A presentation by Riley County Police Director Brad Schoen was made at Monday’s Riley County Law Board meeting, based on previous comments by Sophia Starks, regarding the treatment of her son Dareen who was shot on Manhattan’s Northside this past May. It was the first law board meeting in several months in which the irate mother was not present, but Schoen went over the several complaints from Ms.Starks, concluding there were valid reasons for the way officers dealt with the case. In fact he indicates he thinks the officers handled things quite well Schoen added he’s always open to a follow up meeting with the Starks, but says her lawyer never contacted RCPD’s lawyer, Mike Gillespie.
Law Board Chair John Matta and board member Wynn Butler indicated they thought the report was very thorough, stressing since it’s an ongoing case in the courtroom only certain information can be provided.
A few more details came out regarding the May shooting on Manhattan’s north side, including cash that was kept in connection with the case. More than 21-hundred dollars was found in Dareen Starks’ clothing following the shooting, plus an aditional $8,024 found in a suitcase in a room where Dareen Starks was staying. Since the case is still going through the court system, not much more could be said–but Schoen went through a variety of other complaints including property that was kept, and how Ms. Starks and her son were treated during the investigation.
Butler also said he had no complaints and that the report was throrough–hopefully putting the issue to rest.
In other action Monday, two Correction Sergeants were promoted, including David Ferguson and John Roche. And Public Information Officer Mat Droge introduced Austin Krug with the Farm House Fraternity, who talked about the good relationship they have, with a Friend of FarmHouse Award recently presented to RCPD.
The Community Advisory Board for Riley County Police had a glowing report for the law enforcement agency during Monday’s law board meeting. Corey Leavell addressed the group, saying since his last report there had been 11 thank you letters and two complaints, with both complaints quickly resolved. Leavell added his 20 years with the military shows him RCPD has systems in place that should prevent something such as what happened in Ferguson, Missouri.
And while not directly related to Ferguson, body-worn cameras are going to be tried out by Riley County police in the near future. Director Brad Schoen says 11 cameras will be tested by patrol officers–with the possibility of eventually replacing aging dashboard cameras. The Police Director stressed the time had come to consider such cameras anyway. The matter was not an action item but seemed to have support from the law board.
However the board did take action on selection of board member Barry Wilkerson as the hearing officer in a disciplinary appeal of Officer Darla King. Wilkerson told the other law board members he’d be in touch on setting special meeting dates for the matter.
Seven vehicles are being purchased for the Riley County Police Department, with unanimous approval by the six Riley County Law Board members present for Monday’s meeting. Board member Wynn Butler had a question for RCPD Director Brad Schoen before action was taken, as to whether the department has too many cars.
Schoen indicated 60 some vehicles in the fleet, which he says is about the number they need. He says during the weekend when more cars might be visible, that just means there are officers inside working–not out and about at a variety of obligations as during the week.
Board members also heard about a new telephonic triage service for workplace injuries, which Director Schoen anticipated will save some $65,000 in dealing with such cases.
