Officers continue to do traffic patrol enforcing traffic laws in an effort to make our streets safe.  Officers were able to do extra patrols in and around the Bristol area, through Criminal Justice Grants.  Through these grants, more officers can be available for possible emergencies or other calls.  Vehicle crashes increased by 19 accidents from 2010 to 2011.  So far this winter has been mild.  The few days we have had inclement weather, vehicle crashes have increased.  As always, we remind everyone to slow down and drive defensively, especially watching for icing conditions on bridges and overpasses.  We would like to remind everyone to obey our state safety restraint laws by always wearing them properly.  It truly is a “law you can live with” as they save lives and reduce injuries.

Criminal cases as did traffic crashes have increased when comparing 2010 to 2011.  An additional 96 criminal cases were investigated.  A YTD Comparison Chart is available below.

Through donations and funds raised by our Reserves and our Posse, a Police K-9 was purchased.  K-9 Max came on board in June of this year.  He and handler Corey Mosher continue to train and have been doing an excellent job.  Their biggest arrest was through their efforts and assisted by the Indiana State Police, shutting down a local marijuana grower getting more than $150,000.00 of marijuana off the streets.  Max is trained in all drug recognition as well as building and person search.  He also has bonded very well with his handler which makes him extremely valuable at officer protection. In other enforcement news, officers took part in Defensive Tactics/Phase 2 EVO Trainings.

We also began a forty hour pre basic class the week of November 28th that concluded on 12/31/2011 with a written test. We welcome Isaiah Boyer, Travis Mast, and Michael Heckathorn who will be beginning the 6 month FTO program.  The three new Reserve officers were sworn in on December 30, 2011 by Town Clerk/Treasurer Mary Ryman.

Please view our website www.bristolpolice.org.  The following additions have been made:

• Town Ordinances are available
• Videos for internet safety are available to be viewed
• Lost and Found
• Special Event Assistance Request Form

Respectfully,

Michael L. Swallow, Marshal

Bristol Police Department

Activity summary for

December 2011

Calls for Service: 535

Traffic Enforcement-

• Traffic citations– 21
• Traffic warnings– 57
• Prop. damage accidents– 8
• Personal Injury– 1
• Fatal– 0

Junk & Abandoned Vehicles-

• Impounded– 5
• Tagged– 3
• Fixed or removed– 1

Criminal Enforcement-

• Cases Taken– 35
• Cases Closed By Arrest– 11

Hours worked-

• Full time officers: 892
• Reserve Officers: 184.75
• S.E. Patrol: 0
• Civilians: 160