RCPD reports 23 percent drop in crime, homicide arrest

DUI arrests spike following targeted enforcement strategy

Police director warns of gun thefts from unlocked vehicles

RCPD explores statewide human trafficking task force

Commissioner questions legality of policing east-side gateway development area

County to install signage to comply with new restroom legislation

Legislative update highlights changes to property tax lid

Emergency management reports high winter call volume

RCPD reports 23 percent drop in crime, homicide arrest

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County Police Department Director Brian Peete reported that Part 1 crimes in January were 23.4 percent below the five-year average, though they showed a slight 1.3 percent increase compared to the previous January. Peete noted the department has successfully made an arrest regarding a recent homicide and emphasized that the agency is utilizing data-driven strategies to deploy resources effectively across the county.

DUI arrests spike following targeted enforcement strategy

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — DUI arrests in January were 32.9 percent above the five-year average, a statistic Director Brian Peete attributed to an assertive traffic enforcement plan rather than a spike in drunk driving behavior. Peete explained that the department is utilizing data on accident times and locations to target specific areas for enforcement and clarified that while there is no quota system, officers are held to high standards for traffic safety.

Police director warns of gun thefts from unlocked vehicles

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — During his monthly report, Director Brian Peete issued a warning to residents regarding a trend of firearms being stolen from unlocked vehicles, urging the community to secure their cars and weapons. Peete noted that while overall motor vehicle thefts saw a 16.7 percent decrease in January, larceny from automobiles remains a concern as stolen firearms are often used in the furtherance of other crimes.

RCPD explores statewide human trafficking task force

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — In response to direction from the law board and county commission, the Riley County Police Department is working with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Highway Patrol, and local chiefs and sheriffs to assess the feasibility of spearheading a statewide human trafficking task force. Director Brian Peete stated the goal is to leverage Riley County's resources and professional training to provide guidance and operational support for trafficking investigations across Kansas.

Commissioner questions legality of policing east-side gateway development area

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — A Riley County commissioner expressed strong opposition to funding law enforcement services for an east-side gateway development area, suggesting he may seek an attorney general's opinion on the matter. During a discussion regarding a Manhattan city survey, the commissioner argued that the county should not bear the cost of patrolling an area expanding into Pottawatomie County, noting that the development would require a new substation and a larger jail; the commission agreed to meet with city officials to discuss the financial implications and patrol data before proceeding.

County to install signage to comply with new restroom legislation

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Following the Kansas Legislature's override of the veto on House Substitute for Senate Bill 244, the commission reached a consensus to post signage citing the statute on county restroom doors as an initial measure of compliance to avoid the high cost of converting all facilities to single-stall units. County Counselor Jacob Hansen advised that the county faces fines starting at $100,000 for noncompliance if they do not take "reasonable steps" to enforce the law, which prevents opposite-sex entry into restrooms.

Legislative update highlights changes to property tax lid

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County Counselor Jacob Hansen updated the commission on House Bill 2745, which proposes replacing the mandatory election requirement for property tax increases exceeding 3 percent with a protest petition requiring signatures from 10 percent of voters in the last presidential election. Hoff noted that the change addresses the logistical impossibility of holding elections within the current budget certification timeline.

Emergency management reports high winter call volume

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County Emergency Services Director David Adams reported receiving 550 calls for service in December and 510 in January, numbers he attributed to seasonal illnesses like the flu and RSV as well as falls caused by winter weather conditions. Adams also noted the department is finalizing a transition of payroll and accounts payable duties to administrative staff to streamline operations.

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