by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
Last year, the Sartell Police Department received 10,859 complaint reports, an increase of 1,069 more than in 2015 – for a 9.84-percent increase, according to an annual report presented to the Sartell City Council at its last meeting.
In just the month of November, there were 867 calls to the police department that showed a staggering array of emergencies, problems and concerns. In that month, there were six alleged assaults, five burglaries, eight drug-related incidents, nine cases of trespassing or damage to property, 57 reports of theft, five gun-related complaints, seven incidents of intoxicated persons, 15 juvenile problems, 52 medical calls, 40 property-damage vehicle crashes, eight reports of people missing and found, nine warrants served, 55 welfare checks, eight reports of people suffering psychotic episodes, 12 suicide threats or attempts, and 47 calls about suspicious activity.
Other types of calls throughout the year included those for vandalism, verbal disputes, hit-and-run, loud parties, human-services referrals, juvenile runaways, drunk driving, loud parties, identity theft, grass fires, physical assaults, barking dogs, an alleged sexual assault, business assists, attempts to locate, background checks, illegal burning, restraining-order complaints, shoplifting, child-custody disputes and stalled vehicles.
Needless to say, Sartell police officers were very busy in November – not to mention all year-round in 2016.
On Jan. 9, when the Sartell City Council met, it was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and council members noted that fact in thanking Sartell Police Chief Jim Hughes and his staff on the police department. Several members also noted there is a need for more officers on the department.
Council member Ryan Fitzthum suggested the city should actively seek funding sources with the goal of funding up to four new officers for the coming year. With growth in the city, the need for an expanded force will be necessary, he suggested.
There seemed to be consensus among council members backing Fitzthum’s suggestions.
Currently, the Sartell Police Department is comprised of 16 police officers, 12 volunteer Police Reserve officers, a community service/code-enforcement officer and two support staff.
