Topeka Downtown Hotel and Convention

Center. Congratulations Capt. Royer!

Lt. John Ostenson graduated from the inaugural Kansas Law Enforcement

Leadership Academy Command School on May 12. The goal of the Command

School was to prepare law enforcement command staff for senior and executive-

level administrative roles. The program was a collaborative effort of the Kansas

Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) and the University of Kansas Public

Management Center. Lt. Ostenson was one of 15 participants from across

Kansas. Lt. Ostenson attended two days per month from September 2013 until

mid-May 2014 at the KLETC in Hutchinson. Sheriff Jones attended his

graduation ceremony. Congratulations Lt. Ostenson!

Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office

Youth Academy 2014