3 minute read
Police Bulletins
New high-tech body cameras to provide better service and transparency for residents
In an effort to maintain its reputation as one of the best police forces in America, the O’Fallon Police Department has purchased body cameras for every officer. These cameras will bring a new level of transparency to police operations in O’Fallon and offer a number of critical safety features for our officers.
The new body camera system can be automatically activated when an officer is assigned to a call and uploads all footage to a secure cloud environment, saving footage as it’s recorded. The system can also detect when a service weapon has been drawn from its holster, sending automated alerts to dispatch and nearby officers. Because the camera is mounted inside an officer’s uniform, it cannot be dislodged in a struggle, and acts as a GPS beacon if an officer is injured or has a medical emergency. These body cameras were made possible thanks to funds raised through O’Fallon’s use tax, which voters passed in 2019. The officers of the O’Fallon Police Department appreciate that this technology is now available to them and know that this new system will allow their policework to speak for itself.
O’Fallon PD unveils new Defensive Tactics Room to offer advanced training to officers
In police forces across America, “use of force” has always been a critical concern. While officers are highly-trained in the use of pepper spray, tasers and firearms, the reality of modern policework is that most incidents involve hands-on use of force. Statistics show that the lower an officer’s skill level, the higher the chance an officer will panic and use more force than necessary or freeze and use less. In order to offer advanced hand-to-hand training to officers, the O’Fallon Police Department has constructed a purposebuilt 2,000-sq.-ft. training area in consultation with defensive tactics experts and external martial artists. This state-of-the-art facility is being paired with world-class training programs to give officers the skills and experience necessary to effectively control resisting subjects. No other police agency in the region has access to a training facility like this, and this facility was also made possible thanks to funds raised by O’Fallon’s use tax. This is another example of how the O’Fallon Police Department and the City of O’Fallon remain ahead of the curve when it comes to training and providing the best possible service to our citizens.
Protect your family and valuables with these tips from the O’Fallon PD
St. Charles County is not immune to crime, and criminals are seeking unlocked cars and unattended valuables throughout the region. The picture above, taken from a residential surveillance system, was shared with O’Fallon Police, and they would like to remind you how you can help keep your family safe. Crimes like this occur because criminals know they will find items like guns, purses, money, wallets and more in unlocked cars. As a resident, here’s what you need to keep in mind:
• If you see anything like this, do not confront the criminals.
It’s not worth risking your safety for some loose change that may have been left in the console of your car. Call 911!
• Register your home security camera with the O’Fallon
Police Department. If officers believe your camera may have filmed a crime, they can contact you to request footage.
Head to www.ofallon.mo.us/pd for more information. • Do not leave valuables, especially guns, in your vehicle.
Do not leave keys or vehicles unlocked. If the criminals know they won’t find anything in this area, they are less likely to come here.
The O’Fallon Police Department takes the safety and security of our residents extremely seriously, and we would like to remind you that if you see something suspicious in your neighborhood, contact the department immediately.
