The Patrol Division of the Ames Police Department provides 24-hour police protection and services to the citizens of Ames. Its Communications Center can be contacted by dialing 9-1-1 for emergencies or (515) 239-5133 for non-emergencies. The Patrol Division is divided into three shifts: Day Shift, Afternoon Shift, and the Night Shift. Each shift is staffed by a lieutenant, two sergeants, and eight or nine patrol officers. The Patrol Division patrols the corporate limits of Ames and works closely with Iowa State University Department of Public Safety, Story County Sheriff's Department, and the Iowa State Patrol.
Community Policing. The Ames Police Department has embraced a policing philosophy designed to develop ways to meet with citizens in non-conflictive situations, exchanging ideas, and developing verbal relationships that will foster cooperation in solving and/or preventing problems. Community Policing resembles that of the old-time foot patrol officer who was assigned a particular beat. He or she knew most everyone on the "beat" and had a lot of personal contact with citizens. Expect to see patrol officers out of their cars more often in an attempt to promote personal interaction with the public.
Traffic Enforcement. A large portion of the Patrol Division's time is spent in traffic enforcement. Frequent accident locations are targeted for radar enforcement. In addition to speed enforcement, patrol officers are on the lookout for other traffic violators, such as stop sign/stop light violators, general operation violators, improper registrations and/or driver's license, and seat belt violators.
Operating While Intoxicated. Intoxicated drivers are most likely to be on our roads in the evening and early morning hours. On-duty at those times are patrol officers who have received extensive training in the detection and apprehension of individuals who violate Iowa's tough drunk-driving law. Officers are equipped with preliminary breath testers in all marked patrol cars and have a centrally located intoxilyzer at the Ames Police Department.
Accident Investigation. The Patrol Division is responsible for the investigation of traffic accidents that occur inside the city limits. Several officers have been trained in accident reconstruction and do a more in depth analysis of serious accidents. Iowa law requires that anyone involved in a traffic accident where there is over $1,000 damage to the vehicles involved and/or there is a personal injury complete a State Accident Report.
Criminal Investigations. The Patrol Division investigates hundreds of criminal cases a year. They range from simple misdemeanors to felonies. Thefts, assaults, suspicious activity, prowlers, burglaries, and vandalisms are just a few of the types of cases routinely investigated by officers of the Patrol Division. Cases that require in-depth follow up are referred to the Detective Division.
Service Calls. Not all of a patrol officer's time is spent with traffic violators or criminals. Much of it is spent on service-oriented calls. A good example would be helping a motorist whose car has broken down on the street. Another service provided by the Ames Police Department is the Vacation House Check. The vacationer's house is registered with the Police Department while they are gone. A patrol officer periodically checks the security of the home until the owners return.
Towed Vehicle Impoundment. From time to time, it becomes necessary for the Police Department to tow and impound vehicles. It may have been for being parked on a snow route during a snow emergency or violation of the 48-hour parking ordinance or perhaps the driver was arrested for drunk driving. A contract is awarded by bid to a local merchant every two years to furnish the towing service. Currently Elmquist/Decker's BP has the contract. Payment of fees for impoundment and storage along with the necessary paperwork are all handled at Decker's - phone (515) 232-6670.
Uniformed Officers Contracted Out. Ames police officers are sometimes contracted by outside agencies, such as the Iowa State Center, for traffic and crowd control at large events, e.g., Iowa State football and basketball, outdoor concerts, and other special events. For more information, contact (515) 239-5130.
Honor Guard. A special unit was formed in the mid-80's to represent the Department at special events. Distinctive dress uniforms were given to the nine original members, including the traditional white gloves. Since the creation of the unit, they have been called upon several times to be our representatives. They have been our delegates to funerals of officers, both our own and those of other departments. They performed the flag ceremony at the graduation of the 100th ILEA recruit class, and they have assisted in Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies.
THE PATROL
DIVISION NEVER CLOSES; WE PROTECT AND SERVE 24 HOURS A DAY!
If you have any questions or comments, let us hear from you! Give
us a call at (515) 239-5133
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