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Tag: GPD

Click It or Ticket is Just Ahead

Beginning on Monday, May 18th, and continuing through Sunday, May 31st , travelers can expect increased police presence as the Galena Police Department joins other law enforcement agencies in aggressively enforcing Kansas occupant restraint and other traffic laws as part of the 2020 Kansas Click It or Ticket campaign.  This activity is supported by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).  Enforcement will occur around the clock. Seatbelt use diminishes after nightfall, meaning the likelihood of unbelted crash injuries and deaths rise during those hours.

The aim of Click It or Ticket is simple:  to effectively reduce the number of preventable deaths and injuries that occur when unbelted drivers and passengers are involved in traffic crashes.  About 345 persons are involved in 170 crashes each day in Kansas. Only 7% of those that are unbelted are likely to escape without injury.  Half of all fatalities occur among those who are not wearing a seat belt. While seat belts may not always prevent a serious or fatal injury, certainly no other piece of equipment within the vehicle provides more protection.  

“I want people to know that, day or night, the Galena Police Department is committed to aggressively ticketing violators of adult seat belt and child safety laws, as well as other traffic infractions, which make the need for occupant restraint so necessary.  The stop will be inconvenient, your vehicle and driver’s license numbers will likely be checked for outstanding warrants and insurance, and you will pay at least $30 to the court.  So, use your belt, every trip, every time.”

***Stay safe.***

Arrest Warrant Served at Galena Residence

As a result of an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct with a child; On Friday April 3, 2020, Officers with the Galena Police Department served an arrest warrant at 2125 S. Main Galena, KS.

73-Year-old Carl E. Combs of the residence was taken into custody and transported to the Cherokee County Jail. Combs is Charged through the Cherokee County District Court with four (4) counts of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child.

He is being held on a $100,000.00 bond.

Increased Enforcement Around the Galena High School – February 24 thru March 6

The Galena Police Department will join other law enforcement agencies in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma with increased enforcement near high schools to raise awareness on roadway safety. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens (15-18 years old) in the United States – ahead of all other types of injury, disease or violence.

“Even one teen death is unacceptable,”. “Please slow down, put the phone away or turn it off, and always buckle up.”

Officers will issue citations to any individual who refuses to obey the traffic laws, whether it is for speeding, texting or failing to buckle up. Remind teens that driving is a privilege and encourage them to learn about the importance of driving safely.

Patrol Officer Position

The City of Galena, KS is looking for professional, self-motivated, community oriented, individuals to apply for Police Officer positions.

TYPE:  Full Time

SALARY:  Depending on Qualifications / Experience

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Applicants must be 21 years of age, a United States Citizen, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and good moral character.  Applicant cannot have felony or domestic violence arrests. Law Enforcement certified preferred but not mandatory.

The City of Galena is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Applicants will be required to successfully pass a background investigation, psychological, physical, drug and alcohol testing.

OBTAINING AN APPLICATION: To obtain an Application; Print from City Web Site: www.Galenaks.gov  or request and return to: City Clerk’s Office at (620)783-5265, 211 W 7th Street Galena, KS 66739.

Traffic Stop leads to Drug Arrest

On January 8, 2020 at approximately 8:00 pm; Officers with the Galena Police Department conducted a traffic stop as part of an ongoing drug investigation. During the traffic stop officers discovered suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

The driver of the vehicle, 58-year-old Steven W. Davis, of Galena, KS was taken into custody and transported to the Cherokee County Jail. Charges are being submitted for Unlawful possession of Methamphetamine, Felony possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, Possession of drug paraphernalia used to distribute a controlled substance, and Possession of Marijuana.

Davis is remains in the Cherokee County Jail and is being held on $33,500.00 bond.  

2019 Pre-Holiday Season Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving

This holiday season, The Galena Police Department will be partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the national Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving awareness campaign to help keep impaired drivers off the road. Help us spread the message!

Are you on Santa’s naughty or nice list? Always designate a sober driver to get you home safely after drinking so you don’t wind up with coal in your stocking — or worse. Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

Keep track of those eggnogs! Even one drink can be one too many. Plan for a sober driver to get you home safely. Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

Commit to sober driving this holiday season, and every day. Help us spread the message: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

Keep the holidays merry and bright: This holiday season, and every day, stay safe by refusing to drink and drive. Remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

If you are buzzed, you are already too drunk to drive home. Even one drink can be one too many if you’re getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

During December 2017, 885 people lost their lives in traffic crashes involving a drunk driver. Always remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

Keep your cash for your holiday shopping, not for a drunk-driving arrest. A DUI can set you back $10,000 in court costs, lost time at work, car towing, and more. Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

In 2017, an average of one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 48 minutes. This holiday, and every day, remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

Just like drunk driving, drug-impaired driving is also dangerous and illegal, and it’s an increasing problem on our nation’s roads. Always remember: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.

Thanksgiving Safe Arrival

Beginning Monday, November 25, through Sunday, Dec 1, 2019 the Galena Police Department will join many other Law Enforcement Agencies across the state, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, in the Kansas Thanksgiving Safe Arrivaltraffic enforcement campaign.  A grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) will underwrite overtime enforcement efforts that specifically aim at removing impaired drivers from our roads and ticketing vehicle occupants who are unrestrained or whose child passengers are unrestrained. 

            According to KDOT, which tracks all crashes in the state, the day before Thanksgiving sees more impairment-related crashes than any other day of the year.  Those driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs endanger not only themselves, but also others they share the road with – such as their passengers, other motorists and their passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians.  On average, across Kansas, three persons are injured every day, and one person is killed every four days in alcohol/drug-related crashes.  And the crashes tend to be more severe.  Vehicle occupants in alcohol- or other drug-related crashes are over 2 ½ times more likely to be injured or killed than those involved in crashes where alcohol or other drugs were not a factor.  

Each week across Kansas, over 250 drivers are arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence).  A DUI conviction will result in jail time, the suspension or revocation of driver’s license, a fine of $500 to $2,500, participation in an alcohol or other drug treatment program and, where alcohol is cited as a contributing factor, the purchase and installation of an ignition interlock device by the offender.  This device requires the offender to blow into a device that measures blood alcohol concentration prior to starting the car.  It’s embarrassing and a hassle.

            Also responsible for needless death and maiming is the failure by many teens and adults to simply buckle up themselves, or to properly buckle up child passengers.  Twice as many Kansans who die from a crash are unrestrained as are restrained.  Even worse is the fact that injuries suffered by those who are unbuckled are likely to be much more severe and disabling than injuries suffered by those who are buckled in.  This applies regardless of speed, and whether the occurrence is on a city street, a county road, or a highway. 

 “Keep in mind that if you are going to be drinking – don’t even consider driving home.  Arrange to ride with a non-drinking acquaintance.  Don’t let pride or concerns for your convenience endanger your life and the lives of innocent others.  Drivers always wear your seatbelt and don’t move the vehicle until each person riding with you is buckled in.  This is your best defense against death and injury, it is their best defense, and it is the law.   You will live with the consequences – good or bad – the rest of your life.  By always following these simple rules, you can preserve life – maybe your life – and certainly your cash.  You can safely arrive.” 

Search Warrant / Three in Custody

During the evening hours of November 5, 2019, Officers with the Galena Police Department served a Search Warrant at 1103 Joplin St. in Galena Ks.

During the search suspected Marijuana and Methamphetamine were discovered.

37-year-old Jason A. Charles, 38-year-old Brandi L. King, and 30-year-old Guy A. Hibdon were taken into custody and transported to the Cherokee County Jail.  Charles and King are being held on a $5,000.00 bond for Possessing Methamphetamine and Marijuana. In addition to a $3,000.00 bond for Possessing Methamphetamine, Hibdon was found to have Warrant from another Jurisdiction.

This investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be requested.

Seat-Belt Enforcement Oct 28th – Nov 1st

On Monday, October 28th, The Galena Police Department along with other law enforcement agencies across Kansas will step up patrols around area schools. Officers will pay close attention to vehicles arriving and departing the area to ensure occupants are using their seat belts. This extra enforcement will run through November 1st.

According to the 2017 Kansas observational seatbelt survey, children are much more likely to be buckled up if the driver is wearing their seatbelts. If the driver is buckled, about 98% of the children are restrained. If the driver is not buckled, only about 29% of the observed children were buckled.  Parents need to be aware that wearing a seatbelt properly is the best prevention of serious injury or death in a vehicle. There should be no surprise when it comes to this enforcement.

For the latest data and to see more about Kansas safety belt laws, go to www.ktsor.org