Board clashes over proposed police budget, cost-of-living raises

Police push back against permanently lowering authorized staffing levels

RCPD proposes cutting mental health co-responder program to trim budget

Board scrutinizes unexpected $22,000 spike in police legal fees

Advisory board raises concerns over ICE operations, transparency

Vehicle thefts spike 1,400 percent despite overall drop in March crime

Fake Patty's Day crime metrics stabilize into 'new normal'

RCPD dispatcher, officer honored for life-saving actions

Board clashes over proposed police budget, cost-of-living raises

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Riley County Law Enforcement Board engaged in a tense debate over the 2027 police budget, failing to reach a consensus on cost-of-living adjustments for department employees. The Riley County Police Department administration presented three budget options, including a 2.8 percent COLA, a 1.5 percent COLA or a zero percent COLA that would only fund merit increases. A debate ensued over the burden on taxpayers versus the need to retain experienced officers, with the 2.8 percent option being called "unacceptable" due to static local property valuations. Concerns were also raised that a zero percent COLA would result in an exodus of trained officers to rival agencies. The board ultimately tabled the budget vote, requesting more financial data before their May 18 meeting.

Police push back against permanently lowering authorized staffing levels

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County Police Department officials strongly advised the Riley County Law Enforcement Board against reducing the department's authorized staffing numbers to match current vacancies. Maj. Scott Hajek noted that while the department is allotted 113 sworn officers, it currently operates with 109. Hajek warned that permanently lowering the staffing cap would lock the department into a constant deficit, leading to slower response times, increased overtime and officer burnout. He clarified that the department's current success despite vacancies is due to existing staff working harder and covering more ground, a condition he called unsustainable in the long term.

RCPD proposes cutting mental health co-responder program to trim budget

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — In an effort to keep the 2027 budget as flat as possible, the Riley County Police Department announced plans to eliminate its co-responder contract with Pawnee Mental Health, the regional mental health provider. Police Capt. Erin Friedline explained that the department will instead rely on Pawnee's 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and mobile crisis response teams, which now operate on a nearly 24/7 schedule. RCPD officials noted the cut will save money and reallocate resources without sacrificing community safety, citing a departmental goal to have 80 percent of its officers certified in Crisis Intervention Training to handle mental health calls independently.

Board scrutinizes unexpected $22,000 spike in police legal fees

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — A sudden $22,000 expenditure for legal and administrative fees was questioned during the review of the March financial report. Police finance manager Jennifer Reifschneider clarified that the Riley County Police Department far exceeded its retainer hours with the Arthur-Green law firm due to additional legal consultations on departmental policies and administrative matters. Frustration was expressed over the formatting of the financial packet, with a request made that future legal expenditures be grouped together clearly and accompanied by an explanation to ensure proper oversight of taxpayer dollars.

Advisory board raises concerns over ICE operations, transparency

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Riley County Police Department Community Advisory Board presented its quarterly update to the Riley County Law Enforcement Board, highlighting several community concerns surrounding police operations and transparency. Community advisory board member Drew Jankord reported that members recently debated the department's approach to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, raising specific concerns regarding the public perception of unidentified law enforcement operations. The advisory board also provided feedback on addressing sex trafficking, violence reduction, trauma-informed officer training and the management of a new homelessness task force.

Vehicle thefts spike 1,400 percent despite overall drop in March crime

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — While overall reported crime in Riley County sat 18 percent below the five-year average in March, the Riley County Police Department reported an increase in attempted vehicle thefts from just one incident last March to 15 this March—a staggering 1,400 percent year-over-year jump. According to the monthly crime report, criminals targeted the 15 vehicles by breaking steering columns and using devices to attempt to start the ignitions. RCPD officials stated that all 15 targeted vehicles were recovered and that detectives have strong leads in the active investigation, noting that such property crime spikes are typically the work of a small group of individuals.

Fake Patty's Day crime metrics stabilize into 'new normal'

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Riley County Police Department reported that crime and enforcement metrics for this year's Fake Patty's Day fell directly in line with a post-COVID "new normal." The department fielded 489 calls for service and made 30 custodial arrests during the unsanctioned March event, both slightly below the three-year average. Citations saw a slight bump to 296. Maj. Scott Hajek praised Kansas State University's Safe Ride program for its aggressive public promotion during the event, which officials hope will continue to bring down the rate of driving under the influence.

RCPD dispatcher, officer honored for life-saving actions

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Two Riley County Police Department employees were awarded the department's Life Saving Award for their actions during critical emergencies. Police dispatcher William McNee was honored for guiding a frantic caller through three continuous minutes of CPR on her collapsed husband within 60 seconds of answering a 911 call. An RCPD officer, whose name was not immediately released by the department, was recognized for applying a tourniquet to a critically injured occupant of a severe vehicle collision on Interstate 70. Emergency medical personnel credited both employees' composure under pressure for directly saving the victims' lives.

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