The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Des Moines Police Department’s Community Relations Units work together to coordinate information with both the public and the business community. The Community Relations Unit offers citizens services and educational programs to help reduce their vulnerability to crime. Programs and services include:

Resource Deputies

Under Sheriff Anderson’s direction, School Resource Deputies have been deployed as part of the U.S. Department of Justice COPS In School program since 2001. The school districts served are Bondurant, North Polk, Saydel and Southeast Polk. Deputy presence helps maintain a safe and secure school environment and they are a vital member of the schools administration. Deputies develop law related educational programs, such as crime and violence prevention, personal safety and the consequences of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use. In 2005 School Resource Deputies:

• Demonstrated a critical incident school shooter response scenario for North Polk students
• Partnered with Methodist Hospital and demonstrated a mock trauma scenario after a traffic crash
• Implemented ‘Students Against Destructive Decisions’ (SADD) chapter for Bondurant students 9th through 12th grades
• Assisted the Polk County Attorney’s Office in establishing a Weapons-Free School Zone County Ordinance for the North Polk School District

Residential and Business Security Audits

The security audits are designed to assist county residents and business owners in maintaining the security of their homes and businesses. Business owners also receive information on employee and public fraud prevention.

To schedule an audit call Lt. Dave Knight at (515) 286-3802.

Community Relations Programs

• Victim Resource Unit
• Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.)
• TRIAD—Seniors & Law Enforcement working together
• Senior Cell Phone Program
• Reserve Program
• Truancy Court
• Residential and Business Security Audits
• Crime Prevention Programs
• Sex Offender Registry Project
• Pre-School & Elementary School Safety Programs
• Community Escorts
• Explorer Post #78
• Community Programs: American Diabetes, Special Olympics and Safe Kids Coalition

Criminal Justice Club

The Criminal Justice Club was established three years ago by Sergeants Dave Knight, Mike Stevens, along with Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Program Chair Cathy Ockenfels, The Criminal Justice Club is designed for students who are enrolled in the DMACC Criminal Justice curriculum. Overall, students in the Criminal Justice Club receive many opportunities to experience what is not available in a textbook. Students have the advantage of actually seeing real life application of theories they are studying in the classroom. Some of the activities in which students have very enthusiastically and successfully participated in, include:

• Building Searches—Students actually perform a building search with role-playing “criminals in the building”.
• Traffic Stops—Using “fatal vision” goggles which simulate intoxication, the students receive firsthand experience on how alcohol impairs driving capabilities.
• Handcuffing and Prisoner Search Techniques—Students are taught how to properly handcuff and search prisoners under various circumstances.
• Metro S.T.A.R.—Students are given presentations regarding the elements required for high risk search warrants and entries.

DMACC views the Criminal Justice Club as a strong partnership which provides invaluable opportunities for students to stay up-to-date and be on the cutting edge of law enforcement protocols.

For more information contact Lt. Dave Knight at 286-3802.