Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier
Letter to the Editor
Note:
Letters are entered by date.
1999
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Sunday, May 2, 1999
Police jurisdiction
CEDAR FALLS - On April 22, Officer Mike Roethler of the Cedar Falls Police Division was sent to the Grin and Grow Care Center in Waterloo to read to a group of children. This was done while Officer Roethler was on duty and assigned his regular patrol assignment of answering calls and controlling traffic. This was also done at the request of Councilperson Barb Brown, the direction of Public Safety Director Jay Kohl, and the approval of Deputy Directors Rick Ahlstrom and Jeff Olson.
I have no ax to grind with the Grin and Grow Care Center, but I am wondering what makes them more special than the day care centers located in Cedar Falls. Could it be because Barb Brown is a member of the Board at Grin and Grow, and also a member of that board's marketing committee? I also am wondering why Officer Roethler was sent to do this task when logically it should have been done, and probably could have been done by a member of the Waterloo Police Department. Granted, the wages paid to Officer Roethler for this two-hour absence from his assigned regular duties is a meager amount in the overall picture of a public safety budget. But, citizens of Cedar Falls, remember that in his absence your streets were just a little bit less patrolled, and that your tax dollars paid for a function that should have been done by the Waterloo Police.
I am sure that Public Safety Administration in Cedar Falls will attempt to justify what they have done. It was a misuse of Cedar Falls taxpayer's' money. I hope all remember this in November if Barb Brown runs for re-election.
Dan Sink
Friday, May 7, 1999
Community agenda
CEDAR FALLS - Dan Sink's negative reaction to crime prevention (community policing) in his May 2 letter to the editor tells me why we have problems in public safety.
A lot has been made of our Public Safety Department, it's director, and the changes it has brought. Do we want our police department to be perceived as unhappy cops who only want to chase criminals and write tickets or a community who also cares about children, their future and the betterment of our community?
Mike Roethler is an excellent role model to children. The positive image of police he gives our children today will pay huge rewards in their future as they become adults.
I think the time has come to put the public safety issues behind us, work together as a community and focus on a positive agenda for our future.
Dave Maxson
C.F. Police loyalties
CEDAR FALLS – As a taxpayer in Cedar Falls, I am concerned about an issue I read in another letter to the editor a week ago.
During his regular shift, a Cedar Falls police officer was told to go to a Waterloo day care center by his deputy directors, Rick Ahlstrom and Jeff Olson. Public Safety Director Jay Kohl also approved having the officer visit the day care. I am wondering how safe we can feel if our city that is shorthanded should an emergency take place in Cedar Falls.
This on-duty officer, paid by us "the taxpayer," should never have been told he had to go to Waterloo on out dime. Favors or patting backs should not cost us as taxpayers. If in fact this was done as a request by Councilperson Barb Brown and approved by Jay Kohl, I think it was a complete waste of taxpayer money and an on-duty officer’s time. Maybe Jay Kohl should have volunteered his own time at his own expense.
Steve Sterrett
C.F. Police loyalties
CEDAR FALLS – In response to Cedar Falls Department of Public Safety Police Division employee Sergeant Dan Sink’s letter to the editor May 2, I want to thank him for bringing to the attention of Courier readers the fact that Cedar Falls Police Division Senior Officer Mike Roethler did visit the Grin and Grow Child Care Center April 22 and spent time reading to Waterloo and Cedar Falls children who attend that Center.
The Center staff, the board of directors, the marketing committee, and especially the children are very appreciative of Officer Roethler that he chose to spend those precious minutes at Grin and Grow.
April is designated by the National Association for the Education of Young Children as the Month of the Young Child. Grin and Grow, along with hundreds of other child care centers across the nation, celebrates the month with a Celebrity Readers Program, inviting local personalities and professionals to be a part of the world of small children. The individuals open worlds of understanding and career opportunities on a one-to-one basis. For instance, spending time with a police officer in uniform in a comfortable and safe atmosphere may be in direct contrast to the violence many children associate and in some extreme cases, experience with law enforcement officers.
I volunteered to ask three Cedar Falls individuals to become a part of the lives of the children of Grin and Grow during the week of April 19. I asked Trudy Martin, director of the Mosaic Dance Company; Officer Roethler; and Clarence Brown, a first-degree black belt in karate and an instructor at the Rising Sun Shinkyudo Karate School. All accepted my invitation.
As a member of the board of directors and the marketing committee for Grin and Grow Child Care Center and as a Cedar Falls City Councilmember, this program needs to be publicized as one of the binding forces showing that in many aspects we are one community. City limits are only signs on a street and geographical lines on a map, not closed borders.
Barbara Brown
Wednesday, May 12, 1999
Public Safety Leader
WATERLOO - Dave Maxson's letter summarily chastised Dan Sink's feelings concerning a Cedar Falls police office participating in a Waterloo reading program. I simply must respond.
Obviously Mr. Maxson has misunderstood the entire point of Sink's letter. No one questioned whether or not Mike Roethler is a role model to children. The question should be why didn't (Councilwoman) Barb Brown make arrangements to have a Waterloo police officer reading at a Waterloo day care center.
It appears further that Mr. Maxson has been spoon fed tidbits by the Public Safety administration, especially in portraying these people as whiners. If Mr. Maxson were truly informed about the police officers he would know that above all else they have maintained their dedication to their jobs, through some very rough times. It would seem a mayoral candidate would attempt to get perspective from both sides before chastising dedicated persons in a letter to the editor.
Yes, Mr. Maxson, a lot has been made of Cedar Falls Public Safety Department, its director and the changes it has brought. One of the biggest changes is in community policing. Community policing requires that the administrators of an organization empower officers in problem solving. In other words, Mr. Maxson, they must trust the officer they employ to make good sound decisions, and then stand with the officer behind these decisions.
Community policing does not, nor will it ever effectively work with an autocratic leadership, which is indeed alive and well in Cedar Falls Public Safety. In fact, generally, the autocratic management style has been proven time and again to be a failure. Empowered officers are treated with respect and trusted to carry out goals. Autocratic leadership does not allow for empowerment.
Mr. Sink's letter surely should tell you there are problems in Public Safety - extreme problems. Putting the public safety issue "behind us" as Mr. Maxson states will solve none of the issues that plague these employees; public knowledge may.Jennifer O'Connor
C.F. Police priorities
CEDAR FALLS - It has been reported time after time that the changes forced on the police and fire departments were based on the concept of cost savings. As a taxpayer here in Cedar Falls I want effective use of my tax dollars.
I feel Sgt. Dan Sink's letter about the Cedar Falls officer being sent out of town on a speaking assignment shows Cedar Falls tax dollars are being used improperly.
The assignment grew out of a "request" from Councilmember Barbara Brown who is on the board of directors of Grin and Grow Care Center. I noted in the Sunday edition of the Courier Brown responded to Dan Sink's letter by trying to evade the basic issue and has tried to put her personal "spin" on this. She states she "invited" three people to speak at the Grin and Grow Care Center and they all accepted her invitation.
I know from personal experience that a member of a police unit does not go out of their area of jurisdiction without approval. This was an assignment, and it could have and should have been taken care of by an officer from the Waterloo Police Department or by the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Department.
While this was a request from Councilmember Barbara Brown, it was also approved by Public Safety Director Jay Kohl and Deputy Directors Ahlstrom and Olson. All three of these people need to remember they work for the people of Cedar Falls for the time being. There are enough times we have limited police coverage in Cedar Falls, due to current administrative policies, "a speaking assignment" out of town shouldn't lower basic coverage even more.
Councilmember Brown wrote of not having "closed borders," per this speaking assignment. I what part of Waterloo is she a councilmember?
C.R. Pedersen
Wednesday, May 19, 1999
C.F. Public Safety
CEDAR FALLS - "Mayoral candidate" or "citizen." Dave Maxson writes, "I think the time has come to put the public safety issues behind us, work together as a community and focus on a positive agenda for our future" (Courier, May 7)
I wonder if Dave has been totally out of touch with Cedar Falls or has attended too many Barbara Brown's cheerleading sessions on how great the Public Safety Department is?
It appears that the protégé has appeared. Mayor Ed (Stachovic) can retire.
Why was an officer sent to Grin & Grow Daycare Center and not Jay Kohl, who certainly needs some public personal relations?
Did any of the children ask, "Are you a real policeman, you don't drive police car?"
So Dave and Barb, you appear to be in the same leaking boat (believing there are no problems in the Public Safety Department) so start bailing. This issue could / should sink your boat.
Larry Ohl
C.F. Public Safety
CEDAR FALLS - I have read the many letters to this column criticizing the organization and operation of the Cedar Falls Public Safety Department.
I believe sincerely that the "new face" of this department is good for all the residents of Cedar Falls.
We were the grateful recipients of this new and better organized staff during an extended vacation this spring.
We called the Public Safety Department and asked for the "vacation watch."
Upon our return we not only received reports from our neighbors of the Public Safety staff patrols, but we received a copy of the daily log used and initialed by the staff who checked our home one or more times daily.
Please, let's allow Jay Kohl, Rick Ahlstrom and all the very professional Public Safety staff to get on with the improvements begun in this very important responsibility and take our concerns to them for resolution.
Jean A. Sackett
Sunday, May 23, 1999
C.F. Public Safety
CEDAR FALLS - Two years ago Jon Crews was the only citizen to appear before the Cedar Falls City Council and object to the continuation of the Cedar Falls Public Safety Directors position. Jon has since written letters questioning the staffing levels of police and fire services and the "Gag Order" placed on our city employees.
Like Stan Smith, Jon questions the need for the position of public safety director, but unlike Mr. Smith, Jon disagrees with a number of policies implemented by current Director Jay Kohl.
The position has been in use since 1987, but it has only been in the last couple years that all the public controversy has erupted.
In a recent letter third mayor candidate - Dave Maxson - seems to imply that there are no real issues that need to be addressed in Cedar Falls Public Safety. Jon Crews, while mayor of Cedar Falls, worked for eight years without a Public Safety Director. Jon knows that public safety will be far better off without that position.
Let's vote for a mayor who, unlike Mr. Smith, never voted to create that position. Citizens of Cedar Falls, give us back our police and fire chiefs to run their departments, not only for the safety of our police and fire personnel but more so the safety of we citizens.
Les Dempster
Sunday, May 30, 1999
C.F. Public Safety
WATERLOO – Dan Sink’s letter to the Courier on May 2, provides the opportunity to explain the fundamental difference in philosophies that now exist within the Cedar Falls Public Safety Department. Mr. Sink is an employee of the police division. His position reflects the traditional model of policing, i.e. react to crime, arrest if necessary, and wait for the next call.
The model of policing adopted by the Public Safety Administration (community policing) requires much more from the police officers. Under this model, officers are encouraged to prevent crime as opposed to simply waiting for crime to occur. Unfortunately, some officers do not agree with this approach.
Community policing requires officers to address and solve minor problems, thus preventing them from becoming bigger problems. Code enforcement, placing an officer full time on College Hill, and reading to children are excellent examples of community policing. All these activities have been opposed by a small percentage of Cedar Falls officers.
Recent studies have indicated how important it is to reach children in their formative years. To do so, it must be done no later than elementary school. Placing an officer in a day-care center to develop a positive role model relationship and to begin to break down some of the barriers between youth and police, is fundamental community policing. Citizens of Cedar Falls can be assured that resistance to community policing will not stand in our way to providing more effective policing.
Senior Officer Mike Roethler enjoys a well-earned reputation of being able to effectively speak with young children. Ask the children at Lincoln School in Cedar Falls. I am proud of his work and the work of other officers who continue to provide excellent service during these challenging times.
Rick Ahlstrom
Sunday, May 30, 1999
Community safety
CEDAR FALLS – For the past six Monday evenings an enthusiastic group of Cedar Falls citizens met at City Hall to learn more about the community policing concept and about the structure and function of our police. This was done through a free class called Cedar Falls Citizens Policing Academy, directed by Officer Bob Mounce and staffed by officers skilled in each area of specialization.
The curriculum included an introduction to community policing; code ordinance enforcement; the reserve officer program; accident investigation; radar enforcement; vice / narcotics; gang awareness; crime lab procedures; and use of canines in law enforcement.
The final session was an in-depth, exciting and informative tour of the Black Hawk County Jail, including central dispatch.
On behalf of all who have completed these classes we would like to thank the following officers who gave so generously of their time and whose professionalism was so evident. We learned so much from them: Officer Bob Mounce who spent countless hours planning and facilitating this class. Without his commitment this experience would not have been possible.
Officers Ahlstrom, Berte, Brown, Danielson, Geisinger, Hagarty, Hempen, Kohl, Kramer and Liljegren.
Black Hawk County Sheriff’s deputy Lt. Baker for making our tour of the jail so outstanding.
Last, but not least, we want to thank the Public Safety Department for providing the budget and support which made this class possible. Officer Mounce hope to offer this class again.
Ralph and Harriet Goodman
june
Sunday, June 6, 1999Community policing
WATERLOO- Cedar Falls Deputy Director of Police Rick Ahlstrom, I am a citizen of Waterloo and am aware you have a fine department of officers. However, I find your insinuation that it is the duty of a Cedar Falls police officer to "community police" Waterloo insulting. Our Waterloo police department does an enormous amount of work with the youth in our city. We have officers actively involved on a daily basis with preschool and school-aged children. From officers actually walking school halls to bicycle and seat belt safety. They read to preschool and elementary children, as well as teach them about stranger danger. Having police officers assigned in the schools has promoted a breakage in "the barrier between youth and police." Youngsters are more apt to approach an officer they are familiar with, thus thwarting, volatile incidents in our Waterloo schools. I applaud the fine work of our Waterloo officers in the "community policing" of our city.
Maybe the next time someone questions your judgement, you should drop the smoke and mirrors and deal with the issue at hand.
Sheryl Meyers
Tuesday, June 8, 1999
Admit mistake
CEDAR FALLS - I feel compelled to respond to the letter written to the editor by Councilperson Barb Brown, Deputy Director Rick Ahlstrom, and mayoral candidate, Dave Maxson. If the three of you would have read Sgt. Dan Sink's letter objectively and absorbed the message he presented, you would have realized his concern was that an on-duty Cedar Falls police officer was sent to another city to read to daycare children. Would the same request for an officer to go to La Porte City, Dunkerton, Hudson and other cities be honored at the Cedar Falls taxpayer's expense? It seems apparent that Officer Mike Roethler was sent to a Waterloo daycare center by Director Jay Kohl and Deputy Rick Ahlstrom at the request of Councilperson Barb Brown.
To insinuate Sgt. Dan Sink is callous to positive police contact with children is an insult to the integrity of one of the finest police officers in Cedar Falls. For decades the members of the Cedar Falls Police Department have taken part in many programs for children in our community, such as bicycle rodeos, Safety City, crossing guard programs, speaking at schools and daycare centers, one-to-one contact at school crossings, as well as walking the beat.
Instead of making personal attacks against your police officers, you should admit errors in judgment and not repeat your mistakes.
Vernon Kolpek
Sunday, June 13, 1999
Public safety
CEDAR FALLS - The first thing I would like to say is, my opinions on Public Safety are not dictated by any one group or organization. After spending 8 - 10 hours with various police officers and fire fighters and two hours with Public Safety administrators, I spent countless hours doing research. The following books, available at most university libraries may better help you as concerned citizens to understand, as it did me.
1. Organization - Behavior and Management by Michael Matteson
2. Criminal Justice - A Community Relations Approach by Charles P. McDowell
3. Supervision of Police Personnel by John Ivancevich
4. Criminal Justices - Law and Politics by George Cole
5. Fixing Broken Windows by George Kelling
Also available is FY 2000 - 2002 Preliminary Financial Plan - available at City Hall. There is a cost for this.It isn't a question of taking sides, it's a question of dealing with the issues, leaving personalities out. We must remember our goal of providing citizens with quality police and fire protection at a reasonable cost. Positive solutions can be found. After all, isn't being a policeman all about solving problems? Are there improvements needed? Yes, we need to continue to improve. Do we need to tear apart our Public Safety Department? No, we need to solve the problems we have, not create new ones.
In a recent Courier article I suggested we need to put this behind us and move on. In no way did I suggest we do not have problems. Mark Twain once said, "winners do things losers refuse to do." Solutions will not come easy, but be careful not to turn your back on a candidate who seeks to work with all concerned to find answers.
I'm sure someone will read more into this as they have done in the past and reply negatively. If so, ask yourself, "Do I really want this resolved, or am I feeding my appetite for more controversy?"
Dave Maxson
Editors Note: Maxson is a Cedar Falls mayoral candidate. The Courier does have a letters policy prohibiting letters from candidates. One exception allows response to criticism in other letters.
Sunday, June 20, 1999
Community policing
CEDAR FALLS - On May 30, a letter to the editor was published in the Courier in which Rick Ahlstrom questioned my abilities to function in a community policing atmosphere. As the Community Policing Coordinator for both day shift uniformed squads, I might ask two questions. The first question would be: If my performance in that capacity was lacking, why was that not reflected on my last performance evaluation? "Secondly, I would like to ask if Mr. Ahlstrom even knows what community policing activities I have been involved in within the past two years? The College Square Fire Lane Ordinance, night bank deposit safety tip pamphlet, and school stranger danger talks are only a few. The real issue of this controversy is continually side-stepped by Public Safety Administration. Why a Cedar Falls officer did community policing in Waterloo has never been answered.
It's easy to accuse an employee of poor performance, but my evaluations do not reflect the insinuations made by Mr. Ahlstrom. It's also easy to accuse a 29-year employee of being traditional in his policing concepts. Let me assure you I would rather be traditional than cracked from the mold of new administrators who have no respect for fellow employees.
Dan Sink
Tuesday, June 22, 1999
C.F. Police morale
CEDAR FALLS - I have been watching and listening to everything that has been going on with the police division since (public safety director) Jay Kohl's appointment in October 1997. Mr. (Police Chief Rick) Ahlstrom's letter of May 30 has made me respond. Mr. Ahlstrom has worked with (Police Sergeant) Dan Sink for more than 20 years. There is no one on the department more family- and child-oriented than Dan Sink. For Mr. Ahlstrom to insinuate otherwise is a total fabrication in Mr. Ahlstrom's mind.
Dan Sink's letter was trying to say if we have two hours of a Cedar Falls policeman's time to spare, let's use it in Cedar Falls schools. Waterloo Police Department has three times more officers than Cedar Falls, and would probably have been more than happy to send an officer. (Councilwoman) Barbara Brown's heart may have been in the right place, but her mind was not.
Next, the community policing Mr. Ahlstrom seems to believe is a "new" concept to the department has been going on for years. The Cedar Falls Police Department has had school liaison officers, neighborhood watch, College Hill Association meetings, etc., for many years. They have just put a new name to it.
To Jean Sackett's letter several weeks ago, you obviously thought the vacation house watch program was Jay Kohl and Rick Ahlstrom's new idea. Cedar Falls Police Division has had a vacation house watch program for a number of years, and although no one disagrees with this type of program, wouldn't it be more community policing-oriented to have the neighbors also involved in watching the houses instead of putting the entire burden on the police department?
After almost two years, the morale of the police department is still at an all-time low, and we are still losing top-notch police officers. Experienced officers are very hard to replace with new officers and volunteers.
Just so no one has to guess, I am proud to be married to a 30-year veteran of the Cedar Falls Police Department.
Rebecca Williams
Wednesday, June 23, 1999
Public Safety leadership
DIKE - (Cedar Falls Police Chief) Rick Ahlstrom has now publicly challenged the integrity of Dan Sink, and is attempting to portray Sink and other Public Safety employees as a hindrance to his program. For the past 18 months I have sat back and watched the police department trying to weather the storm of this administration. Not speaking up now lends credence to Ahlstrom's allegations. He would like you to believe there is only a small percentage of Cedar Falls officers who are unhappy. This is simply not true. Few officers are in fact "in line" with Kohl and Ahlstrom's way of thinking. For those "in line" advancement is rapid, while those who are not are told they will never advance unless they are "on board."
This is also not a community policing issue. Dan Sink has been committed to community policing long before it became a buzz word. I resent Ahlstrom's attempts to portray Dan as anything less than what he is, an exemplary officer, who possesses honesty, integrity and is extremely dedicated to his job and to the police division.
Every time anyone has spoken out about Public Safety policies, you hear responses from administration like - "resistant to change," "upset about loss of overtime," and "against community policing." Not one of these accusations is true, but is their attempt to divert attention away from the serious problem at hand.
Ahlstrom would also like you to believe we are not doing our job. Citizens of Cedar Falls, the men and women of the police division still remain dedicated to our jobs and to serving the public. However, there are serious concerns about the direction this agency is headed, and the means being used to get there.
Thirty years ago when I started at the police department, I was told "attack the problem, not the individual." I believe Mr. Ahlstrom should have kept this in mind when he signed his letter.
Sue Eckhoff
Sunday, July 25, 1999
C.F. government
CEDAR FALLS - For quite some time now there have been letters and articles in the paper concerning problems in the Cedar Falls Public Safety Department. It is apparently going to be an issue in the mayoral race. There have been suggestions that Jay Kohl be dismissed. Mr. Jon Crews and Mr. Stan Smith say the department should be dismantled.
Mr. David Maxson is willing to listen to the problems and find a way of solving them in order to keep it intact. Police officers and firefighters have very dangerous jobs and unfortunately are not always appreciated for what they do. The letters so far have been from those who are unhappy with the department as it is. This letter is intended to seek information so that I and other concerned citizens in this community may know the true facts and better informed.
I have some questions that I hope someone will be able to answer:
1. Why should the department be dismantled?
2. Why should Jay Kohl be dismissed?
3. Is there a specific reason for the morale problems?
4. Are there any officers or fire fighters who are happy with the department as it is?
This information would be helpful.
Sarah Garren
Sunday, August 1, 1999
Public safety staffing
CEDAR FALLS - Years ago, farsighted people in both Waterloo and Cedar Falls built flood walls and dikes to protect each city from natural disaster. Several times since then, the danger they predicted has come, but the damage has been minimized because of their wisdom and planning. Residents of both cities are grateful to those leaders responsible for the creation of those barriers.
Times are different today. Now, Cedar Falls residents are being forced to accept a higher risk of both crime and fire due to a paring down of the police department and changeover to a volunteer fire department. In 1960, the population of Cedar Falls was 21,000. I believe the city had fully-staffed fire and police departments then. By 1990, the population had grown 62 percent, to 34,300. Any reasonable person can see we have a greater need for strong police and fire departments today. Why is it that, 30-plus years ago, elected officials could see a flood coming, but today's officials cannot?
It makes no sense to imply a tax savings by butchering essential services, when everyone will pay far higher insurance costs because of it. Your insurance agent knows that if the risk goes up, so will your premium. Since we're going to pay either way, I'd rather pay for prevention. Wouldn't you? I'd rather have full-strength police and fire departments and the right to vote on this issue. Wouldn't you?
Denny McGeough
3808 Knoll Ridge Dr.
Sunday, August 8, 1999
C.F. safety concerns
CEDAR FALLS - You would think the title of Public Safety Director would stand for someone who oversees and directs the safety of the public. This is not the case of Cedar Falls Public Safety Director Jay Kohl and his assistants, J. Olson and R. Ahlstrom. Citizens of Cedar Falls, "wake up" and take the time to check on who if anyone is actually patrolling your neighborhood. There have been at least three times in June alone, as of June 22, that the whole city of Cedar Falls has had only two police officers and one supervisor manning the station and patrolling the streets for their 12-hour shift.
Cedar Falls officers have a right to be concerned about their safety, plus the safety of the citizens of Cedar Falls. If this is what our "safety director" considers worthless whining, then he is playing Russian Roulette with too many lives. Your police officers are the first to arrive on the scene of 911 calls. In the past they have been credited for saving lives by administering life-saving techniques while an ambulance is enroute. Without the proper number of officers to cover the Cedar Falls area, there will come a time when a child, parent, spouse, etc., may lose their life in order for Jay Kohl to say how much he has saved the people of Cedar Falls. We are already short six officers, with more qualified and dedicated officers leaving the department due to the games being played. If this keeps up you will no longer have trained officers on the street, but you will have reserve officers without the proper training running your streets.
Mr. Kohl, if you truly want to save our city money, take a cut in your own $78,000 salary or better yet, leave Cedar Falls and take your tag team of Ahlstrom and Olson with you.
Julie Wilson
Editors note from CF police: Julie Wilson is a Cedar Falls police officers wife. Staffing levels may vary, depending on the time of day and the day of the week. The city may have anywhere from three to nine officers working at one time. Public Safety schedules more officers during high demand times and less at lower demand times.
The city is in various stages of the hiring process. One new officer started in July; others will begin in August.
C.F. safety concerns
CEDAR FALLS - On Jan.4, 1999, I sent a number of questions to Council member Barb Brown and Mayor Ed Stachovic and asked for written answers to those questions. To this date, I have not yet received one single written answer in return from Brown, Kohl, Ahlstrom or Mayor Stachovic. But, I see that Brown and Deputy Director Ahlstrom have found time to write letters to the editor in which they entirely miss the point that Dan Sink tried to bring to the attention of Cedar Falls citizens. Mr. Sink addressed a genuine concern of misuse of on-duty police personnel and improper use of tax money.
Mrs. Brown has also chosen to ignore several phone call messages that I have left for her regarding my concern of not being able to receive written answers by her or her designee.
Instead, Mr. Ahlstrom has informed me, that I will not be receiving any written answers to any of the questions that I have asked. Mr. Ahlstrom and Mr. Kohl insist that I must meet with them in a private meeting. The "rules" that I must abide by are: I must meet alone with Kohl, Ahlstrom and Deputy Director Olson. I am "not allowed" to have any other witness at the meeting except my wife. (Sorry Stan Smith, or Jon Crews or any other Cedar Falls citizen, you aren't permitted to sit in on the meeting, according to Mr. Kohl and Ahlstrom.) I also am not permitted to bring a tape recorder or video camera or any other electronic recording device to record the meeting and their answers. I have been informed that I can only take notes during the meeting.
What has our city government become when a citizen has to abide by rules like these in order to get answers to questions?
Steve Jensen
Editors note from CF police: Steve Jensen is a former Cedar Falls police officer retired on a disability. Mayor Stachovic and Councilperson Brown have referred Mr. Jensen's questions for response: Mr. Jensen has been invited on numerous occasions by phone and with six letters to discuss his concerns with Public Safety staff. He has declined to attend such a meeting. Public Safety administration will meet with him at his convenience.
C.F. safety concerns
CEDAR FALLS - Over the past 21 months, the city of Cedar Falls has encountered serious issues involving the Police and Fire Departments. Many of these issues have been publicly addressed by concerned citizens, the Public Safety Administration, and a small number of officers.
As a former officer with the police department, I've observed and experienced these problems first hand. Officers have been forced to remain quiet while the administration continues to deceive the public.
There are no issues that I can address in this letter that haven't been already addressed. There is, however, a definite communication gap between officers and administration, and it is unfortunate that these issues have to be addressed in a public forum. Attempts to open lines of communication are one sided, and officers input is ignored. It is important to realize that these growing problems are not going away, but in fact are getting worse. There are not more police officers on the streets, as the administration would like the public to believe. An increasing number of officers are leaving the department. Replacements are not being hired but in contrast the number of reserve officers have increased and they are being used to replace career officers. The reserve program was designed to, and is mandated by State Code, to supplement the number of officers on the street, not replace them. There have been numerous occasions when only three officers (a captain included) have been assigned to patrol a twelve-hour shift. This is an obvious safety issue for both the public and officers.
The concept of community policing was here long before the current administration. One of the most important factors in community policing is for the officers to be easily identifiable to the public. With the new logo and uniform patches, this is not occurring. Many citizens are unable to identify the police officers in this city. It is extremely frustrating as officers confront this issue on a daily basis.
I don't believe that everyday problems within a department need to be made public. Speaking as a tax payer, however, citizens are being cheated. Although we should be held accountable for the funds that are spent, there comes a time when the public's welfare far exceeds the costs. You cannot put a price tag on safety.
It is understandable that citizens are growing weary of these issues. It has also taken a tremendous toll on employees within the police and fire divisions. For almost two years now, much has been said and written in regards to these issues. What does this tell you? These problems are not going away, and will continue as long as they are allowed to. Are you seeing a decrease in your taxes? I'm not. If all of this money is being saved from Public Safety, where is it going? You have to decide for yourself if you are willing to let these problems continue to occur.
Rob Michael
ex-Cedar Falls Police OfficerEditors note from CF police: Rob Michael is an ex-Cedar Falls police officer. The implementation of the Community Service Officer Program and the reorganization in 1998 placed more officers on patrol.
In the past four years, the Police Division has an average attrition rate of three officers a year. Over the past two years, six officers have resigned to work in the private sector or for professional advancement with other police organizations. Reserve officers are not being used to replace career officers. The city is in various stages of the hiring process. One new officer started in July; others will begin in August.
Staffing levels may vary, depending on the time of day and the day of the week. The city may have anywhere from three to nine officers working at one time. Public Safety schedules more officers during high demand times and less at lower demand times.
Thursday, September 16, 1999
Safety concern
CEDAR FALLS - We were shocked and frightened when we read the Courier article reporting police staffing on the night shift of Labor Day. Three police officers working during the night in a city of 35,000 is outrageous. Not only are we worried about citizen safety in an emergency, but we are especially concerned about the safety of the officers. More often than not, a disturbance involves alcohol and/or drugs and would require more than one officer. Not having immediate backup for these officers is a critical misjudgment on the part of management.
Please remedy this situation now. Do not wait until a tragedy occurs to realize that you are choosing money matters over officers' lives.
P.S. Please note that we refer to "police officers," not "Public Safety officers.
Dale and Patty Champoux
Safety concern
CEDAR FALLS - It is amazing to me that within a few short weeks the Cedar Falls City Council can, after listening (at a public forum) to citizens of Cedar Falls pour out their hearts in front of them, react so differently.
Only a few weeks ago "flood victims" were asking for help and compassion at a meeting with city council and the council (members) couldn't contain themselves, how sorry they were, how they were trying to help and looking for "outside assistance."
An act of God you say?
Now there is an outpouring of asking for help, understanding, a meeting with the city council or outside help (mediator) about the Public Safety Department.
How differently the council reacts. You are the problem, you didn't go through channels and hide behind "collective bargaining." Has Jay kohl mesmerized the city council?
Petty grievances you say? I say "petty begets petty."
If I read right, in October Jay Kohl's contract can be renewed and in November we have an election. How will your council person vote? Ask them.
What departments or agencies will have offices in the "new" Public Safety Building?
Larry D. Ohl
Editors note: You didn't read it here about Kohl's "contract." A Call the Courier response last month stated, "Management and supervisory employees of the city of Cedar Falls do not have contracts."
September 20, 1999
Police staffing
HUDSON - Aug. 30 meeting the public, Mr. (Jay) Kohl, Public Safety director, referenced Public Safety, Overtime and Services 1999. "We reviewed our records ... determined that staffing went below four officers on only 12 of the 455 shifts ... on the rare occasion when patrol staffing drops below four officers, there is no indication that police services are negatively impacted."
11 p.m., Oct. 4, 1996, Judi, 16, driving friends home, was broadsided by a drinking driver (his admission) speeding and running a flashing red light at Greenhill and Highway 58. Officer No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 arrived within 4 - 5, 10, and 30 minutes (off duty). Ambulances, fire, emergency vehicles, wittnesses and traffic were dealt with. Officers No. 2 and No. 3 remained on the scene. At the hospital, Officer No. 1 interviewed victims and requested assistance with blood alcohol collection. Officer No. 4 came, helping with blood collection equipment.
Drinking driver's BAC tests .120 (hospital) and .87 (DCI) less than two hours after crashing. Charged with vehicular homicide and serious injury by a motor vehicle, drinking driver was acquitted of criminal charges. The civil trial found him 100 percent at fault.
Blood testing and handling by CFPD, DCI and hospital staff issues were raised during the criminal trial. If the BAC test had been administered sooner, DCI testing quicker, or BAC tested elsewhere, the outcome could have been different. (The BAC test remained at the hospital Oct. 5 - 16 and DCI tested it Oct. 30)
Aasked to view written procedures dealing with drunken drivers and BAC collections, Capt. (Rick) Ahlstrom stated the procedure manual wasn't up-to-date, and he didn't know the exact procedure. Asking why the drinking driver's blood test wasn't done at Allen Hospital - Allen tests BAC for Waterloo - Aahlstrom didn't know.
Sadly, last Sunday's Courier reported another incident of CFPD understaffing. I hope criminals don't read the newspaper.
Wanda Farrell
Editor's note: According to Kohl, the statistics and quote regarding shift strength stem from information compiled since January 1, 1999, and does not include information dating back to 1996.
September 23, 1999
C.F. Public Safety
CEDAR FALLS - About the council meeting where it was made quite plain that anyone who protested the destructive policies of the imported (Public Safety Director Jay) Kohl fragmenting of the once efficient fire and police operations - would be met with a concerted windstorm.
I certainly admired the cool stand of the firemen who stated the case against the mismanagement of both the police and fire management. Cedar Falls is not being afforded the security and service we once enjoyed. When the gentleman spoke of these things, he was subjected to mushy and persistent flood of evasive questions about "being willing to accept compromise." It appeared that the opinions of the public should not be permitted to interfere with "management."
It is becoming more evident as the operation of fire and police is being weakened that Cedar Falls needs a change in management policies. It would serve us well if more of the firefighters and police officers - both those still working and those who have been "retired" - would speak out. Cedar Falls is going to grow, and our protective arms must be kept strong.
Truman Tedlie
October 10, 1999
Public Safety
CEDAR FALLS - An Oct. 3 Courier article regarding Jay Kohl's departure, quoted Cedar Falls Councilperson Barb Brown.
Ms. Brown stated how saddened she was the Kohl family would remember only turmoil from their two years in Cedar Falls.
Ms. Brown, we feel your pain. We are also saddened by the loss of the following fine police and fire personnel and their families who have left with memories of turmoil during Kohl's two-year tenure:
Mike Lashbrook, 18 years; Tom Wynn, 10 years; Diane Venega, four years; Laurie Magee, eight years; Jim Warkentin, four years; Rob Michael, three years; Josh Lupkes, three years; Char Casteel, 25 years; Mike Whitson, 14 years; Todd Henderson, seven years; Roy Fitzhugh, 21 years; Sharon Regenold, four years; and Jake Jacobs, four years.Now is the perfect time to eliminate the Public Safety administration. It would reduce the large number of valued employee's leaving our departments.
The following candidates support saving taxpayers' dollars by the elimination of Public Safety: Mayor, Stan Smith; council-at large, Vern Kolpeck; and Fourth Ward council, Joe Turner.
CEDAR FALLS FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
October 18, 1999
Public safety issue
DIKE - In response to Jane Teaford's letter in support of Barbara Brown. It is obvious where Ms. Teaford gets her information. First of all, Ms. Teaford and I obviously must not have attended the same Aug. 31 public forum, as she states people who came to the meeting heard only one side of the issue. I recall Mr. Kohl presented a power point "production" of charts and graphs.
Ms. Teaford also stated the discussion and questions at the public forum were orchestrated by police officers and firefighters. I should not have to remind Ms. Taeford there was a city-hired facilitator running the meeting. Because there was in fact a "ground swell" of public opinion against Public Safety, does not make the meeting tainted, or orchestrated by police or fire.
Yes, police and fire officers and their families spoke also. It should be obvious they did so at risk to their careers. Those who have spoken out in the past have been threatened with discipline, had to hire attorneys or have been transferred to third shift.
I happen to be one of the "bunch of public employees who have set out to create problems so they can get their way" (a quote taken directly from Ms. Teaford's letter). Not only is this statement totally false, but it is a slap in the professional faces of those of us Public Safety employees who have managed to stay through this administration.
"Get our way?" That's ludicrous. All we have ever wanted was truth in their numbers, and for some positive response to serious concerns from people like Councilwomen Brown, who after all, represents the taxpayers of Cedar Falls and not Public Safety officials.
You, Ms. Teaford, should have more thoroughly checked your information. The only statement in your letter that is accurate is "courage and integrity should be rewarded, not punished."
That's correct, and that's why Vern Kolpek is the candidate of choice for Council-at-large.
Sue Eckhoff
The big picture
CEDAR FALLS - Voters in Cedar Falls' upcoming mayoral election deserve more than a single-issue referendum on the Public Safety Director position. Here are a couple of issues I'd like to see discussed:
Fiscal responsibility at the top. Let's assume the public safety director's job will be eliminated, saving $74,000. Is it enough to stop there?
Our mayor, for example, draws a $60,000 salary. What does he do that our highly skilled city administrator doesn't already do? Should we pay two people to do the same job once? Candidates, who among you is willing to cut the mayor's salary, say by half, and put those extra dollars, along with the savings from the public safety's director's salary line, into hiring more police and firefighters?
Second on my list is redeveloping the city's core, both the downtown and the older housing west and south of downtown. Providing incentives to make older houses attractive and affordable for young working families should be a key element in a comprehensive strategy for long-term sustainable growth in our community. Get more families living close to downtown, and you'll automatically boost Main Street.
Cedar Falls has aggressively and successfully promoted business and industry growth by offering a host of financial and infrastructure benefits. Candidates, is one of you willing to look at a parallel plan to attract younger, working-class home buyers to our town?
Fiscal responsibility at the top; city core redevelopment. The candidate who addresses these issues will be a serious contender for my vote.
William G. Witt
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