LINTON CITY SERVICES: Big cases keep Linton Police Department officers busy in 2008

Linton Police Chief Troy Jerrell

Linton Chief of Police Troy Jerrell says 2008 was a busy year for the department with several large cases to investigate.

In addition to a bank robbery and an attempted robbery at Fast Point, there were numerous drug investigations and arrests, which have carried over into 2009.

"It's also important to realize the range and types of investigations we receive from Child Protective Services (DCS)," noted Jerrell. "There are numerous types of (child) neglect, misconduct issues, and problems taking place on the street and in school."

Jerrell added that with the popularity of the computer and Internet, a whole different area of crimes has been added to police departments that weren't heard of 10 years ago such as child pornography, scams, threatening e-mails and theft of personal information.

In addition, there are road activities to take care such as patrols, traffic stops, and drug trafficking arrests. Jerrell said a K-9 dog is in one police car at all times to assist with traffic stops.

Another duty for the police department is the investigation of deaths. Each time there is a death in the home, it is investigated by a police officer/detective.

Jerrell noted that police officers have to constantly look into check deception and identity thefts, which are happening more frequently.

"There are always other crimes to investigate," noted Jerrell, "and we only have 10 police officers to take care of them. I'm very proud that they keep up as well as they do with their caseloads."

In addition, Jerrell said each officer has additional functions.

"(Lt.) Collenbaugh has a broad range of responsibility," Jerrell explained. "Jayson Smith takes care of K-9, (Karl) Jacoshagen is in charge of ordinance violations/abandoned property and Josh Goodman is the narcotics officer.

"All aspects of police work are dangerous, but drug arrests are extra dangerous," Jerrell said. "In all probability, the suspects are carrying a firearm and are on their product."

Speaking of what is new in the department, Jerrell said he was proud to announce two programs that he has initiated since he became chief.

"One of the things I wanted to start when I became chief was a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program at school," Jerrell explained. "Three times a week Officer Debbie McDonald visits Linton's fifth-grade students to educate them on drug abuse. I'm very proud of McDonald with her effort and energy she has put into the program."

Jerrell said the school has cooperated, and now the program is soon going to include seventh-grade students.

Another new program at the LPD is the Police Citizens Academy. In this program, citizens are getting the same training as police officers.

"It is very productive," Jerrell noted. "They (citizens) have an insight on investigations and patrols and an overall better understanding of rules and guidelines we go by. There are a lot of misconceptions as to what we can do and can't do."

This year, Jerrell said there were seven in the class, and he hopes to continue the program annually.

Another area of the LPD that Jerrell would like to concentrate on is the reserve program. He says they are unsung heroes and help the community with dangerous assignments such as drug cases. They also assist with traffic and accidents and do not get paid for any of it. They volunteer their time.

He says he tries to have a range of ages in the reserve officers saying younger men usually want to go on patrol and help with drug investigations while older reserve officers like to assist patrols, investigate accidents and help with public events.

"There is a good relationship between the police department and reserve officers," noted Jerrell. "In return for what they do, it is good for them to have the experience on a resume. On the downside, they usually leave for another job."

Jerrell added that he doesn't think they (reserves) get enough appreciation for what they do.

Something new for the police department is a scanner that was purchased with a grant. The device is used for checking driver's license, registration and license plates.

When making a traffic stop, an officer only has to scan the license, registration and license plate to check information. The information can be brought up on a laptop computer that is equipped in each police car. The computer prints two copies, one for the officer and one for the offender. The computers were donated by Indiana Railroad and various companies.

"It expedites the process a great deal," Jerrell explained.

Jerrell says he loves police work and is the type of person who would get bored doing the same thing over and over.

"One thing I have always liked about law enforcement is that each day is different, and each case is different," Jerrell said. "I can be on the road writing a citation, speaking to a class of children, doing paper work or dealing with situations. I like dealing with citizens. It is good to help someone out when they walk through the door.

"I guess everybody has ideas as to how they would like things done," he went on to say. "Now I have my chance such as the DARE program. I wonder how many lives have been touched with that program."

Another aspect of his job that Jerrell enjoys is the new police station.

"It is wonderful," noted Jerrell, "like going from Flintstones to the Jetsons. The old building had seen its time. It doesn't seem like a big thing, but it is so nice to have a good heating and cooling system."

Jerrell explained that when they were comfortable in the old station, the firemen were smothering upstairs. He said that the air-conditioner and furnace would be running at the same time.

"The space is great here, and I'm very proud to be the first chief in the building and hope many chiefs get to enjoy the building, as well," he said.

Jerrell added, "I would like to thank the citizens of Linton for their support and belief in their police officers and department, also the city council for their support and Mayor Jones who has been very supportive, as well."

Jerrell began his police career as a Linton dispatcher in 1994. After one year, he left to serve as Worthington's Town Marshal. In 1996, he returned to the LPD.

"I started at the lowest position available and worked all positions except head dispatcher," he said.

Linton is home to Jerrell, where he graduated high school, where he has friends and family and where he and his wife, April, are raising their daughter.

MEET THE LINTON CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

TROY JERRELL

FAMILY: Wife, April; daughter, Olivia

TITLE/JOB AT DEPARTMENT: Chief of Police

YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE DEPARTMENT: Thirteen years on police department and one year as dispatcher.

DESCRIBE DUTIES: Overall head of the police department, and in charge of all aspects of operation. Appointed by the mayor.

DUANE COLLENBAUGH

FAMILY: Wife, Jonah; two sons, Jared and Devin.

TITLE/JOB AT DEPARTMENT: Lieutenant Detective

YEARS OF SERVICE WITH DEPARTMENT: 11

DESCRIBE DUTIES: Investigate frauds and forgeries. Work homicides as crime scene investigator. I secure the scene and preserve and process the evidence at the crime scene. I supervise officers on second and third shifts.

KEITH McDONALD

FAMILY: Wife, Tammy; daughters, Krystal, Kanitra, Adrena, and the late Adrena; son, Justin.

TITLE/JOB AT DEPARTMENT: Sergeant Detective

YEARS OF SERVICE WITH DEPARTMENT: 24.

TITLE/JOB DESCRIPTION: Provide protection for the city, enforce the law, and investigate crimes.

KARL JACOBSHAGEN

FAMILY: Daughter, Kayla; son, Sean.

TITLE/JOB AT DEPARTMENT: Patrolman

YEARS OF SERVICE WITH DEPARTMENT: 15

DESCRIBE DUTIES: Patrol the city, work at motor vehicle accidents, and respond to calls and complaints. I also follow up on Crime Stopper tips, teach school safety, practice public relations, and enforce traffic laws.

PAUL F. CLARK, II

FAMILY: Wife, Susan; sons, Noah and Caleb

TITLE/JOB AT DEPARTMENT: Patrolman/crime scene investigator

YEARS OF SERVICE WITH DEPARTMENT: 6

DESCRIBE DUTIES: As a patrolman, I patrol streets and other areas to enforce local ordinances and state and federal criminal and traffic laws. I work with all types of cases, from the initial report of a crime to prosecution, conviction or acquittal. As a crime scene investigator, I assist Detectives McDonald and Collenbaugh.

JAYSON SMITH

FAMILY: Son, Caven

TITLE/JOB AT DEPARTMENT: Patrolman

YEARS OF SERVICE WITH DEPARTMENT: 1 month as reserve officer; full-time patrolman, 4 years.

DESCRIBE DUTIES: Provide protection for the city by enforcing laws and investigating crimes. Also narcotics interdiction with K-9 demonstrations, also assist with emergency medical duties when needed.

CHAD CRYNES

FAMILY: Wife, Kristen

TITLE/JOB AT DEPARTMENT: K/9 Patrol Officer

YEARS OF SERVICE WITH DEPARTMENT: 8

DESCRIBE DUTIES: Traffic Enforcement, narcotics interdiction with K9. I also do K9 demonstrations, and respond to all emergency and non-emergency calls.

JOSH GOODMAN

FAMILY: Wife, Danielle; son, Cameron

TITLE/JOB AT DEPARTMENT: Patrolman 5 years as full time officer and drug task officer.

DESCRIBE DUTIES: Provide protection for the city, enforce the law, and investigate crimes.

DEBBY McDONALD

FAMILY: Son, Justin; daughters, Kanitra and Adrena

TITLE/JOB AT DEPARTMENT: Police officer. Also trained in Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE)

YEARS OF SERVICE: 5 years as police officer, two years as dispatcher and records.

DESCRIBE DUTIES: Patrol and investigate accidents and enforce traffic and criminal laws. Also lead investigations on child molestation cases and assist on all rape/sexual assault cases.

HEATH MURRAY

FAMILY: Parents, Brent and Cathy Murray

TITLE/JOB AT DEPARTMENT: Police Officer

YEARS OF SERVICE: 3

DESCRIBE DUTIES: Patrol Linton streets enforcing state, local and federal laws. Emergency and non-emergency calls, service search and arrest warrants and work in drug enforcement.

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER: Chuck Botsford

TITLE/JOB AT DEPARTMENT: K-9 officer and animal control

YEARS OF SERVICE WITH DEPARTMENT: 4 years as dispatcher and 6 year as K-9 officer and animal control.

DESCRIBE DUTIES; Enforce city and state ordinances. Pick up stray dogs and set live traps for stray cats, opossums and raccoons.

DISPATCHERS

Kyle Butler

YEARS OF SERVICE WITH DEPARTMENT: 6

TITLE/JOB AT DEPARTAMENT: Dispatcher/Clerk

DESCRIBE DUTIES: Plan work schedules, supervise dispatch function and maintain all departmental records. Ensure that interface with the public through dispatch and records request is at a high, professional level. As a reserve officer, I help, aid and assist all full-time officers in the execution of their duties.

BRENT WHARF

FAMILY: Wife, Elizabeth; sons, Michael and Nicholas

TITLE/JOB AT DEPARTMENT: Dispatcher

YEARS OF SERVICE WITH DEPARTMENT: 9

DESCRIBE DUTIES: Answer all calls for police, fire and after hours utilities including 911 calls. Work in all areas of computer system.

HARRY HOVEY

Family: Wife, Carla; 5 children and 8 grandchildren

TITLE/JOB AT DEPARTMENT: Dispatcher and reserve officer

YEARS OF SERVICE WITH DEPARTMENT: 7

DESCRIBE DUTIES: Take request for assistance and dispatch proper personnel. Maintain record and retrieve information from local, state and federal sources. As a reserve officer, I provide extra manpower to assist officers.

LLOYD SISK

TITLE/JOB AT DEPARTMENT: Dispatcher

YEARS OF SERVICE WITH DEPARTMENT: 17

DESCRIBE DUTIES: Dispatch all emergency service, 911 operator and IDACS operator.

MARGE GEORGE

FAMILY: Married; 5 children

TITLE/JOB AT DEPARTMENT: Part Time Dispatcher

YEARS OF SERVICE WITH DEPARTMENT: 8

DESCRIBE DUTIES: Answer calls and dispatch appropriate units to scene.

BOB THUIS

FAMILY: Wife, Melody; Sons, Stacy and Brock.

TITLE/JOB AT DEPARTMENT: Part-time dispatcher

YEARS OF SERVICE WITH DEPARTMENT: 3

DESCRIBE DUTIES: Answer calls and dispatch proper units to the scene.

KELLEY PORTTEUS

FAMILY: One daughter and son-in-law and four grandchildren

TITLE/JOB AT DEPARTMENT: Part time dispatcher

YEARS OF SERVICE WITH DEPARTMENT: 7 years

DESCRIBE DUTIES: I am a public servant and dispatch calls for police, fire, and after-hour utility repair.

SHANNON GIBSON

TITLE/JOB AT DEPARTMENT: Part time dispatcher

YEARS OF SERVICE WITH DEPARTMENT: 6 months

LINTON POLICE RESERVE OFFICERS

Years of Service

Kyle Butler -- 6 years

Harry Hovey -- 7 years

Shannon Gibson -- 3 months

Kent Medlock -- 3 years

Jamin Duhne -- 3 years

Bryan Sparks -- 3 years

Aaron Shouse -- 2 years

M. Harrol -- 1 year

Timothy Riggleman -- 2 years

Thomas Jerrells -- 1 year

Randy Raney -- 1 year