Written by Eric S. Hermick, Chief of Police
As expected, the year 2021 has demonstrated a noticeable increase in the demand for police related services. This increase is attributed to various factors. There is more awareness by the community and the police officers, along with better communication between all. The Township is growing and that in and of itself increases police related incidents due to more residents, more businesses, and larger traffic volume.
STATS for January 1, 2021 – February 28, 2021 (Two Months)
- 1,012 Incidents
- 44 Criminal Arrest
- 16 DUI Arrests
- 11 Reportable Crashes
- 204 Traffic Citations
- 876 Written Warnings
As your Proactive Progressive Professional Policing agency, we are committed to providing outstanding police services to the community, those traveling through, and/or visiting. To do this, we must maintain proper staffing and training along with necessary equipment and available resources. To enhance our capabilities and readiness to serve and protect, we continue to self-assess our personnel, training, and equipment. This builds confidence and reduces liability. Some of these trainings augment our efforts of being predominantly self-sufficient.
Personnel
In January of 2021, we completed the selection process to establish an eligibility list for the position of full-time police officer. The selection process consisted of:
- A Written Exam
- A Physical Agility Test
- An Oral Interview – conducted by the Chiefs of Police panel
- A Resume Evaluation
This list will be used to hire full-time officers over the next 12-month period.
Training
In the last year, we have attained a level of training that exceeds most other departments.
Here are just some of the recent trainings completed by department personnel – this is not all inclusive:
- Tactical Communications & Art of De-escalation
- Mental Health First Aid
- Domestic Violence Lethality Training
- School Resource Officer Certification
- Use of Force – Shoot/Don’t Shoot Firearms Simulator
- TASER/Conductive Electrical Weapon
- Glock Weapon Armorer
- Patrol Rifle Instructor
- Mastering Search and Seizure
- Advance Roadside Impairment Detection and Enforcement (ARIDE)
- Standardize Field Sobriety Testing
- Intoxilyzer 9000 Operator Certification
- Drug Recognition Expert
- First Aid/CPR/AED
Equipment Upgrades/Purchases
To augment transparency, we have ordered Body Worn Cameras AND Mobile Video Cameras. These will be used to document citizen/police interactions and will provide audio and video evidence. These cameras are invaluable as they relate to the accurate documentation of events, the conduct of those involved, and capturing of evidence. Everything from citizen complaints to sequence of events can be resolved through the video and/or audio documentation captured through the proper use of Body Worn Cameras and/or In-Car Cameras.
To reduce the risk of injury or death while improving officer safety, we have purchased PepperBall weapons. These weapons will provide officers an additional non-lethal option when force is needed to overcome a threat and/or effect an arrest. These PepperBall products can help reduce officer and suspect injuries, save lives, decrease the risk of litigation, and improve public perception of law enforcement agencies.
We purchased an Intoxilyzer 9000 forensic breath testing instrument. This is the latest and most accurate technology available. We recently hosted training on this instrument and were able to get most of our department personnel and some officers from other departments certified on this instrument. This will save time and costs related to the arrests and processing of impaired motorists.
Additional traffic/intersection Automatic License Plate Reader Cameras and Overlook Cameras were installed at strategic locations – intersections within the Township. These cameras have proven extremely vital in solving crimes and accurately conducting traffic incidents and/or collisions.
I want to thank all the residents, businesses, and the Township Board of Supervisors/Administration for the support, consideration and resources extended to the police department. This outstanding relationship is vital in the mission of keeping Chippewa safe while moving forward.
We are here for you – as always, if you have a concern, question, complaint or even a suggestion – please reach out to us at 724-843-8227 or send an email to Chief Eric S. Hermick at ehermick@chippewa-twp.org.
Two Lives Saved
Our officers saved two lives so far this year – there is no greater gift than saving a life. They carry AEDs and Naloxone – and they are trained when and how to use them.
On January 8, 2021, Chippewa Officers responded to a male down on the floor, unconscious/unresponsive. They responded and immediately determined that the victim had overdosed and was in cardiac arrest. The officers were able to administer Naloxone/Narcan and then perform CPR with the assistance of an off-duty Chippewa Police Officer who lived next door to the victim. They were also assisted by medics who lived in the neighborhood as well. Without the fast and decisive care, this victim who was dying in front of his wife and children would not have survived.
On March 6, 2021, officers responded to an unconscious/unresponsive elderly male inside a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers determined the victim was not breathing properly. They pulled the victim from the vehicle and initiated life-saving efforts. The victim stopped breathing and then went into cardiac arrest. Officers performed CPR even though the medics were 12 minutes away and were able to continue life-supporting efforts until the medics arrived. Officers were later notified that the victim was successfully revived.
Officer Jesse Richman out and about in the community with Vinny and Gino.
Beards on Badges for St. Jude
The beard Officer Richman is sporting is part of the Chippewa Township Police Department’s “Beards on Badges for St. Jude” program.
By enrolling in the yearlong program, the department relaxed their facial hair policy in lieu of officers signing up for auto deductions to St. Jude. Officers pay $30.00 per month each to St. Jude. If you’d like to make a contribution to St. Jude as part of the program, you can donate here.
