Council Hears Police Dept. Update, Committee Reports

At the January 11 city council meeting, a report on the Holden Police Department was given by Chief of Police David Mayhew, utilizing a Power Point presentation.

In his report, Chief Mayhew shared information on the department, as well as the number of reports, incidents, calls and arrests in the past year.

It was noted that they have all increased from the previous year. The Chief went on to explain that COVID has had a major impact on the police department. He reported some officers have gotten the virus and some have had to work long shifts, which includes a good number of overtime hours. He went on to tell council members that the department’s equipment has been in disrepair, giving examples and saying they have eight tasers and only two were fully functional when he started four months ago. He added that all but one are currently back in working condition. He continued his report, saying the police department’s building is in need of immediate repairs or they will need to move into the new building as soon as possible.

Chief Mayhew explained the issue with the restroom that is nearest to the holding area. It is located in a closet with the heating and cooling unit. “Officers are currently walking detainees through the police department to use other restrooms, all of which are not ADA-compliant,” he said.

See continued story in this week’s Image.