Law
enforcement issues
cropping up at Dearborn
by Ivan
Foley
Landmark reporter
Some Dearborn residents want more bang for their law
enforcement buck.
That was the message from some of the people in attendance
at Monday night's meeting of the Dearborn Board of Aldermen.
Vandalism and stolen cars are plaguing northern Platte
County, including Dearborn.
At Monday's alderman meeting, residents and city officials
expressed concern over recent incidents in the city and
surrounding area.
Mayor Marvin Landes said he encourages residents seeing
suspicious activity to dial 9-1-1.
"That helps us," he said, explaining it's important
that reports of crime are filed with authorities.
Dearborn's law enforcement is provided by the Platte
County Sheriff's Department at a price of around $1,200
per month. Landes said he hasn't examined the city's agreement
with the county to see exactly what services are provided
for that cost.
"I think we get three deputies working different
eight hour shifts. Some days there will be one deputy,
some days two, some days three," he said.
There has been a rash of stolen cars in northern Platte
County recently. Many of the cars have been stolen and
recovered a short time later, leading some to suspect
teenagers may be stealing the cars and taking them on
"joy rides."
One resident at the board meeting said law enforcement
should crack down on "kids out late at night"
by enforcing a curfew ordinance. More night patrols might
also be beneficial, he said.
Gary Dugger, former Dearborn police chief, was in attendance
at Monday's meeting. He said some of the county patrol
cars now carry bicycles in he trunk. He recommended bicycle
patrols by the deputies as a way to cut down on vandalism
and other crime.
"The bicycles are quiet and get around quick,"
Dugger said. "When I was chief here I would park
my car and walk a lot."
One resident said he believes the county officers would
do the city more benefit by being seen in the populated
areas of the town and not "sitting behind DeBruce
Ag" checking for speeding vehicles.
Steve Counts, former alderman who resigned last month,
recommended someone from the city talking to the sheriff
to voice concerns.
Landes said it has been suggested the city should return
to running its own police department. But that would be
costly.
"We can do it if you all want to float a bond,"
he told the room of 12-15 people attending Monday night's
meeting.
He said the city would need at least two officers to
run a department.
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