Law board rejects zero-percent COLA, approves 1.5 percent raise for publication

Board scrutinizes $1 million courthouse security price tag

RCPD considering charging event organizers for police services

RCPD reports 111 percent spike in violent crimes for April

Targeted vehicle thefts prompt heightened police surveillance

First quarter traffic stops jump 18.8 percent in effort to reduce accidents

First quarter seizures highlight crackdown on fentanyl and meth distributors

Jail opens second female pod, slashing out-of-county inmate housing

Law board rejects zero-percent COLA, approves 1.5 percent raise for publication

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Despite a recommendation from Riley County Police Department Director Brian Peete for a flat budget with no cost-of-living adjustment, the Riley County Law Enforcement Agency Board voted to publish a budget featuring a 1.5 percent COLA. Peete had proposed a baseline budget that reallocated $390,000 internally to fund mandatory increases, eliminating a mental health crisis correspondent position to keep costs down. To fund the raise, the board plans to cut into IT, emergency and workers' compensation reserve funds at its June meeting, which would result in a lower overall budget increase than Peete's initial proposal. The board approved the publication of the 1.5 percent COLA budget in a split vote.

Board scrutinizes $1 million courthouse security price tag

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The cost of providing security for the Riley County District Court and Manhattan Municipal Court faced intense scrutiny, with estimates placing the taxpayer burden at nearly $1 million. The Riley County Police Department currently assigns four sworn officers and several screeners to the courthouses, a mandate driven by state law requirements that necessitate adequate security measures to prohibit concealed carry in the facilities. In response to concerns about resource allocation, RCPD announced plans to transfer one sworn courthouse officer back to the patrol division on July 1. Department officials noted that while courthouse duties are their primary focus, these officers also assist with transports, serve warrants and conduct traffic enforcement during court downtimes.

RCPD considering charging event organizers for police services

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Riley County Police Department may resume charging private organizations for police overtime required at non-governmental events like charity 5K runs and road races. Major Scott Hajek reported that the department stopped the practice in 2014, but resource-intensive events are placing a financial strain on the agency. Last year, eight such events required an average of six officers for three hours, costing taxpayers more than $13,500 in overtime and benefits. The department will continue discussions with the City of Manhattan, which would need to amend its permitting ordinance before RCPD could begin billing event organizers.

RCPD reports 111 percent spike in violent crimes for April

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Violent crimes in Riley County jumped 111 percent in April compared to the same month last year, driven primarily by an increase in aggravated assaults and batteries. Major Brad Jager presented the monthly crime report, noting that while property crimes have generally hovered at or below last year's rates, person crimes are causing concern. Jager stated that the incidents include both domestic-related altercations and isolated events without obvious correlations. The Riley County Police Department's crime analyst is currently drilling down into the data to identify similarities and guide future enforcement actions.

Targeted vehicle thefts prompt heightened police surveillance

MANHATTAN, Kan. — A continuing trend of vehicle thefts has prompted the Riley County Police Department to focus its analytical resources on specific target areas. Major Brad Jager reported that while overall property crimes remain relatively low, vehicle thefts hit an all-time high in March and saw another uptick in April. The thefts are primarily being committed by a group of individuals breaking into Kia and Hyundai models and using screwdrivers or blunt objects to bypass the ignition. Almost all stolen vehicles have been recovered within the city limits, ruling out large-scale "chop shop" operations.

First quarter traffic stops jump 18.8 percent in effort to reduce accidents

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Riley County Police Department officers conducted 18.8 percent more traffic stops in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year, focusing heavily on accident-causing behaviors. Major Scott Hajek reported that despite the increase in enforcement, preventable accidents rose slightly by 3.3 percent. While the total number of injury accidents increased, the actual number of individuals injured in those collisions decreased. Police are specifically targeting accident reduction citations, which include speeding, following too closely, inattention and failing to yield the right-of-way.

First quarter seizures highlight crackdown on fentanyl and meth distributors

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Riley County Police Department's first-quarter seizure and forfeiture report highlighted ongoing efforts to dismantle local drug distribution networks. The report detailed civil asset forfeitures stemming from two significant cases involving the distribution of large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin in the area. RCPD utilizes the civil court process to seize assets and cash either derived from drug sales or used to facilitate the crimes, striking at the financial infrastructure of local narcotics operations.

Jail opens second female pod, slashing out-of-county inmate housing

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Riley County Jail successfully reduced its reliance on out-of-county facilities by opening a second housing pod specifically for female inmates. Major Mark French reported that the average daily population for May sat at 124.4 inmates, marking a slight increase from March and April. However, despite the rising population, only three inmates are currently being housed at outside facilities. Officials noted that the few remaining off-site inmates are being held elsewhere strictly due to mandatory no-contact orders related to their criminal cases.

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