Stepping up by stepping out

During the past few weeks, the day shift has implemented a foot patrol detail. This program will become one of our department’s cornerstones.

It may not seem like a big deal, but in any community, access to police officers comes at a premium. Please, don’t take that out of context; however, with officer’s efficiency being maximized with call for service or enforcement action, we usually don’t get much time to meet and greet.

During the historical underpinnings of our law enforcement foot patrol, we’ve had the good fortune of making contact with the heart and soul of our community — the residents and business owners. The best part of meeting everyone is listening to the needs of the community. We’ve also received overwhelming positive feedback from almost every person we’ve spoken with.

If you see us walking downtown or around town, and have a question, come on up and feel free to ask; we don’t bite. If we miss saying hello to you, it was by no means intentional. Please forgive us; we are human, too.

You know another great thing that comes from walking the beat is that we hear a whole mess of stuff. Anonymous individuals many times provide a wealth of information about illegal activity going on in their neighborhoods. Whether it’s a criminal issue, a code enforcement issue, or question on the law, we’re here to help.

Are you ready? Let’s move!

“Control, 269, I’ll be 10-8”

■ Sept. 15. A caller reports seeing an odd couple. The caller says a middle-aged man is standing in front of the Jack in the Box, exposing his masculinity. By the time the officer arrives, the spirited free man is clothed. No complaint signed, so the officer provides this alleged pantsless wonder a free ride out of town.

■ Sept. 16. Officers respond to ABC Park about a theft. Apparently, some thieves vandalized one of the buildings, stealing almost $15,000 in copper wire from the air-conditioning units. Detectives are working diligently to find a connection to the culprits.

■ Sept. 17. Have you ever heard of a birdbath? Two local admitted drug users, who are residentially challenged, know the birdbath concept well. They illegally hop a fence at the homes near Avenue B and Fifth Street and decide to use the hot tub. Officers arrive and explain the trespass ordinance. The sight of handcuffs may have influenced the subjects’ decision to leave.

■ Sept. 18. Out-of-town victims come in to report a petty larceny. Allegedly, an ex-boyfriend has been removing or stealing geocache items from their hidden area. Geocaching is a modern-day geographical treasure hunt game. The thief takes the cache and the victim reports the crime. Plus, they have video of the theft. The officer tracks the suspect down and issues a citation for petty larceny.

■ Sept. 19. A officer on patrol spots a driver known to be wanted. The officer pulls the driver over and double-checks the warrant status. Unfortunately for the driver, Boulder City Municipal Court validated the “talking on a cellphone while driving” ticket and issued the warrant. Don’t be mad at the messenger.

■ Sept. 20. Officers get dispatched to Lake Mead Estates about a domestic disturbance. The argument almost turned deadly when the stepson took his loaded 9 millimeter handgun and pointed it at stepdad. That’s illegal. The young man was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon. If convicted of this crime, this young man’s life will change for one to six years.

Hope everyone had a safe time on the ride-along. Remember, call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you witness, hear of, or are a victim of criminal activity. We are here for you.

Officer Jeffrey Grasso is a 11-year veteran of the Boulder City Police Department. He previously served as a police officer in south Florida for four years.