Problems with emergency communications in Riley county were discussed by Riley County Law Board members Monday, with Police Director Brad Schoen and Emergency Management Director Pat Collins telling of recent issues of spotty communication in parts of the county. Collins says there’s 25 to 30 percent loss in coverage in some areas but he says the police department’s main channel is probably the best right now.
Director Schoen told the group of a recent problem involving a fight with a suspect resisting arrest, and officers having difficulty communicating with dispatchers. Schoen adds it’s becoming a safety issue.
Collins and Schoen indicated apossible outside consultant may be needed to help fix things. Collins added we can’t just keep putting bandaids on this to make it work.
Board member Rich Jankovich suggested bringing it to the joint city/counties group next month, and maybe eventually to the intergovernmental group. And while there was some discussion of including school districts and Pottawatomie County, Schoen warned that would make the changes quite a bit more expensive.
The Riley County Law Board began its meeting with several awards and recognitions. One involved a large drug bust this past May, with five officers receiving meritorius service awards for the operation involving 54 search warrants . Assistant Police Director John Doehling added the operation has had an impact on drug distribution in the area…
Meritorius service and life-saving awards were also presented to officers and civilians for their actions during a February fatal fire.
