The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office provides this report of the accomplishments and work completed for 2013 to the Jackson County Board of Commissioners and to the citizens of Jackson County, Kansas. This report is a summary of the activities, including statistics and information from all divisions, of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. 

The Sheriff’s Office is comprised of the following divisions: the Jackson County Jail, 911 Dispatch Center, Patrol, Investigations, Registered Offenders, Conceal Carry, Civil Process and Court Security. 

It is the goal of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office to serve the public with integrity, professionalism, and fiscal responsibility. The Sheriff’s Office promotes public safety by providing competent personnel, using modern policing methods as well as modern technology.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office believes integrity is the basis of community trust. We believe it is important we hold ourselves to a high moral standard in order to gain and maintain the respect from the public. While all people make mistakes and sometimes bad choices, it is imperative that a sheriff’s office demand excellence and moral conduct of its employees. We believe it is important to police ourselves and hold each other accountable for our actions. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office requires professionalism of its employees. For each employee, from a dispatcher taking a call, to a patrol deputy making a traffic stop, professionalism is a must. Every citizen should be shown the upmost respect, even for those who break the law. Law Enforcement at times needs to be firm; however, there is never an excuse to be unprofessional in our conduct. In addition, law enforcement should be adequately trained and skilled in their particular role. The size of an agency should not determine whether employees are sufficiently trained. All employees with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office receive appropriate training and undergo a lengthy field training program. The public deserves having highly trained people assisting them in the time of need. 

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office understands the burden of the cost of government placed on taxpayers. While law enforcement is unfortunately a necessity, it is important to be able to preserve the peace with as little cost as possible to the taxpayers. Therefore, we have worked to implement cost saving measures. The Sheriff’s Office has implemented a competitive bidding process that enables taxpayers to get the most for the dollar spent. The Sheriff’s Office has been proactive in implementing other services and technology, which has reduced the need of additional staffing. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office consists of 47 men and woman who are dedicated in providing public safety to all residents and persons in Jackson County, Kansas. The agency consists of the following: Sheriff, Undersheriff, Captain, 2 detectives, 11 full time patrol deputies, 5 part-time deputies, 1 part-time court security deputy, 1 support service deputy, 8 dispatchers, 15 corrections officers and 1 administrative assistant. The agency also has 2 volunteer reserve deputies. 

The staffing has been dramatically reduced from past years. However, implementing modern policing, modern management methods and technology has allowed us to become more efficient with fewer personnel.

THE JACKSON COUNTY JAIL

The County Jail was a part of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office since the inception of Jackson County and prior to that of Calhoun County, until 2004. The Jail management was returned to the Sheriff in mid-December 2011. At that time the jail budget was running hundreds of thousands of dollars in the red. Since the operation of the jail was returned to the sheriff, staffing and expenses have been reduced. Updates and improvements have been made to the jail facility. The relationship with the United States Marshal Service was reinstated and income was increased. In 2012, the jail budget was balanced and ended in the black. In 2013, the Sheriff’s Office and Jail ended nearly ¼ of a million dollars on the positive side. The Jackson County Jail is operated by 15 employees. In 2011, prior to the Jail returning to the Sheriff the Jail had 25 employees. Corrections officers are responsible in overseeing the inmates of Jackson County as well as any out of county inmates being housed in the Jail. Corrections officers oversee the preparation of meals prepared by inmates, laundry and cleaning of the facility. They are also responsible in overseeing medication passes. They keep security and peace within the jail and also transport inmates to and from court. They also are involved in the extradition of wanted fugitives within the State of Kansas as well as within the United States, with the assistance of the Sheriff and Undersheriff for the transportation and extradition of inmates. 

Jail Control Update

At the beginning of 2013, some updates were made to the jail facility. The jail was approaching 20 years old and in need of serious up keep. The jail has seen tens of thousands of inmates over those years. The wear and tear of the facility was plainly seen to those who worked there, as well to those agencies who considered housing inmates there. It became apparent that one of the reasons for the decline of out of county prisoner revenue was due to the decline of the physical appearance of the facility.

One of the major areas of concern was the failing control board. The control board is the brain of the facility. This is where a corrections officer controls every door to the facility. Lighting, locks, telephones, televisions and intercoms are also controlled from this point. The board began having serious problems and was failing to work properly on occasion. At the same time, the intercom system was failing. The intercom is how corrections officers communicate to every cell and pod in the facility. There were cells that simply did not have an intercom. If there was a crisis or a medical situation, the inmate had no way of getting help, creating a serious liability issue for the county. Since the system was no longer manufactured or supported, it became impossible to repair. 

It was decided to use capital outlay monies that had been saved from prior JASO budget surpluses to fund an upgrade. Bids were submitted and SWC received the contract. The result was a modern state of the art system. Every intercom cable, speaker, and system component was replaced. New jail control circuits and relays were installed. A touch screen computer monitor became the new brain center for the jail after the old system was removed. A backup control system was installed in the 911 dispatch center as an additional safety feature. This allows for dispatch to be able to take control of the jail in an emergency situation. 

Jail Improvements

There were other improvements made to the jail facility in 2013. A new lobby floor was installed as well as the lobby, hallways, laundry area, booking room and kitchen were painted with a new clean bright white look. Steel jail doors which had been painted with the improper type of paint were sanded and repainted blue. The jail control room was remodeled to house the new control system. A new design provided updated work areas, a small break area and employee mail boxes, making better use of the small work space after removal of the old counters. 

One of the problems with the facility is plumbing. Thousands of dollars were spent in 2013 fixing plumbing issues. Inmates can be very destructive to the facility’s plumbing system. Another area of repair is lighting, which is also abused by inmates and a constant expense. In 2013, the lighting system for D and E pods were completely replaced. Large lighting fixtures were removed that produced excessive heat, consumed an enormous about of energy and provided poor lighting to the pods. A new more energy efficient system with higher light intensity was installed. 

Tiger Commissary

Commissary is a program in jails nationwide in which inmates can purchase items that are not provided by the jail. In 2013 the Sheriff’s Office signed with Tiger Commissary to handle inmate commissary needs for the jail. Previously, the jail contracted with Wichita Canteen. However, correctional staff was required to take orders from inmates and order commissary products. In addition, staff was required to handle inmate accounts. Tiger Commissary provides an online portal that allows inmates to make orders from telephones in the jail. This reduces work load for corrections officers who can focus more on their jail duties. 

Tiger also provided a kiosk in the jail lobby that allows friends and family to place money on the accounts of inmates, and also provides the ability to purchase care packages for inmates. Another service provided is online access for friends and families to place money on accounts and to purchase care packages for inmates. This allows a friend or family member to perform these functions from wherever they are located, reducing staff workload.

Tiger Commissary also handles the accounting for inmate accounts. Not only has the new commissary system reduced the work load on corrections officers and staff, but it has increased revenue to the inmate welfare fund. The inmate welfare fund comes from services such as commissary and the jail phone system. Monies in the inmate welfare fund pay for items that have a direct benefit to inmates, like inmate clothing, hygiene items and bedding. Since Tiger was implemented in the late spring of 2013 there has been $10,000.00 received, compared to $2,400.00 in 2012. 

Due to the increase in inmate welfare funds, more items that have to be provided to inmates can now be paid for from these funds rather than taxpayer money. Tiger Commissary provides these services at no cost to Jackson County.

In 2012, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office sold 391 phone cards to inmates bringing in $2,346.00 in revenue. In 2013, JASO sold 541 phone cards yielding $3,243.00. 

Advanced Correctional Healthcare

Sheriffs are responsible for the needs of those incarcerated in jails. Those needs include the cost of inmate healthcare. The primary reason for jail lawsuits are healthcare related issues. The Jail had contracted with community health care for the treatment of inmates, until late in 2013. 

While the care with community healthcare was good, there were many things lacking for the correctional setting. Corrections officers were without training or protocols to handle medical situations. In addition, inmates were receiving comfort drugs at taxpayers’ expense. 

It is the responsibility of the Sheriff to address actual healthcare issues for inmates. However, it should not be the responsibility to place the burden of these expenses on the taxpayers for unneeded care. An example of this was inmates who were prescribed extremely high priced medications that made them sleep through their jail experience. 

Late in 2013, the Jail switched to correctional healthcare. This move reduces the medical liability far from Jackson County and increases responsibility for the healthcare provider. Corrections officers are trained in handling medical incidents and are provided guidelines and protocols to follow. A doctor is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to refer to and provide medical direction. Doctors make periodic visits to the jail and treat inmates as needed. A nurse is on site 5 days a week and is in charge of documentation and tending to the medical needs of inmates. The cost of prescribed medications is provided by the healthcare company.This move reduces the liability on the taxpayers, reduces the load on corrections staff and provides adequate healthcare to inmates who receive what they medically need.

Corrections Officer Training

Corrections officers in the past had very little off-site training. Training is important for the safety and security of all. Therefore, a number of different trainings were provided for jail employees in 2013. Supervisors were sent to the Kansas Jail Association’s Supervisor Academy in Salina for a 3 day course. Corrections officers were sent to the week-long Kansas Jail Association’s Corrections Officer Academy Course. Later in 2013, JASO hosted Prisoner Transportation Training, at the EUM Church in Holton, and was attended by a variety of agencies in northeast Kansas. Corrections officers also received firearms training. New recruits also underwent use of force training, firearms and Taser training certification. 

Food Vendors

Another cost savings move was switching food vendors. The Jail had previously purchased a majority of its food supplies from U.S. Foods. In 2013, the administration began to look at ways to reduce food costs. The Jail already had been able to successfully feed thousands of meals a year for a minimal cost compared to other jails. However, food prices have been on the rise in recent years and it became necessary to find ways to reduce costs. A variety of vendors were considered and EVCO became the primary food vendor for the Jail. JASO was able to reduce costs in the hundreds of dollars each week.

Jail Transports

In 2013, 1,378 individuals were booked into the Jackson County Jail. In 2013, 225 individuals were transported to other agencies or facilities. During 2013, 93 non-court and non-federal transports were made. During the year, the jail transported inmates over 40,000 miles. This figure does not include some out-of-state transports or transports made by patrol deputies. One car theft suspect was transported from Las Vegas, Nevada in 2013. In 2013, the Jail had increased the number of U.S. Marshal inmates. By the end of 2011 the housing of U.S. Marshal inmates had virtually come to an end. Following improvements to the facility the Marshal business was revived. 

In 2013, the Sheriff’s Office made 48 federal inmate transports on behalf of the Marshal’s Service. JASO received $5,041.25.00 in transportation fees. 

During 2013 JASO held inmates for the following entities: U.S. Marshal Service, Sedgwick County, Nemaha County, Brown County, Pottawatomie County, Shawnee County, Potawatomie Nation, and the Kickapoo Nation. JASO received $144,060.00 from the U. S. Marshal Service, $95,670.00 from Sedgwick County, $3,300.00 from Pottawatomie County, $450.00 from Brown County, $7,350.00 from the Kickapoo Nation and $3,360.00 from the Potawatomi Nation. The total out-of-county inmate revenue received in 2013 was $254,190.00. 

911 COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office operates the emergency 911 communications center for Jackson County. All 911 calls for the county are answered in the center. Dispatchers are present 24/7, dispatching for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Mayetta Police, Hoyt Police, Netawaka Fire Department, Whiting Fire Department, Soldier Fire Department, Potawatomi Tribal Fire Department, Delia Fire Department, Hoyt Fire Department, Mayetta Fire Department, Jackson County EMS, Potawatomi EMS, Department of Wildlife and Parks, and the Kansas Highway Patrol. 

Dispatch also relays call information to Holton Police and PBPN Police. 

Warrants and Protections Orders

Part of the responsibility of the Sheriff is being the official holder of all district court warrants and protections orders. Dispatchers are in charge of these items and are responsible for entering them into the appropriate system such as Hot Files and NCIC. Dispatchers also enter stolen property and missing persons into the systems. Dispatchers must also ensure the validity of these entries. There were 317 Jackson County District Court arrest warrants that were served in 2013. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office currently holds 922 outstanding Jackson County warrants. Emergency Communications Center

The Emergency Communications Center was entirely updated in 2012 after being the recipient of a grant. The grant provided for an emergency generator that can power the entire Sheriff’s Office building. The grant also replaced the Sheriff’s Office and Jail phone system. The grant replaced the radio systems, 911 system and mapping and dispatch furniture. This grant opportunity left Jackson County with a state-of-the-art center.

In 2013, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Communication Center handled 18,940 incidents or calls for service. The JASO Communications Center received 35,888 phone calls and made 21,722 calls in 2013. The Center received 3,526 911 calls. Out of those calls, 2,168 of them were from cell phones. The following is a list of some of the incidents the JASO 911 Communication Center handled in 2013:

Area Checks 3,414 

Motorist Assists 1,028 

Medical Calls 610

Traffic Problems 557 

Thefts 158 

Suspicious subjects or vehicles 507 

911 hang-ups 614 

Officer back-up 284 

Traffic Stops 2,744 

Non-injury accidents 265 

Injury accidents 89 

Animal calls 584 

Mental persons 13 

Suicidal persons 32 

Fights in progress 19 

Domestic situations 116 

Armed subjects 3 

Alarm calls 139 

Fire call 137 

Wanted subjects 628 

Escorts 344 

Illegal dump 7 

Sex offenses 108 

Juvenile 80 

Disturbances 108 

Emergency Medical Dispatching

In 2013, one of the JASO dispatchers obtained EMD instructor certification. This certification allows for JASO to train and certify their own dispatchers to be able to provide medical instructions to callers. 

Enterpol

In 2013, the former Global software was replaced with Enterpol. This allows all law enforcement agencies in Jackson County to share information more easily. It also allows for the sharing of information with Atchison, Brown, Nemaha and Pottawatomie Counties. In addition, all Enterpol users in Kansas can share information. There are 26 agencies in northeast Kansas alone that use Enterpol. Enterpol also has the KLER interface that allows deputies to complete state required forms which allows the data to automatically flow into the system. Enterpol also provides cad alerts to emergency responders. When emergency responders are dispatched to a call, a text message is sent to the individual responders. 

Fire and EMS Communications Board Members of fire and EMS agencies in Jackson County make up the Jackson County Fire and EMS Board. The Board meets monthly to review fire and EMS dispatching issues. Calls are reviewed for quality assurance with the goal of improving our service to these agencies. This is a program started by Sheriff Morse in 2011 and has proven effective in providing increased efficiency in dispatching in these areas. 

PATROL DIVISION 

The patrol division’s function is to respond to calls for service in Jackson County, efficiently use the resources provided to deter crime, patrol Jackson County, enforce traffic laws, apprehend fugitives by serving warrants, assist the public, serve civil process, investigate crimes, transport prisoners, serve the court in a variety of ways, and assist other agencies. 

The Patrol Division is comprised of four twelve hour shifts. Three deputies are assigned to each shift. Each shift has a supervisor. The supervisor is generally based in Zone 2 which encompasses central Jackson County and is based out of the Sheriff’s Office in Holton. Zone 1 is the northern portion of Jackson County and is based out of the Netawaka Sub-Station. Zone 3 is the southern portion of Jackson County and is based out of the Hoyt Sub-Station. The Sheriff and Undersheriff also assist in patrolling Jackson County on a regular basis.

Patrol Sub-Stations 

Sub-Stations were developed to improve the efficient use of our resources. Deputies would not have to return to Holton to complete each report and could complete reports while remaining in their assigned area. This made a deputy available in a particular area when needed, reducing response times and conserving fuel. A major decrease in burglaries was attributed to leaving deputies in patrol zones. In addition, deputies were aggressively pursuing would be burglars. Jackson County Deputies have actually caught burglars and thieves while the crimes were in progress. 

Deputies commonly assist other law enforcement agencies. As the Sheriff’s Office is the largest law enforcement agency in Jackson County, they have resources other agencies lack. Patrol deputies assist the Holton Police Department, PBPN Police Department, Mayetta and Hoyt Police Departments. Deputies also assist other agencies as well, including Department of Children and Families, Juvenile Intake and others.

Patrol Vehicles

For several decades the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor was the primary law enforcement vehicle in America. However, the police version of the Crown Vic has not been manufactured for the last couple of years. In 2012, the Sheriff’s Office purchased 4 used Crown Vics and placed them into service. In 2013, a Ford Explorer Police Interceptor was purchased at approximately $26,000.00. In addition, a Chevy Tahoe was also purchased for approximately the same price. These vehicles were purchased via the state contract and at less expense than what the public would be able to purchase them for. These vehicles are priced at about what the Crown Vic would be priced at if it were still being produced. A second used Chevy Tahoe was purchased from the Kansas Highway Patrol.The SUVs surprisingly have better fuel mileage than that of the former Crown Vic and provide more room for equipment. They also have a higher resale value and are more rugged for rural roads. Some agencies are using these vehicles until they reach over 200,000 miles. Crown Vics were generally replaced between 120,000 and 130,000 miles. It appears possible to run these vehicles up to at least 3 years longer than the Crown Vics.

In 2014, the Sheriff’s Office will implement 2 Dodge Chargers and a Dodge 4 wheel drive pickup into the fleet. These vehicles were purchased for under $23,000 per vehicle. In 2014, we will be reviewing the performance and repair costs of these vehicles. Jackson County Deputies patrolled approximately 450,000 miles of Jackson County roadways in 2013.

Traffic Fatalities

During 2013, there were unfortunately two vehicle fatalities involving ATVs, both of these incidents occurred near Delia. These accidents were investigated by the patrol division.

Training for Patrol Deputies

Deputies participated in a variety of training in 2013. An emphasis was placed on active shooter training. Deputies trained in Crisis City learning new techniques and developed skills in stopping an active shooter. 

K-9 Program

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office provides a K-9 program for the interdiction of Narco-Drug Traffickers. Deputies spent 5 weeks training with their K-9 gaining certification through the Kansas Highway Patrol K-9 program. This year “Benny” a German shepherd joined the Sheriff’s Office. Benny was born in the Netherlands. Benny’s handler is Deputy Brian Roush. Deputy Travis Debarge is the handler for “Lex” a black Lab. Lex has previously served at the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office prior to coming to Jackson County.

Court Security

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office provides security to the Jackson County District Court. Deputy Gary Thiessen is in charge of security operations in the courthouse. In 2013, officials met in response to the new changes to the conceal carry law in Kansas. It was decided to not restrict firearms from the courthouse, but to restrict firearms from courtrooms. Commissioners provided the funding to provide an additional deputy for court security to insure courtrooms are weapon free and secure. 

Deputy Gary Thiessen served the Kansas Highway Patrol for 32 years, primarily in Jackson County. During his tenure with the patrol, he served as a firearms instructor. In addition to his courthouse responsibilities, Deputy Thiessen is the Range Master for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Thiessen instructs and qualifies all sworn members of the Sheriff’s Office as well as JASO Corrections Officers. 

Registered Offenders

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is also tasked with the registration and monitoring of registered offenders. Currently, the Sheriff’s Office has 38 individuals registered. In addition, there are 3 individuals who are registered with the Potawatomi Tribal Police Department, who either reside or are employed on the Potawatomi Reservation. 

Criminal cases were filed on 5 individuals who failed to register as required in 2013. 

In 2013, the Sheriff’s Office received $2,520.00 from registered offender fees. 

The Sheriff’s Office started providing Offender Watch to its citizens in 2012. Offender Watch provides the identity, image, vehicles and residence of registered offenders in Jackson County. Offender Watch can be accessed from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office website. The public can be notified when an offender moves into their neighborhood. 

Civil Process

A statutory duty of the Sheriff is serving the court by serving civil process papers. In 2013, the Sheriff’s Office served 2,687 papers. In 2013, $13,545.00 was received in civil process fees. In 2012, the Sheriff’s Office served 2,763 papers; however, only $8,487.00 in fees was received. This change in revenue was due to recent changes in law that increased civil process fees. In 2013, the following were served in Jackson County by the Sheriff’s Office:

Summons 1,094 

Subpoenas 920 

Tax Warrants 104 

Show Cause 10 

Writ of Assistance 8 

Orders to Appear 292 

Citations in Contempt 118 

Garnishments 125 

Miscellaneous 16 

Vin Inspections

In 2013, the Sheriff’s Office performed 739 vehicle identification number inspections and received $13,302.00 in fees. In 2012, the Sheriff’s Office performed 705 vehicle identification number inspections and received $10,840.00 in fees. 

Conceal Carry 

In 2013, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office issued 113 conceal carry permits. The Sheriff’s Office received $3,672.50 in fees. In 2012, the Sheriff’s Office issued 97 conceal carry permits and received $3,152.50 in fees. 

Fingerprints

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office fingerprinted 28 citizens for employment. The Sheriff’s Office received $280.00 in fees. Reports 

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office provided copies of reports to 146 members of the public and received $1,460.00 in fees. 

Sheriff Sales

In 2013, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office conducted 37 Sheriff sales at the courthouse. The Sheriff’s Office received $277.50 in fees. Sheriff sales normally take place on the first floor of the courthouse on Mondays at 9:00 a.m.

Special Law Enforcement Trust Fund

The special law enforcement trust fund consists of funds collected from seized monies or property. Items seized are seized according to Kansas law. An example is vehicles that are involved in the transportation of illegal narcotics or used in the commission of a crime. Funds that are derived from seizure must be used for law enforcement training or equipment. Seizure funds cannot be used for salaries. 

In 2013, the Sheriff’s Office collected $7,422.48. The Sheriff’s Office also collected $385.30 from disposition orders and $717.90 from the sale of abandoned vehicles. 

INVESTIGATION DIVISION

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has an Investigation Division whose purpose is to fully investigate higher profile crimes or crimes that may require more time to investigate. Internal affair investigations are also the responsibility of this division. Investigators also assist other agencies in internal affairs investigations as well as criminal investigations. The Investigation Division is comprised of two full-time investigators. During periods where additional investigators are needed due to heavy caseloads or large cases, the Undersheriff and Sheriff also assist with investigations. The Sheriff and Undersheriff are experienced investigators and are trained in crime scene investigations. 

Patrol deputies take initial reports and investigate cases. However, when those cases appear to be lengthy in duration or if a particular specialization is required, the case may be forwarded to investigations. 

In 2013, investigators took part in various types of training. Some of the training investigators received in 2013 included: homicide investigations, narcotic investigations and Prison Rape Elimination Act sex investigations.

In 2013, investigators were extremely busy with a number of high profile cases. 

In January 2013, a Mayetta man was shot and killed at his residence. Suspects were quickly identified; however, they fled the area. The Sheriff received information the suspects escaped to Iowa. Investigators began working with U.S. Marshals in attempting to capture the suspects. Jackson County Deputies and Investigators along with the assistance of the U.S. Marshal Service created a sting which lured the suspects to a retail store parking lot in Urbandale, Iowa. Deputy U.S. Marshals and Urbandale Police captured four subjects including the shooter, Lloyd Wabaunsee who was hiding in the trunk of a car. 

Later in 2013, Wabaunsee was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 13 years in prison. 

In 2013, the Sheriff and Undersheriff investigated a report of money missing from the Jackson County Weed, Landfill and Recycling Department. An employee of the department was later arrested and it was determined that approximately $16,000.00 was stolen from the department.

In 2013, Investigators conducted an investigation into the embezzlement of monies from the Mayetta Fire Department. Investigators alleged more than $400,000.00 was taken from the fire department over the last 5 years. The matter is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney in Federal Court. 

Sex Cases

In recent years detectives have been busy investigating sex crimes. Some of those offenders were convicted and received life sentences. In 2013, Detectives investigated 21 sex cases. Of those cases 12 were prosecuted, 6 were unfounded and 3 are open or pending. 

Burglaries

In 2013, Detectives investigated 23 burglaries. Of those cases, 16 were solved, 4 were unsolved, 1 was unfounded and 2 was transferred to another agency. In 2013, 3 large burglary rings were apprehended and convicted. In one recent ring that was captured, defendants are currently awaiting prosecution. In most cases, these burglary rings victimized citizens in multiple counties. 

Thefts

In 2013, Detectives investigated 22 theft cases. Of those cases, 9 were solved, 11 unsolved, 1 pending and 1 was transferred to another agency. 

Drug Cases 

In 2013, Detectives self-initiated 10 drug cases. In those cases, all 10 cases were investigated and the suspects convicted.

Vehicle Thefts

In 2013, Detectives investigated 5 separate car theft cases. Of those 5 cases, 3 have been solved. The other 3 cases are waiting for crime lab results. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office uses touch DNA to help identify suspects in these types of cases. 

Other Cases

In 2013, Detectives investigated another 53 cases of various types. Some of these cases were identity thefts, obstruction and assaults.

Search Warrants

In 2013, Detectives wrote and served 27 search warrants and assisted with four more search warrants in the Sheriff’s Office by aiding in the drafting and service of these warrants.

Jackson County investigators assisted on 3 search warrants (including drafting of affidavit) for the City of Hoyt and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

Franklin County Quadruple Homicide

It is not uncommon for the expertise of Jackson County Detectives to be used in other counties. In recent years JASO Detectives have been involved in the investigation of several homicides in Shawnee, Atchison, Nemaha, and Osage counties. In 2013, the Capital Area Major Case Squad was activated, of which Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is a part. JASO Detectives were sent to Franklin County for a quadruple homicide investigation. JASO Detectives drafted and served two search warrants in Franklin County in connection to the homicide investigation. 

JASO Detectives opened 14 inquisitions which resulted in the service of multiple subpoenas. 

In 2013, investigations has submitted 20 asset forfeiture cases to the County Attorney with at least 11 being settled out of court or awarded to the Sheriff’s Office.

NEW DEPUTIES

In 2013, Deputy Dennis Immenschuh graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Center. Deputy Immenschuh had previously served Jackson County as a corrections officer. Deputy Immenschuh graduated number one in his class and was the only Jackson County Law Enforcement Officer to receive the prestigious Larry Welch Award. 

In 2013, Deputy Mark Wohlin graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Center. Mark Wohlin graduated within the top four in his class. Deputy Wohlin previously served as a jail supervisor with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Wohlin had also served as a corrections officer in Nemaha County. 

In 2013 Deputy Todd Hurt joined the Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Hurt previously served in Prince George’s County, Maryland, as a law enforcement officer. Deputy Hurt retired there after 20 years of service as a police officer. 

Jackson County Community Watch Program

The Jackson County Community Watch Program, sometimes referred to as the “Electronic Posse”, was established to gain the public’s assistance in helping keep our county safe. Rural residents have far too often been victims of crime. Rural properties are easy prey for daytime burglars who travel from metropolitan areas to burglarize properties while home owners are at work. 

In 2013, the membership of this program grew to over 1,000 citizens. Also during 2013, information obtained from members helped convict and capture criminals. Just recently a burglary ring was captured after one of the members provided images of a vehicle and individual involved in a southeastern Jackson County burglary. The member was aware of the incident and circumstances after receiving a Sheriff’s Office alert. The ring had victimized citizens in multiple counties. 

For a citizen to become a part of the Jackson County Community Watch Program they need only to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 785-364-2251. Jackson County citizens have assisted in lowering the number of burglaries in Jackson County thru this program. 

Sheriff’s Kids Camp

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office hosted its annual Kid’s Camp at Banner Reservoir August 8th and 9th of 2013. In 2013, JASO had the largest turnout of kids in the 12 year history of Day Camp since its inception in 2001, with 270 kids participating. Kid’s Camp was established with the goal of building positive relationships between law enforcement and area youth. 

The Sheriff’s Office Day Camp provided the following activities: Archery, Water Tag, Swimming, Fishing, Ident-A-Kid, Canoeing, Obstacle Course, Defender Dome, and Boating. In addition, on Thursday, area law enforcement, EMS, and fire departments displayed their equipment and a Jaws of Life Demonstration to participants. The Kansas Highway Patrol provided a K-9 demonstration and a Vehicle Rollover Demonstration. Holton Lion’s Club provided lunch on Thursday. On Friday, activities continued with a demonstration from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. 

Numerous volunteers, including some elected and local governmental officials, assisted with the camp. 

Jackson County Commissioners, Jackson County Clerk’s Office, Jackson County Emergency Management, Jackson County Appraiser’s Office, Jackson County Road and Bridge, the Topeka Metropolitan Airport Authority, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, KDWPT Archery in the Schools, Potawatomi Tribal Police and Fire Departments, Holton Army National Guard, Holton Police Department, KHP, Banner Creek Reservoir, Holton Fire Department, Honey Do’s Septic Tank and Drain, Jackson County EMS, Walmart and Holton Lion’s Club assisted or sponsored the event. The Sheriff’s Kid’s Camp was paid for by sponsors and from the Jackson County Drug and Alcohol Fund. 

ComputerCop

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office provided ComputerCop free of charge to parents in 2013. ComputerCop is a software program that keeps parents aware of who their children are communicating with on the web. ComputerCop also reveals the images their children see and alerts parents when predators attempt to contact their children. ComputerCop is paid for by the funds from the registered offenders of Jackson County. 

FUTURE PLANS

In 2014, we plan to make security improvements to the jail, by adding another tier of security doors to the facility. In addition, we plan to remodel the kitchen that is in need of repair. Ceiling and flooring replacements are expected along with replacing most of the aging appliances. These updates will come from proceeds from jail revenue. 

It is our belief and hope that the citizens of Jackson County will consider that 2013 has been another successful year at the Sheriff’s Office. The income of over $250,000.00 from out of county inmate revenue, and the jail and Sheriff’s Office coming in under budget for 2013 was a very positive result for our county. 

It is our desire to provide an even more productive and safe year for the citizens of Jackson County, Kansas in 2014.