Mooresville Police Commission recognizes officers

MOORESVILLE — The Mooresville Metropolitan Police Commission recognized the first officers as part of the newly created Officer Recognition Program for the Mooresville Metropolitan Police Department at Thursday night’s meeting.

Officer Mark Bailey was presented with his five year service certificate by commissioners Danny Lundy and Fred Settle. Bailey is currently assigned to the K-9 division on the late shift.

Detective Chad Richhart was presented with his fifteen year service certificate by commissioners Lundy and Settle. Richhart is currently assigned to the Detective Division on day shift.

Richhart was also presented with the department’s first Distinguished Service Award for his work on a case in 2016 involving a murdered child. Lundy said that Richart’s exemplary handling of the case made him more than deserving of the award.

“According to the prosecutor in that case, ‘Chad’s work in this case was truly exemplary and led to two convictions in cases with some very challenging facts and circumstances,’” said Lundy. “The prosecutor goes on to say that ‘Detective Richhart is a true professional and a real asset to the Mooresville Police Department and the Morgan County Major Crimes Task Force.’ and that ‘Chad is a true example of the professionalism that we all hope to see in all of our employees.’’

Richhart has been working this case for more than two years and earlier this year, the Court of Appeals affirmed the convictions in this case.”

“The court even went out of its way to mention his handling of the case, his concern for the victim and compliment his ability to preserve the evidence,” said Lundy. “I can think of no one more deserving to receive our first Distinguished Service Award.”

In other business

Police Chief Richard Allen introduced the Mooresville Police Commission to the departments three newly hired police officers: Joshua Obermeyer, Levi Martin, and Eric Leap. Allen informed the commission that the officers would be attending the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy from Sept. 16 to Dec. 27 and stated that they would be taking their physical agility assessment on Sept. 9.

Allen also informed the board that AT&T and Endeavour Communications continued to finish work at the new police station and said that the tentative move-in date for the department was Aug. 12. Allen also stated that the department had held an open house at the new station on Monday and that turn-out had been good, with positive responses given on the new station.

Lundy informed the commission and those present that the Mooresville Town Council had passed a motion to engage with human resources company, Waggoner Irwin Scheele and Associates. Lundy explained that the company would examine and update the policies, procedures, standard operating procedures and directives for the police department, as well as the town’s other departments. Lundy stated that the company was experienced working with municipalities and that after everything was reviewed, with the company’s recommendations, the department would be brought up to federal, state and local standards.

“I’m really excited about it,” said Lundy. “I think it’s going to be great for all the departments in town. I think this HR component is something that’s been much needed for a long time.”

Police Commision attorney Charles Braun informed the commission that Commissioner Larry Bryant had submitted his resignation as a member of the Police Commission after 11 years of service and said that he wanted to recognize his service.

“I just wanted to publicly commend him for his many years of service to the police department, to the police commission and community,” said Braun. “I’ve had the honor of being the attorney for the Mooresville Police Commission for many many years … it was always a pleasure to work with Larry. His leadership, his knowledge, his wisdom was always great and beneficial for the police commission and the police department.”

Allen presented monthly statistics for the month of June to the board. Allen reported 261 incident reports, 60 arrest reports, 106 citations, 367 warnings and 2,267 computer-aided dispatch calls. Allen also said that in April, there were 26 accident reports, 19 instances of property damage, five personal injuries, two hit-and-runs and no fatalities. According to Allen, there were 455 total 911 calls for June. Allen also stated that the department had reported 41 hours of comp time, 99.75 hours of overtime and 19,516 miles for mileage.

The next meeting of the Mooresville Metropolitan Police Commission will be held at 6 p.m. on Aug 15. at the Mooresville Police Department.

~ By Anthony Woodside | Reporter | Published July 24, 2019 in The Mooresville Times