Men of Conviction - Missouri Sheriffs' Association
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COLD CASES: Bringing Closure to Families, Justice to Victims Spring 2020 Men of Conviction St. Clair, McDonald, Dade and Barry county sheriffs serve different communities but share the same commitment CRISIS INTERVENTION GOING GREEN READ ALL ABOUT IT Training can make Lots of questions surround Law enforcement buffs all the difference medical marijuana will enjoy these books
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Spring Contributors CONTENTS 2020 News 7 Director’s Letter 8 Around the State Nancy Zoellner 8 Editor ON THE JOB Cover Story: Men of Conviction 12 A Man with a Mission 13 Sheriff Meets Challenges Head On 14 S heriff Impacts Community Through Its Children 15 Sheriff Leads by Following a Family Tradition Michael Feeback Behind the Scenes: Support Staff 16 Fred Cave, Callaway County 18 Dwight Willis, Greene County 20 Vendor Spotlight: Encartele 16 COMMUNITY 22 CIT: Improving Responses to People Sheriff Randee Kaiser in Crisis Jasper County 26 ‘Hippie Weed’ or Medication? 30 Solving Cold Cases: Bringing Justice to Victims 36 Book Corner 30 CORRECTIONS 38 Maintaining Order and Safety Inside, Kevin Merritt Teaching Change for the Outside MSA Executive Director 40 Keen: A Professional ‘Committed to Excellence’ 42 Jasper County: Treatment Concepts to Practice TRAINING 44 New Year’s Trends and BOLD Predictions 40 Bill Sullivan Law Enforcement Liaison for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 7 4 THE MISSOURI SHERIFF SPRING 2020
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Missouri Sheriffs’ Association 6605 Business 50 West Jefferson City, MO 65109 www.mosheriffs.com VOL. 8, NO. 2 SPRING 2020 MSA Executive Board MSA Staff Board Member MARKETING DIRECTOR Zone Leaders Jeanne Merritt PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 573.529.6900 Sheriff David Parrish ZONE 1 — Sheriff Bryan Fax 573.635.2128 Kevin Merritt Atkins, Andrew County jeanne@mosheriffs.com Lewis County ADMINISTRATIVE EDITOR 1ST VICE-PRESIDENT ASSISTANT ZONE 2 — Sheriff Rodney Nancy Zoellner Sheriff Jerry Galloway Herring, Grundy County Donna Arney nancyhogland@gmail.com Caldwell County ZONE 3 — Sheriff Mark CONTRIBUTORS OFFICE ASSISTANT Nichols, Randolph County 2 VICE-PRESIDENT ND Gina Kauffman Michael Feeback Sheriff Randee Kaiser Sheriff Scott Munsterman ZONE 4 — Sheriff Wayne Kevin Merritt Johnson County MARKETING DIRECTOR Winn, Scotland County Bill Sullivan Jeanne Merritt 3RD VICE-PRESIDENT ZONE 5 — Sheriff Mark CREATIVE DIRECTOR Owen, Platte County Sheriff Ben Becerra PROGRAM Stacie L. Marshall Daviess County COORDINATOR Hill Design Co. ZONE 6 — Sheriff Clay Victor Pitman Chism, Callaway County SECRETARY Sheriff Jimmy Shinn ZONE 7 — Sheriff Scott Lewis, St. Charles County Marion County BECOME A MEMBER ZONE 8 — Sheriff Eric 573.635.5925 ext. 105 TREASURER www.mosheriffs.com Knox, Benton County Sheriff John Cottle Lincoln County GENERAL INQUIRIES, ZONE 9 — Sheriff John COMMENTS OR Wheeler, Cole County QUESTIONS SERGEANT-AT-ARMS ZONE 10 — Sheriff Daniel Jeanne Merritt Sheriff Doug Rader 573.529.6900 Stone County Bullock, St. Francois jeanne@mosheriffs.com County ZONE 11 — Sheriff Max Huffman, Dade County ZONE 12 — Sheriff Darin Layman, Crawford County ZONE 13 — Sheriff Katy Copyright © 2020 by the Missouri Sheriffs’ Association. All rights reserved. All material Visit us online at www.mosheriffs.com. McCutcheon, Madison appearing in The Missouri Sheriff magazine County is copyright unless otherwise stated or it The Missouri Sheriff magazine is the official publication may rest with the provider of the supplied ZONE 14 — Sheriff Brad material. The Missouri Sheriff magazine takes for the Missouri Sheriffs’ Association. DeLay, Lawrence County all care to ensure information is correct at time of printing, but the publisher accepts The Missouri Sheriff magazine is dedicated to providing ZONE 15 — Sheriff Richard no responsibility or liability for the accuracy informative and timely information to enrich the lives of any information contained in the text or Stephens, Carter County advertisements. Views expressed are not of the dedicated men and women providing county law necessarily endorsed by the publisher. enforcement, jail, court security and judicial services ZONE 16 — Sheriff Mark throughout the state of Missouri, and the public they serve. Dobbs, Butler County 6 THE MISSOURI SHERIFF SPRING 2020
PRESIDENT’S LETTER Don’t Tell Me — Show Me I n December 2019, Missouri sheriffs, most dangerous cities in the nation. It is at the invitation of Governor Michael unfathomable to me that these jurisdictions Parson, went to the capitol to discuss are owed millions of dollars that could be public safety throughout Missouri. As a used to enhance the safety of their citizens. former sheriff, Governor Parson understood To further complicate matters, the extreme the critical role the office of sheriff plays measures taken by the Supreme Court and in the everyday safety of Missouri citizens. the Missouri Department of Corrections have He also had great praise for every locally led to the premature release of criminals elected official in large part because of the — and that led to numerous citizens and close contact they have with the people they frontline law enforcement officers being serve. He was committed to reducing violent placed in harm’s way. crime in Missouri and asked for Missouri It is my strong belief that law abiding sheriffs to assist his administration. taxpayers continue to believe in the rule In January 2020, Governor Parson of law and support firm and fair law backed his words with action. He formally enforcement. Citizens want to feel safe and announced that $22 million dollars should have said this to their local law enforcement be allocated to pay down the enormous debt over and over again. They have not only the state owes local law abiding taxpayers “talked the talk” but they have “walked the Words alone for the care and protection of Missouri walk” by overwhelmingly supporting tax inmates housed in county jails. This clearly increases to enhance their own safety and to mean nothing. demonstrates he understands public safety hold criminals accountable. in Missouri must continue to be a local and Franklin County Sheriff Steve Pelton, state partnership. Callaway County Sheriff Clay Chism, and Sheriffs across the state have been in Johnson County Sheriff Scott Munsterman contact with their local representatives led initiatives in their counties that passed and senators who are also committed to with close to 70 percent of the vote. These protecting the interests of the law abiding are astonishing numbers that demonstrate to taxpayer. They recognize that this arrearage our state leaders that Missourians trust their is an embarrassment to our state and are local sheriffs and their local leaders. They committed to insuring the safety of their also expect state leaders and bureaucrats to constituents. We appreciate their strong support and trust their sheriffs as well. support and commend them for their efforts. Missourians should rest assured that However, words alone mean nothing. As every sheriff, as well as their deputies, will a “Show Me” Missourian, I recognize that continue to fight for their safety in their we will not know how committed these neighborhoods, on their streets and in the individuals are until the legislative session halls of the capitol. ends in May 2020. We must continue to forcefully make our case. Unfortunately, we live in a state that David Parrish continues to see a rise in violent crime and President have two cities that are listed as two of the Missouri Sheriffs’ Association www.mosheriffs.com 7
NEWS Atchison Worth Putnam Schuyler Scotland Nodaway Mercer Clark Harrison Gentry Sullivan Holt Adair Grundy Knox Lewis Andrew Daviess DeKalb Linn Livingston Macon Shelby Marion Buchanan Caldwell Clinton Chariton Ralls Carroll Monroe Platte Randolph Clay Ray Pike Audrain Saline Howard Lafayette Mont- Lincoln Jackson Boone gomery Cooper Callaway Johnson Pettis Warren St. Charles St. Louis Cass City Moniteau St. Louis Cole Gasco- Morgan Osage Henry nade Franklin Benton Bates Jefferson Miller Maries St. Clair Camden Crawford Hickory Washington Ste. Phelps Genevieve Vernon Pulaski St. Cedar Francois Perry Dallas Laclede Iron Polk Dent Barton Madison Cape Dade Girardeau Texas Reynolds Greene Webster Wright Bollinger Jasper Shannon Lawrence Wayne Scott Former Sheriff Passes Newton Christian Douglas Carter Miss- Stoddard issippi Howell Barry Stone Oregon Butler McDonald Taney Ozark Ripley New Madrid Pemiscot A man who served Platte County citizens Dunklin for nearly three decades has died. The Platte County Sheriff’s Office announced the recent death of former Sheriff Tom Thomas in late December. HARD WORK Thomas was the county’s sheriff from 1969 until he retired in 1996. He also PAYS OFF served as a Kansas City, Missouri, police “Do you realize that your last officer before becoming sheriff. The drink could be someone else’s sheriff’s office’s law enforcement center is last breath? It’s time to Change named in Thomas’ honor. the Numbers. If you’re planning “The thoughts and prayers of the men and a special celebration for the women of the Platte County Sheriff’s Office holidays, think first about a safe are with the Thomas family,’’ according to a and sober ride home.” statement from the sheriff’s office. That’s the message shared with motorists during the 2019 Holiday DWI Campaign — and it Sharing the worked. According to Art Amato, Missouri Eastern Region Law Community’s Love Enforcement Liaison, the state experienced an overall decrease Sheriff Carl Hefner participat- of 53 total fatalities as of ed in The 2019 Subaru Share the December 22 and not one fatality Love Event with Meals on Wheels occurred during the official 30- in Dexter. Sheriff Hefner helped distribute meals to various hour reporting period over the residents in the Bloomfield area. New Year’s holiday. Meals on Wheels America is one of four national Share the Love “That is some amazing news and charitable partners supported I believe a direct result of all the through the campaign, which ran hard work many sheriffs’ offices from November 14, 2019 through are doing in the area of high- January 2, 2020. Subaru of visibility sustained enforcement. America donated $250 for every We can only hope the trend new Subaru vehicle purchased or continues throughout the rest of leased to the customer’s choice of 2020,” Amato said. participating charities. There were no boating fatalities or drownings during that time period as well. Announce your special event or award recognition with MSA. Send information to Nancy at nancy@mosheriffs.com. 8 THE MISSOURI SHERIFF SPRING 2020
PROTECTING COUNTY K9S The Humane Society of the United States recently donated ballistic vests to 10 sheriffs’ offices across the state. Amanda Good, Missouri state director for the Humane Society, said they donate the vests because they know many agencies don’t have a budget for K9 officers and handlers must raise money through grants and donations to cover expenses, including the vests, which are expensive. “We are thrilled to be able to provide these lifesaving vests for local law enforcement agencies and their K9 officers. We appreciate what these officers do to protect us, and now their jobs are a little safer,” Good said. HSUS also provides a free training program for law enforcement agencies and prosecutors on how to deal with animal cruelty cases and techniques for officers to use while dealing with domestic pets when responding to emergency calls. Receiving the vests were Audrain County; Bollinger County; Douglas County; Laclede County; Lafayette County; Lincoln County — K9 Rigley pictured; Moniteau County; Osage County; and St. Francois County. Keeping Staff Acknowledged Students Safe Six people were recognized during the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office seventh annual awards The Saline County Sheriff’s banquet. Sheriff Jason Mosher started holding the Office has partnered with the five event after taking office in 2013 as a way to recognize rural schools in their county to his staff and the hard work they do. This year’s awards have access to live video feeds of went to Deputy Ryan Wood and Suzanne Reese, who their security systems. According received commendations for perfect attendance and to Sheriff Cindi Mullins, through their record of helping with public service events. Sgt. the program, dispatch has moni- Dan Miller, Lt. Eric Terry and Gary Bloom received tors that allow them to watch the schools in real time. the Lifetime Service Award, and this year’s Employee “In addition, we have the feeds of the Year award went to Deputy Zesar Huerta available at several other comput- (pictured), who became the rural county DARE Officer ers. In the event of an intruder or in 2018 and serves the county schools along with active shooter, we would have real handling his patrol duties. Deputy Huerta received time information that can be dis- numerous compliments from the public during 2019 patched while the school officials along with several letters commending his willingness take care of the children without to help others. having to remain on a phone to “This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for what they do throughout the year, seven give information,” Sheriff Mullins days a week, 24 hours a day,” the sheriff said. “I’m extremely proud of the VCSO staff said. and the job they are doing for the citizens of our county.” Taking the Lead Vernon County Sheriff Jason Mosher presented Patrol Lt. Travis Cole with a TRILOGY certificate after Cole graduated from the 336th Executive Leadership Academy FBI-LEEDA. The week-long classes, which included Supervisor Leadership, Command Leadership and Executive Leadership training, were spread out over a six-month period to allow working members of law enforcement to attend without being gone for a long period of time. Lt. Cole said the training was “very valuable and a priceless tool that all law enforcement leaders should have.” Sheriff Jason Mosher said his goal is to send all upper-level management to the training. “It not only teaches good leadership skills and values, but it takes a good look at the administrative side of law enforcement, the community relations aspect, and the policy and procedure process for agencies,” Sheriff Mosher said, adding a large portion of Lt. Cole’s class was paid for by a grant he submitted last summer. “I will definitely be applying for grants again this year and sending more of our staff to this training,” the sheriff said. www.mosheriffs.com 9
NEWS Punkin Run Produces About 65 bikes, trikes and automobiles gathered to feast, enjoy fellowship and ride in this year’s Fifth Annual Punkin’ Run, held to honor Eddie “Punkin’” Johnson, a former Alton Fire Chief, police officer and reserve deputy with the Oregon County Sheriff’s Office. He was killed in a car wreck while responding to a call in October 2014. Oregon County Sheriff Eric King said he, as well as sheriffs from Ripley and Shannon counties, have participated in the ride for at least the last two years. This year, approximately $4,000 was raised for the Eddie “Punkin’” Johnson Scholarship Fund, set up by Eddie’s co-workers to honor the memory of their fallen brother. Sheriff’s THE NOSE KNOWS Office Holds Food Drive In late December the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Thanks to the generosity welcomed its first of the community, deputies bloodhound, Copper. were able to deliver food to The newest K9 to 36 families throughout Vernon the Franklin County County that had been placed Sheriff’s Office and on their children’s food box list. Vernon County Sheriff Jason his handler Detective Mosher said those 36 families consisted of 144 people, most Jeffrey Friedmann of whom were children. spent two weeks in “We have a passion for helping the children in our Texas training and are community and we hope these boxes filled with kid-friendly now in service. The food will make their Christmas a little bit brighter,” he said, scent-specific tracking adding that they collected a record amount from Vernon dog is able to follow County citizens this year. Sheriff Mosher started the food one scent and not get drive after he spoke to a small child during a search warrant. confused, so in addition to locating missing children or missing The child told him how much he liked school because “it was elderly people, Copper will also be used to recover items like warm, and they had food at school.” Mosher said he was very evidence thrown from a vehicle. Copper’s abilities were put to good grateful for so many people donating their time to help and use soon after joining the department when he located a duffle bag for the food they provided. belonging to a suspect in a field. 10 THE MISSOURI SHERIFF SPRING 2020
Staying Safe with Technology As with most agencies, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office has looked to new technologies to improve productivity, accountabili- ty and officer safety. These technologies include records man- agement and computer-aided dispatch software, mobile vehicle recoding systems, body cameras and digital radio systems, just to name a few. But there’s one technology that has permeated the everyday life of most of society and that is cellular. With nearly everyone carrying a cell phone today, the Global Position System (GPS) has become more accessible than ever. That technology, paired with software, has allowed agencies to use an automatic vehicle locator (AVL), a system that uses GPS to remotely track the location of their vehicle fleet and officers in real time by using the Internet. The program makes them more productive and safer. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office deployed its first AVL in 2014 but that system was cumbersome, slow, problematic and costly. resulted in a lot of interest in the system by other counties. While the concept was good, it was clear that a different product “Because we had the resources, ability and people to setup was needed. Through time and research it was found — “Gps- and manage this system, not only for my agency, but others, we Gate.” began coordinating for other agencies to join our system,” Sheriff “It’s ease of use, employing Google Maps, customization ability Weber said. “In 2018, we began expanding the system to include and relatively low cost made it the ideal solution for us,” said the surrounding sheriffs of Bates, Henry and Johnson counties. Sheriff Jeff Weber. “I can say that this system has definitely made From there we included every municipal police department in us safer.” our county.” In 2017, an agency from an adjoining county had an officer To date, they have 17 agencies, including two fire departments, murdered on a vehicle stop and the suspect was at large after on board with a total 261 tracked units and 563 active users. fleeing on foot. A mutual aid request brought many sheriffs’ And it’s all been accomplished at the low cost of $51 a year, per offices to assist. However, the ability to communicate and locate unit, for those agencies. That’s because Cass County assumed all officers from so many agencies was problematic. That’s when administrative work and cost to run the system. Cass County first shared its AVL system. “It has become an invaluable tool, allowing us to work with An IT specialist with Cass County was able to upload and de- multiple agencies on large and small scale operations, deploying ploy the system on the phones of deputies from other counties, resources where needed — everything from car chases to man giving them the ability to locate and coordinate at all times. That hunts,” the sheriff said. www.mosheriffs.com 11
ON THE JOB BARRY COUNTY SHERIFF GARY DAVIS A Man with a Mission Barry County Sheriff Gary Davis’ first job in law enforcement was with the FBI. It was 1970 and at the time, he and Mary whom is a deputy with another Missouri year, five of whom left to take jobs with sur- Jane, his wife, were living in Springfield, county, six grandchildren and two great- rounding counties who can pay more, and Missouri. grandchildren. one who went to work in the construction “I needed a job and learned the FBI had After retiring, he spent his first year industry but wants to come back if we can openings in Washington, D.C., for finger- building a new house, but in 2004, not increase the pay,” the sheriff said, explain- print examiners. It paid about $1,000 a year wanting to waste the training and experi- ing that because the majority of funding is more than I was making in Springfield and ences he had gained with the FBI, he got his through sales tax, another goal is to get a I thought ‘Wow — that’s a lot of money,’ POST commission and a teaching certifi- sales tax increase on an upcoming ballot. so we moved and I worked as a finger- cate. Except for a year that he took off to “That will allow me to further increase sala- print examiner for about five years. Law care for Mary Jane after she was diagnosed ries as well as hire two or three more depu- enforcement kind-of ‘got in my blood’ and with cancer, he worked the next several ties. I think the community would support I liked the culture of the Bureau so I went years as a substitute teacher in his local it because 1/2 or even 3/8 of a cent, based back to school, became a research assistant school district. Then the weekend before on the current level of spending, would doing paralegal-type work for the Bureau, the 2016 filing period closed, he received bring in around $2 million a year. Barry finished my degree and then got appointed a phone call from someone asking him to County is a 790-square-mile county and it’s to special agent in 1980,” he said. run for sheriff. After much discussion and a long way from one corner to the other. Over the next 23 years he was assigned prayer, he and his wife agreed that if they A couple substations and a couple more to Washington, D.C.; Knoxville, Tennessee; were going to live in Barry County, they deputies would go a long way in allowing New York City; Houston and then El Paso, needed to be a part of making it better. He us to respond more quickly.” Texas, for five years as a supervisor; then filed, ran against half a dozen other candi- He’s also realizing another goal — to back to Washington, D.C., where he worked dates in the primary and won by 65 votes. improve the jail. Earlier this year the as a unit chief until he retired in 2003. Then he won in the general election with county commission signed a contract with During those years he met four or five more than 70 percent of the votes. an architect to renovate the existing facility. presidents, and a young guy named Trump, Sheriff Davis said that after taking of- They’ll be tearing down everything except who liked to visit with the FBI agents when fice, he was pleasantly surprised with the cell blocks built in recent years, and adding he’d speak at their luncheons. professionalism of the staff, most of whom a medical room, a 24-bed cell block for He also worked several high-profile stayed on. He was unpleasantly surprised the least-dangerous inmates and building cases. He and his partner were the first two with the number of animal cases they get a new kitchen and laundry. Barring any agents at the Reagan shooting, he worked called to handle and the amount of paper- unforeseen problems, they plan to break the Oklahoma City bombing and he worked work the job requires. ground by August 1. several drug cases, especially in Texas. “My “I do more paperwork now than when Sheriff Davis said he’s also pleased that, first week in El Paso, when I was lucky I was with the federal government,” he through a partnership with the Ozarks to find the office, we went out and found laughed, adding that he streamlined much Drug Enforcement Team, they’ve been able 2,500 pounds of cocaine! In New York I of what they do by getting new comput- to dismantle several large drug trafficking worked national security and counter-ter- ers. He also continued with the former organizations in the county. rorism and helped plan the rededication of sheriff’s vehicle replacement plan and now “I really enjoy this job. I enjoy seeing our the Statue of Liberty. And I was in Washing- has just one car with more than 100,000 deputies grow and I enjoy helping the peo- ton, D.C., when 9-11 happened.” miles. However, he said he feels one of his ple of Barry County. They’re so appreciative His decision to work in law enforcement most important accomplishments has been of the job we do. I hope to be elected one was never an issue at home. His wife of 53 increasing salaries. more term so I can see the jail renovation years also worked for the FBI for 16 years “The jail staff was making $20,000 a year through and see the rest of my goals accom- as a research intelligence specialist. She and I’ve gotten them up to $24,000. And of plished. Hopefully the people will feel the took early retirement when her husband my 23 sworn deputies, I’ve been able to get same way,” he said. hit the FBI’s mandatory retirement age of more than half of them at $30,000 or above. 57. They have two grown children, one of They want to stay here but I lost nine last By Nancy Zoellner 12 THE MISSOURI SHERIFF SPRING 2020
DADE COUNTY SHERIFF MAX HUFFMAN Sheriff Meets Challenges Head On Back in the early 90s, Max Huffman so I could serve my community.” always been a challenge. Lately, it’s gotten was working in IT. His good friend was He said that when Stapp returned from even harder. working as a deputy for the Wright active duty, he resigned, took a patrol “Although the commissioners approved position with Barton County and soon my budget, because we’re primarily an County Sheriff’s Office. after started campaigning. He won the agricultural community and we’re funded The young-ish Huffman would often primary and had no one running against by sales tax and general revenue, which ride along with his friend as he patrolled, him in the general election. He was sworn is down, we’ve actually been asked to listening attentively to stories about the into office on January 1, 2013. reduce our staff by attrition this year,” trials and tribulations of chasing bad After taking office, Sheriff Huffman the sheriff said. “It’s difficult because guys and protecting good guys in a rural said he hoped to build a new 50-bed jail to everyone wants good law enforcement county. Finally, in 1996, he decided that replace their aging and overcrowded 14- but that doesn’t come cheap and some he, too, wanted to make a difference bed facility, but the budget wouldn’t allow people just don’t understand what law in his community and enrolled in it so instead, he focused on improving enforcement does for the amount of pay Southeast Missouri State University’s Law everything he could. Through those efforts, they receive. But we will find a way to Enforcement Training Academy. he was able to increase the number of continue delivering the best service we After graduation, he deputies patrolling the county can because that’s what we do.” volunteered as a reserve from three to seven. He Cross-training deputies to work both in Dade County while also began a program the road and in the jail has been helpful continuing to work in the that, through careful in scheduling and stretching his dollars a corporate world. But budgeting, has allowed little farther. His deputies also work their when a road deputy him to replace one own drug cases, “and almost all crime position opened up, vehicle per year. in our community is drug-related in one he applied, was hired In 2014, he was form or fashion.” and has been in law able to upgrade Although the job comes with many enforcement fulltime to the Jail Tracker challenges, Sheriff Huffman said knowing ever since. Records Management he has the support of his community has “It just clicked. I knew System and said that has helped. Officer-involved shootings and that’s what I wanted to do with been a tremendous benefit. injuries and delivering death notifications my life and was fortunate to have a The program stores information — especially when children are involved very good FTO. That changed my entire electronically and allows them to share — have been the most gut-wrenching. career because I learned a lot of good information in real time with other jails To see that cases are handled to the best information that made the job not only and sheriffs’ offices on any device with of their ability and provide justice for interesting and safe but also fun to do,” he an internet connection. He said being victims has been the most rewarding. said, adding that it was so enjoyable that, able to share information about detainees He said it’s also been rewarding except for a stint at the Barton County — things like gang affiliations, suicide to know that he has the support of Sheriff’s Office while he campaigned for attempts and behavioral health — has his now-grown children. “In fact, my sheriff, his entire career has been spent allowed his staff and detainees to stay safe. daughter was also bitten by the law at Dade County. His friend that got him “Without the assistance of the enforcement bug and now works for interested in law enforcement comes to Missouri Sheriffs’ Association, and more Homeland Security in Tucson, Arizona. town occasionally to visit and work as a specifically Sheriff Kent Oberkrom, who My son lives in Minnesota and is CEO of a reserve. headed up that push, we would still be dairy cooperative and is also supportive “I actually had a rare opportunity to using yellow note pads and Excel spread although he probably secretly wishes I’d try out the job before I tried to get it,” sheets! I can’t say enough about the help get back into the corporate world,” he Sheriff Huffman quipped, explaining that Sheriff Oberkrom gave us. But now, laughed. “Although the job ‘has its days,’ he was chief deputy when the current unfortunately, we’re struggling to fund I very much enjoy what I do and hope to sheriff, Steven Stapp, was activated with the system,” he said, adding that although continue doing it one more term. Then I the National Guard and he was appointed the public is appreciative and supportive plan to retire and farm, raise cattle and to serve in his absence. “That’s all it took — and his commissioners are supportive enjoy all that the Ozarks have to offer.” for me to realize that I could do the job, I of law enforcement — finding money to could do it well and I wanted to be sheriff satisfy the law enforcement budget has By Nancy Zoellner www.mosheriffs.com 13
ON THE JOB MCDONALD COUNTY SHERIFF MIKE HALL Sheriff Impacts Community through Its CHILDREN Keeping children safe, teaching them the dangers of experimenting with alcohol to attract and then keep good, qualified and drugs, showing them that law enforcement is there to protect them — those personnel has been his biggest challenge. are all things near and dear to McDonald County Sheriff Mike Hall’s heart. He and his staff have also been busy implementing jail standards, creating a That’s why he’s spent the majority of his law For the next couple years, he covered one policy and procedures manual and updat- enforcement career working in the schools in high school and seven elementary and ing operations by switching to an electronic one capacity or another. In fact, this year he’s junior high campuses. jail management system which allows them celebrating his 20th year teaching DARE. “At the time I was talking to an Arkansas to share information with other jails in real “And it’s still my favorite part of the job. I police officer whose child had been killed time. With help from his lieutenant, Sheriff get reenergized when I walk into the class- in the Jonesboro school shooting about Hall established a Special Response Team room, in part, because I believe this program developing training for the schools. Then in and provided special training to handle can positively impact our community. Our April of that year, two teenagers went on a such things as high-risk search warrants. nation has a drug problem. The best way to shooting spree at Columbine and every- He also accomplished his short-term goal stop it is to never start. That’s what I’m teach- thing changed. Suddenly we were forced of acquiring new bullet-proof vests for all ing these students,” Sheriff Hall said. to think about the unthinkable and began road deputies and vests that are less than Although he’s dedicated his life to serving training, sometimes with city police officers, the suggested five years old for detectives. his community, that dedication initially took deputies, other law enforcement, along Sheriff Hall’s care for children extends a different course. with fire and EMS, on how to respond to an to wanting them to have presents at “I got my EMT license for both Arkansas active shooter in our schools,” he said. Christmas so in 2009, he and a few depu- and Missouri during my senior year of high Because he wanted to do more, in 2000 he ties started a Shop with a Cop program. It school and started working for a local ambu- attended DARE instructor training. A couple quickly grew to encompass all emergency lance service after graduation. However, as years later he was promoted to corporal and responders and is now called “Shop with a I got to know law enforcement, I knew that then in 2005, when another resource officer Hero.” Thanks to a grant from Walmart and was where I should be so when I signed up was hired, he was put in charge of patrol generous contributions from a supportive for college, I decided to major in criminal operations. However, he continued to oversee community, in 2019 they were able to raise justice,” he said. school training, attend as many school events $12,900 — enough to take 118 children At the same time, he also started volunteer- as possible and teach the DARE program. shopping with around $100 each to spend. ing at the McDonald County Sheriff’s Office, In early 2012, he left the sheriff’s office to His wife Kimberly and two children assisting with dispatch and the jail. When work fulltime at the schools while have also been supportive of Sheriff Don Schlessman offered him a job also campaigning for sheriff. He his work and his choice of in that division six months later, he jumped was elected and took office professions. at the opportunity, and the next semester January 1, 2013. “My son actually loves enrolled in the law enforcement academy. Conservative budget- law enforcement and “Talk about timing! In April 1997 I turned ing and careful spending wants to join the FBI 21. I graduated from the academy in May through the years by the when he graduates. My and in June an overnight road deputy posi- county’s officeholders parents have always tion opened and the sheriff offered it to me. allowed McDonald County backed me in my choice I figured it had to be God’s plan because it to save enough money to to go into law enforcement all came together in a matter of months. It recently double the size of the — and both are avid scanner certainly turned out to be an eye-opening jail and add a kitchen as well as listeners! My dad, Gary, actually experience,” he laughed. “To go from office space for the deputies — with- wanted to be a trooper when he dispatch to the classroom to working nights out increasing taxes. was young but at the time, they had a height where everything happens — especially as “My next goal is to add more staff, requirement and he was just a little too short. a 21-year-old kid — wow!” especially in the jail, because although our Instead, he went into farming and has He continued working overnights until holding capabilities went from 32 to 64, we raised cattle my whole life. When I retire, I early 1999 when a school resource officer have the same number of people working plan to work the farm with him. I figure by position opened in the McDonald County in the jail,” Sheriff Hall said, adding that as then, I’ll be ready for the peace and quiet!” R-1 School District. He asked for it and the a third-class county surrounded by counties sheriff agreed that he would be a good fit. with larger, more robust economies, trying By Nancy Zoellner 14 THE MISSOURI SHERIFF SPRING 2020
S T. CL AIR COUN T Y SHERIFF S CO T T K EELER Sheriff Leads by Following a Family Tradition St. Clair Sheriff Scott Keeler was raised in a law enforcement family. His father and his office joined forces with worked as an officer with the Independence Police Department before the Mid-Missouri Multijuris- taking a job with the Kansas City Veteran Affairs Police. His paternal dictional Drug Task Force, grandfather was a judge in Moniteau County. Discussions on law which consists of eight and justice were commonplace at the dinner table, but it was one counties and several particular conversation with his grandfather that set the course individual municipal for how he lives his life — and runs his office. departments located within those counties. “I was just 5 or 6 years old. We had it and worked there 13 “I couldn’t be more come back home from a church service years as a deputy before pleased with the results where the sermon was ‘Judge not lest ye I resigned to campaign for we’ve had because of that be judged.’ I asked my grandfather how sheriff. That was a fulltime affiliation. In fact, I heard that he could be a judge when the Bible says to job in itself because I spent every one of the drug kingpins said he judge not. He said he never judged a person day going door to door to share my wouldn’t come to St. Clair County be- — he judged the actions of a person — that thoughts and ideas.” cause he knew he was being pursued here. good people do bad things and bad people His hard work paid off. He won the elec- I take that as a compliment,” he said. do good things and that we are either held tion, was sworn into office January 1, 2013, In order to network with other law accountable or we reap the rewards of that and has served as sheriff ever since. enforcement, Sheriff Keeler began hosting behavior. That has stuck with me to this Since taking office one of his top priori- monthly luncheons for sheriffs in sur- day. It’s how I base my outlook on life and ties has been making sure everything is rounding counties and police, prosecuting guides how I deal with the people I serve,” transparent and done properly. To help attorneys, Highway Patrol, conservation, he said. accomplish that, Sheriff Keeler created a probation/parole, and others in his county Although the young Keeler felt he would public information officer position so news as well as the adjoining counties. work in law enforcement someday, in his could be made available and questions An ongoing goal is to build a new office/ younger years he worked as a mechanic from the public could be answered in a communication building so they can con- and tow truck driver. Later he got a degree timely manner. He also started a website vert their current 135-bed facility into “just in electronics, then moved to Phoenix, that provides up-to-date information on jail” and add badly needed space — and Arizona, to look for a job in that field. court cases so victims — or just interested beds. A citizen’s board is currently explor- Although that search was unsuccessful, parties — can easily keep tabs on cases. ing expansion options. And as if keeping he did get in with a security and investiga- To make schools safer and build rapport law and order in the county wasn’t enough, tions company that was just getting off the between law enforcement and his county’s each year the sheriff’s office partners with ground. Too far from family, a couple years youth, Sheriff Keeler started a School Re- the schools to provide winter coats, hats later he moved back to the Kansas City area source Officer program. and gloves for children who need them and and started his own private investigations “Two deputies — one fulltime and one with Dollar General to make sure kids get firm. part-time — go around to all the schools to gifts at Christmas. Each fall Sheriff Keeler However, in mid-1998 the pull toward keep those lines of communication open. organizes a family potluck picnic for his law enforcement became too strong. He I’d like to expand the program and put a 72-member staff and their families. closed his investigations office and enrolled deputy in every school, not only for safety “I’m a big believer that this operation is in the Central Missouri Police Academy. reasons but because for most kids the only not just a team — we’re a family — and I “I knew then that I wanted to return to interaction they have with law enforce- greatly appreciate every member,” he said. the Truman Lake area and St. Clair County, ment is when there’s a problem in the fam- “As a deputy sheriff, I felt like I was making in particular. I had attended the Boy Scout ily. However, we don’t have the funding a difference during my eight-hour shifts. camp here and loved it and had the honor to do that and the schools say they aren’t Since taking office, that’s expanded. Today of meeting Shirley Collins, a long-standing in a position to help. So, for now, they my office is making a difference every hour sheriff in the county. After I graduated the divide their time up between the schools, of every day because it’s no longer just my academy, I hounded the sheriff’s office for attend functions and even accompany the boots on the ground — it’s my staff follow- a job,” he laughed. “Unfortunately, they students on field trips, which is a win-win ing my directives and doing what they can didn’t have any openings so I went to work for everybody,” he said. to serve and protect the St. Clair County for the Appleton City Police Department. To keep his community safer and to bet- community.” When a road patrol spot with the sheriff’s ter fight the war on drugs, Sheriff Keeler office opened in November 1998, I took formed a Special Response Team Unit By Nancy Zoellner www.mosheriffs.com 15
ON THE JOB Behind the Scenes: Support Staff Fred Cave, Callaway County On the Road Again T ransport and Extradition Deputy deputy — a retired jail administrator, else,” he said, adding that when he’s not Fred Cave said that during his a retired civil process server or transporting prisoners, he’s assisting 30-year tenure with the Callaway retired Sheriff Dennis Crane — when with courtroom security. County Sheriff’s Office he’s picked up he’s picking up men — or a female Sheriff Chism said he feels transport prisoners from nearly every state in the corrections officer when he’s picking up officers don’t get enough respect for the Union — even from as far away as An- women. job they do. chorage, Alaska. Just as impressive, he’s On long hauls, he pre-arranges “It’s easy for people to think of it as a accomplished that without incident. with jails along the whirlwind vacation “I never had anyone get away. I never route to keep his on the taxpayers’ even had anyone try to get away, but detainees overnight dollars, but in real I’ve always told them, ‘You respect me. while he and his “I never had anyone life that’s one heck I’ll respect you.’ And because of that, law enforcement of a responsibility. get away. I never even I’ve never had a bit of trouble,” he said, ride-along sleep in Extraditing a prison adding that he also shares his faith with a hotel. Meals are had anyone try to get from the West Coast his transports. “I tell them ‘God has a usually grabbed along away, but I’ve always or the East Coast better plan for your life,’ and they listen. the way at fast-food to mid-Missouri told them, ‘You respect Sometimes people have to hit bottom restaurants. Prisoners can take four to before they’re willing to make a change. wear handcuffs me. I’ll respect you.’ five days of driving I figure I might be there for a reason so I and leg irons but, And because of that, — two to two-and- share with everybody — from murderers depending upon the a-half days to get on down.” charges, one handcuff I’ve never had a bit of there and then two Cave said when he started, he flew might be removed to trouble,” to two-and-a-half quite a bit but as fares increased and air make it easier for the days to get back. travel changed, he began transporting in detainee to eat. It’s not a job a lot of people could do a patrol vehicle equipped with special Cave joined the Callaway County — or do as well as Deputy Fred Cave,” safety features. Sheriff’s Office at the request the sheriff said. “He’s well-respected Sheriff Clay Chism said of former Sheriff Harry within our agency and throughout the although he may be Lee. Cave said at the community because, while he’s firm in considered “old-school,” time it sounded like a his duty, he is professional and respectful he prefers to “keep good, stable way to in his firmness. The criminal offenders the wheels on the earn a living — and it themselves even recognize this, hence pavement” because, has been. However, why they attempt to contact Deputy Cave in addition to the cost- although getting paid when released. Younger deputies simply benefit, he believes to drive across the admire how Deputy Cave performs. As driving is safer than country might sound much as he deserves his retirement, I flying. “When you fly, glamorous, it’s usually can’t imagine the day when I have to you’re at the mercy of the anything but. fill his position because he is one of a airline. You also take the chance “I’ll drive most of the day, then kind. When you think about what a of the inmate becoming unruly and the stop for dinner and to sleep. Then we law enforcement officer should act like, airline would then have the right to kick get up early and try to keep on going there is no need to look beyond Deputy the deputy and inmate off. I can’t end up until we get there. I try to pick up my Cave as he sets the example at a very with a deputy and inmate stranded in an prisoner and drive as far as I can get high mark! I admire him personally and airport somewhere!” before stopping again for the night. I professionally.” Cave said when he makes his pick-ups, get to see some beautiful country but he’s always accompanied by another it’s really just a job just like anything By Nancy Zoellner 16 THE MISSOURI SHERIFF SPRING 2020
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ON THE JOB Behind the Scenes: Support Staff Dwight Willis, Greene County He Never Fails to Deliver I nmates in the Greene County Jail receive a combined average of Willis has also discovered and turned over information that has 168 postcards and a dozen or so pieces of legal mail and another helped bring cases to a successful end — and he’s probably saved 460-some electronic messages per day. some lives. Dwight Willis and his assistant Corey Todd review them all. Every. “One of the more common things we deal with is victim witness Single. One. tampering, especially in domestic violence cases. This is not verba- They begin each morning by logging every piece in by hand on a tim but several times we’ve found outgoing mail that says something computer, noting the name and address of the sender and the name, like, ‘If you think you got a beating before I got in here, wait until cell number and jacket number of the inmate who received it. you see what happens if you show up in court and testify against Next, the men read the postcards and cut off all stamps, which me.’ We scan those in and send them to the prosecutor’s office,” Wil- lis said, adding that he’s always on the lookout for suicidal tenden- cies — anyone talking about being depressed. “It’s really something we have to keep our eye on, especially during the holidays.” Although he’s never discovered a proverbial “bar-cutting file” in a letter, he did help prevent an escape by an inmate who wrote about saving enough ink pens to dye his green jail uniform blue in hopes of walking out with volunteers. “We caught that letter, went up and looked and sure enough that’s what he had done — but he wasn’t able to get out the front door,” he laughed. Willis and his assistant have also handled a few pieces of mail that could have been dangerous to their health. Back in the day of the anthrax scares, Willis opened an outgo- ing letter addressed to a judge that contained a white powdery substance. It turned out to be baby powder but it caused quite a stir. And before Greene County switched to postcards only, Wilkes opened an envelope that carried only a sheet of blank paper. When unfolded, the paper crackled and little flakes started falling off. “We had it tested and it turned out to be a narcotic,” he said. “Ironically, have been known to hide illegal drugs. Postcards deemed “unac- the woman that sent it used her actual name and address on the ceptable” because of content or failure to meet guidelines are logged return and she had a visit scheduled with that inmate that very and a rejection notice is filled out for both the inmate and the night so the detectives just waited for her to show up. I believe she sender. Once that job is finished, they process inmate outgoing mail, was arrested.” following the same procedures — but leaving the stamps intact. Willis’ dedication to the job and his keen eye haven’t gone un- Then they tackle the texts, reading as many as they can before noticed. He’s been presented with a challenge coin from the Greene their eight-hour shift ends. When time allows, they also watch ran- County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to thank him for the informa- dom video visits, which are recorded. “We do the very best we can tion he’s turned over, and he’s received several letters of apprecia- to get through the electronic messages but we devote our time and tion from sheriffs and even one from the Department of Justice for energy to the paper mail because it needs to be delivered in a timely his involvement in a pedophile and child pornography case. manner.” Willis said he’s proud of the job they do — and he doesn’t ever The job may seem mundane to some but Willis said every day foresee a shortage of work. brings new challenges. In his 19 years in the mailroom, he’s seen it “Inmates can receive an unlimited number of postcards and they all — some “racy” pictures he’d like to forget and envelopes that are can send as many as they can afford. Indigent inmates are provided full of all sorts of prohibited items including glitter and/or candy. with two postcards per week and we also pay postage for their legal And he’s read it all — heartbreaking notes from children who are mail because we have an obligation to keep their legal mail flowing missing their parents, reports from family members of children be- and we have an obligation to make sure they maintain contact with ing taken from the home or letters from spouses detailing the strug- the outside world. With an average population in the upper 900s — gles they’re experiencing with the main breadwinner behind bars. well, do the math.” “It can take a toll on you after a while so you have to learn how to mentally release it, go home and decompress,” he said. By Nancy Zoellner 18 THE MISSOURI SHERIFF SPRING 2020
ON THE JOB Vendor Spotlight Encartele: Empowering Corrections Through Innovative Solutions Larry Hammerschmidt, Pete Lorenze and Larry Joiner have decades of experience between them to assist Missouri’s sheriffs with state-of-the-art solutions for their jails. E ver since it was founded in 2004, Encartele has focused visitation of every single inmate. However, the ability of flag on making a difference in the corrections industry — one text phrases or words is huge,” he said, adding that it’s already jail at a time — by creating fair, secure, and easy-to-use helped stop a very real risk at one Missouri jail. “That’s just one technologies for law enforcement professionals and inmates of the ways we can streamline the jail operation and enable and their friends and family. them to do more with fewer people.” In Missouri, Encartele has made a difference for numerous Hammerschmidt, Larry Joiner and Pete Lorenz service facilities including a jail in southwest Missouri where inmates sheriffs’ offices and jails in Missouri and they have, combined, and approved contacts traded more than 40,000 messages more than 100 years of experience that will help develop the in December 2019 alone. In the same month, inmates in a system that’s right for the sheriffs’ needs. central Missouri jail participated in 578 remote visits with Joiner is a retired police chief from Kansas City, Missouri, and friends and family. former U.S. marshal for the Western District of Missouri. He’s To bring reliable, next-gen technology into corrections, been involved in law enforcement and in the inmate phone Encartele maintains and operates two separate systems: ICENET business for many years and has developed strong working and CIDNET. ICENET is a legacy inmate phone system that has relationships with many police departments and sheriffs’ offices supported jails for the last 15 years. CIDNET was first deployed across the state. in 2015 and currently provides messaging and video visitation Lorenz is a former deputy, and also started one of the first services to more than 150 jails across the United States. private inmate phone companies, so he knows the business Of the two systems, CIDNET best represents the future of the inside out. He, too, has developed strong relationships with corrections industry. sheriffs’ offices across Missouri. The web-based system maximizes a facility’s operational Hammerschmidt worked for Southwestern Bell for 27 years efficiency in numerous ways. With CIDNET, digital forms before retiring. Then in 2001 he got into the inmate phone replace standard pen-and-paper kites (messages). Content business and has been working with Missouri’s sheriffs ever Broadcasting TVs replace bulletin boards and paper postings. since. And beyond that, every video visit, message, and user interaction gets logged and recorded by CIDNET, ensuring for “One of the reasons we work very hard to stay accurate reporting and auditing. connected through the Missouri Sheriffs’ Association Here are some other reasons why people love CIDNET: is because our relationship with the sheriffs and jail • Clean, intuitively designed interface administrators helps us understand how they do things • User-friendly controls and functions that are easy to learn and determine what’s important to them and what • A.I. visual moderation for picture messages (to detect they need. Our products impact safety and security in nudity/illicit activity) the jail but they also impact manpower requirements,” • New, staff-requested enhancements that are released bi- Hammerschmidt said, adding that he has always kept weekly (including documentation) his own personal membership in the MSA in addition • Flag text moderation for messages, which can be set to the company membership because he supports to automatically detect and then notify jail staff when the organization. “Involvement is one of the most certain phrases or potential offensive and/or unwanted important things we can do,” he said. images are used. Larry Hammerschmidt, director of client relations at For more information about Encartele’s products, visit www. Encartele, said that’s a major benefit. cidnet.net or contact Hammerschmidt at lhammer@encartele.net “As you can imagine, jails don’t have the manpower and their or 314-650-5800. staff doesn’t have the time to monitor every single call and video 20 THE MISSOURI SHERIFF SPRING 2020
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