Department News

 

Collierville Police promotes Driver Awareness for School Year

 

The Collierville Police Department would like to remind all of the citizens of Collierville on the importance of driver awareness as Shelby County Schools begin their new school year on August 11th.

 

The Collierville Police Department anticipates a large number of vehicular and pedestrian traffic in and around our schools. Our Department is committed to doing all that is possible to minimize the potential for accidents and injuries caused by violations of traffic laws in and around our schools during this busy time.

 

The Department will be actively working in and around the school zones to ensure motorists are following all applicable traffic laws.  “It is all about protecting the future of the Town of Collierville, by conducting enforcement efforts that protect our children,” according to Chief L. E. Goodwin.  Enforcement will take place in all of the school zones throughout Collierville with zero tolerance.  Officers will be targeting speeding violations, seat belt violations and child seat restraint violations and other violations that could contribute to accidents and/or injuries.

 

In addition, this year the drop-off and pick-up routes for the Collierville High School students have been changed, in an effort to help the traffic backup on Byhalia Road.  As indicated in the attached diagram, the drop-off / pick-up now start at the western driveway (on Frank Road by the tennis courts, both lanes) and the exit will be the northern driveway.  The student parking and bus drop-off / pick-up has not changed. 

For more information on our activities or programs related to personal safety and driver awareness, please contact Lt. David Townsend of the Collierville Police Department at 457-2560 or visit us on the web at www.colliervillepolice.org. 

Collierville Night Out, Celebrating Neighborhood Watch

 

The communities of Bartlett, Collierville and Germantown have agreed to change the date for National Night Out for 2008 to the first Tuesday in October.  This year, The National Organization, is testing this date and will probably adopt it nationwide beginning in 2009.

 

Therefore for the year 2008 Collierville will celebrate its Night Out on Tuesday October 7th.  This will provide us with much cooler weather and it will not interfere with school registration as it has in the past.  Start planning your neighborhood parties now.  You can register your party now on-line at http://www.colliervillepolice.org.  You can register with us so that we can visit your group that evening.  If you have any questions regarding this new date please call Lt. David Townsend at 457-2560 or Lt. Norm Dixon at 901-457-2571.

 

This year for the rest of the country, the date remains August 5th and this is the 25th Anniversary of the event.  Citizens of Collierville can still recognize this by turning your porch lights on from 7 to 9 PM on the 5th of August.  We encourage you to spread the word in your community and join this celebration as well.

 

We are excited about our new date in October.  It is expected that many more communities will be able to participate than before.  This event is to raise the awareness of crime prevention and the effectiveness of neighborhoods working together.  We hope to see you in October.

Released 07/18/08

 

Undercover Beer Buy Operation was a success

 

On Wednesday 05/07/2008, the Collierville Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division conducted an undercover beer buy operation. Through the use of an 18 year old cooperating individual, detectives attempted to purchase beer at all (19) nineteen businesses that are licensed to sell beer for off premise consumption in the Town of Collierville. We are very pleased to report that each and every one of these businesses requested identification, properly identified the underage attempt to purchase beer and the sales were refused.

 

This operation was one in a series of enforcement efforts that are conducted periodically throughout the year to ensure compliance with the law regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of (21) twenty-one in our community. The department applauds these businesses and their staff for the diligence demonstrated during this operation and their commitment to the safety of our community as a whole.

 

While no violations were detected, the department will continue our efforts in combating underage drinking through similar operations to ensure continued compliance and to educate the public on the importance of preventing the illegal sale of alcoholic beverages to our young people. 

 Released 05/08/08

Collierville Police along with Law Enforcement Agencies across the country commemorate National Police Week

The Collierville Police Department would like to remind all citizens that the week of May 14-20, 2005 is National Police Week.  During this week, Collierville Police Officers along with agencies throughout the United States will be flying a blue ribbon from their car antennas as part of the National Police Week.  Citizens are encouraged to show their support by doing the same during this week.  The National Peace Officers Memorial Day is May 15, 2008.

In addition, Mayor Linda Kerley is issuing a proclamation to recognize National Police Week and Peace Officer Memorial Day for the Town of Collierville at the next Mayor and Board of Alderman meeting on May 12, 2008.  The Collierville Police Department would like to say thank you to all the citizens of Collierville for your continued support of our department and law enforcement throughout the country.


Released 05/08/08

Collierville Police stops Robbery

On Tuesday 04/29/08 at 1051hours the department received several calls from passing motorists that reported seeing a male black juvenile walking south on Collierville Arlington from Fletcher Road with what appeared to be a black semi-automatic pistol in his hand. Police units assigned to Patrol and CID converged on the area in an attempt to locate this individual. The officers received updated information that the suspect was last observed on the parking lot of Gurkin’s Grocery located at 390 Poplar Avenue. Detective Forrester and his partners arrived at Gurkin’s as patrol units continued their canvassing of the area for the suspect. As Detective Forrester entered the business, he immediately contacted the suspect who was approximately (2) feet away from him between the front door of the business and the counter. The suspect was brandishing the pistol and was in the process of charging the weapon by pulling the slide back with his free hand. Detective Forrester closed the minimal distance between himself and the suspect, grabbed and controlled the pistol that was in the suspect’s hand and forced the suspect to the ground where he was taken into custody without further incident by Forrester and other department members. The suspect, who was identified as an 11-year old Collierville resident, was transported and charged with Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Assault and Theft of Property through Juvenile Court after merchandise from the store was located inside his back pack. The weapon has since been determined to be a metal semi-automatic replica BB pistol. The suspect remains in custody at Juvenile Court. A copy of the redacted offense report is available upon request through the CPD Records Section located at 91 Walnut Collierville, TN. 38017.

 Released April 30, 2008

Collierville Police Investigates Robberies

Robbery #1

 

On 4/19/08 at approximately 3:30 pm two victims were working in the 1700 block of Winchester Boulevard in Collierville when they observed an approaching 1980’s model blue four-door sedan occupied by four male black suspects.  Three suspects exited the vehicle and ran to confront the victims.  Two of the suspects were armed with pistols and the third was armed with a rifle.  The suspects took the victims’ personal property before fleeing eastbound on Winchester Boulevard.  The victims were not injured during this incident.

Suspect vehicle:  1980’s blue four-door midsize sedan

Suspect 1:  M/B, approximately 6’0” tall, thin build, mid 20’s in age, brandishing a pistol

Suspect 2:  M/B, approximately 5’10” tall, thin build, mid 20’s in age, brandishing a pistol

Suspect 3:  M/B, approximately 5’ 10” tall, thin build, mid 20’s in age, brandishing a rifle

                   

Robbery #2

 

On 4/23/08 shortly after noon a male black suspect armed with a rifle approached a construction crew working near the 1500 block of Winchester Boulevard and demanded money.  One victim ran and was subsequently chased by the gunman.  The victim was later confronted by two additional male black suspects near the rear of the house.  The additional suspects were armed with a rifle and a pistol.  After obtaining the victim’s possessions the suspects ran from the scene to an awaiting white Ford Expedition.  The suspect vehicle fled west bound on Winchester Boulevard.   The victim was not injured during this incident.

Suspect vehicle:  1990’s model Ford Expedition, white in color, with tinted windows

Suspect 1:  M/B, approximately 5’9” tall, 180 pounds, 18 – 22 years of age, wearing a white T-shirt, a bandana around the lower part of his face, and a cap or hat covering the top of his head. This suspect was brandishing a rifle.              

Suspect 2:  M/B, approximately 5’9” tall, 180 pounds, 18 – 22 years of age, wearing a dark T-shirt, sunglasses, a bandana around the lower part of his face, and a  cap or hat covering the top of his head.  This suspect was brandishing a rifle.

Suspect 3:  M/B, approximately 5’11” tall, 180 pounds, 18 – 22 years of age, wearing a White T-shirt, a bandana around the lower part of his face, and a cap or hat covering the top of his head. This suspect was brandishing a dark colored pistol. 

If you have any information regarding these crimes, please contact Collierville Crime Stoppers at (901) 457-CASH or the Criminal Investigation Division at (901) 457-2520.

Released 04/28/08

Collierville Police holds 13th Session of Citizens Police Academy

You're a police officer. You stop a car for running a red light. As you approach the car, the driver gets out and starts running. What should you do?

You're on the police's swat unit. A man has barricaded himself inside his home. He won't come out and threatens to shoot if you come in to get him. What do you do?

You can get a personal, hands-on demonstration of how a police officer would handle each situation described above by enrolling in the Collierville Police Department's Citizens' Police Academy. The Academy accepts up to 30 people. Sessions are held one night a week for 6 weeks from 6:30pm to 9:30pm and two Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The police department began offering the classes in 2000 as a way to inform citizens about how police officers work and the intricacies of their job. Instead of relying solely on classroom lectures, the police officers let the people in the academy get a hands-on feel of the process by setting up role-playing situations.

Some of the topics that are being covered are:

 

Upon graduation, the graduate will be asked to become an "ambassador" to the community for the Police Department.  Some graduates have assisted in other endeavors of the department, such as Crime Stoppers, Chief's Advisory Board, the Special Citizen's Volunteer Program and Neighborhood Watch / National Night Out.

All applicants must meet the following requirements:

 

If you would like to apply to attend the class, contact Lt. David Townsend, of the Collierville Police Department, at 901-457-2560 or apply online at http://www.colliervillepolice.org.  The next session of the Citizen's Police Academy has already begun to fill.  The 13th Session is scheduled to start April 3rd, 2008 with graduation ceremonies on May 22nd, 2008.

 Released 02/12/08

Collierville Police needs your help

The department is currently investigating a series of residential burglaries that have occurred in the area of S. Byhalia Road between Holmes Road and Shelby Drive. The first burglary occurred on 1/30/08 on Deep Pond, the second occurred on 2/6/08 on Southern Home and the most resent burglary occurred on 2/11/08 on East Old Hearthstone. All three are believed to have occurred between 0900 and 1215 hours. The suspects cut exterior phone lines to the homes and forcibly entered the residences using a pry type tool and body weight against the doors (one front door and two rear doors). At all three locations the garage doors were left open as the suspects departed the scene, which indicates they are possibly pulling into the garage during the burglary to load a vehicle with the property they are stealing. In all three burglaries the victims have reported the theft of high end electronics including televisions, computers and video games along with jewelry and cash. Our open cases mirror a series of similar burglaries that have been occurring in Tipton County, Marshall County and at several locations across Shelby County. We believe there is more than one group of suspects committing these crimes based on some resent case information developed. We continue to exchange information with the surrounding agencies as these investigations progress.

We are asking residents to remain vigilant within their neighborhoods and to report any suspicious vehicles or persons observed in the area to police immediately. We are also seeking any information regarding prior contact with unfamiliar individuals that have been seen or heard knocking on front doors with a vehicle parked in front of the residence. Residents are asked to call police at 853-3207 as they witness suspicious activity occurring or to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 457- 2520 with any information on any prior suspicious contacts or observations in these areas.

Released 02/12/08

Are you ready!
Some of the worst tornados that the Mid South had ever experienced occurred on Tuesday, February 5, 2008.  Were you ready for what happened?  Are you and your family ready should the next disaster strike?  Following a disaster, community members may be on their own for a period of time because of the size of the area affected, lost communications, and impassable roads.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community

 

People who go through CERT training have a better understanding of the potential threats to their home, workplace, and community and can take the right steps to lessen the effects of these hazards on themselves, their homes or workplace. If a disaster happens that overwhelms local response capability, CERT members can apply the training learned in the classroom and exercises to give critical support to their family, loved ones, neighbors or associates in their immediate area until help arrives. When help does arrive, a CERT member provides useful information to responders and supports their efforts, as directed, at the disaster site.

 

To become a CERT member, you will have to take the CERT training from a task force effort of the Collierville Fire and Police Departments. The next CERT class is scheduled for April 4, 5 and 6.  The training takes 16 hours over a 3-day weekend.  The enrollment is limited to 25 students per class.  There is no change for the training.  If you would like to register for this program, please visit the Collierville Police Department’s website at http://www.colliervillepolice.org and visit the CERT webpage.  If you have any questions about this interesting training, please contact Lt. David Townsend at the Collierville Police Department at 457-2560.

Released 02/05/08

911 and Cell Phones
 by Bill Bradham, Accreditation Manager for the Collierville Police Department

I was recently asked how 911 phone calls from cell phones are directed to Public Safety Answering Points. According to the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), calls are directed through Wireless Phase One or Wireless Phase Two technology to cell towers which provide Automatic Location Information. 911 calls will show either the location of the tower they are processed through or they are plotted to where the actual phone is located. The routing of calls is dependant on the location of the closest cell tower and the tower call volume. Cell towers such as the one east of Collierville-Arlington Road in Fayette County sometimes causes confusion as to the jurisdiction of the correct responding agency when only the tower address is displayed and the caller is at another location.

To help determine the correct location of an emergency, calls are answered”911 what is the location of your emergency?” Callers will be asked as much information as possible to help determine the jurisdiction, location and nature of the emergency. Dialing 911 from cell phones and hanging up will not always give the correct location of the caller due to the system needing 3-5 seconds to plot and route the call. 911 equipment is used in conjunction with our Computer Aided Dispatch software to help plot on a mapping system the location of the caller or tower within the Town. Since there can be equipment failure, it is essential for communications personnel to ask the caller their location for verification.

The ability of a 911 center to determine the location of a cell phone by mapping can vary to a maximum range of 150 meters (492 ft) for 95% of all calls. The difficulty in locating the caller increases drastically at special events, heavily wooded areas or inside multi-family dwellings so it is essential to stay on the line as long as possible until help arrives. Technology has evolved over the past ten years to help aid in the quick response to emergencies; however the best source of information is ultimately the caller who can provide additional information for first responders.

Collierville Police work with “Project ChildSafe” to give out free gunlocks

For the past three years, the Collierville Police Department has participated in the federally funded program “Project ChildSafe”. This national program is responsible for more than 35 million gunlocks being distributed to the public at no charge.

The Collierville Police Department has made available to the citizens of Collierville these gunlocks by simply stopping by the department to obtain one. Along with continuing to give out the gunlocks at the department, Collierville Police Officers will be making these gunlocks available at the upcoming Trick or Treat on the Town Square, this Friday, October 28, 2005.

While supplies last, Collierville Officers will have the gunlocks available at their booth, which will be set up on the Square during the event. If you cannot obtain a gunlock at the event, you can also stop by the Collierville Police Department Records Office at 91 Walnut, during regular business hours, to obtain a gunlock as well.

For more information on “Project ChildSafe”, and/or other programs that the Collierville Police Department is involved in, please contact our Public Relations Office at 901-457-2560.

Click here for a video about the Project Child Safe Project.
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New Form to assist those in need.

The Collierville Police Department, working in conjunction with Collierville Fire and Rescue, would like to remind all citizens of Collierville that through the Police Department website, you can complete a special form for you and/or your family members that may have limitations or impairments, which will assist us in providing service to those individuals in the event an emergency, such as a fire or other critical situation requiring response for our departments. 

 

The form, which can be completed online at www.colliervillepolice.org, is designed for individuals with physical limitations such as visual and hearing impairments, non-ambulatory, or other specific cases, to help us better assist those individuals in the event we are dispatched to their residence.

 

The information will be stored, confidentially, in our dispatch center so when public safety personnel are dispatched to a residence involving an individual who has completed this form, the on-scene safety personnel will be better prepared and informed on the occupants of the residence and any specific limitations that could be relevant in helping our departments make the most appropriate and effective response.

 

Once an individual has completed the online form, it will be reviewed by a staff member, and in turn, those individuals will be contacted to confirm that their information has been received and entered into the program.

 

--The hope is through this program we can work more closely with our citizens that might have certain limitations to ensure the level of service provided by both our agencies continues to be at the highest level, Assistant Chief Jeff Abeln.

--This type of program really benefits our dispatchers in knowing more specifics about certain residences and helping us provide the best response when communicating with the safety personnel on the scene, Dispatcher Rebekah Nelson.

--We have really tried to enhance this program, making it as efficient and citizen friendly as possible, Dispatcher Anna Gatewood.

 

For more information on this program, you can contact the department Public Relations Office at 457-2560.

Click here to register for this program.

Collierville Police Alert Service

Collierville Police Offer New Program to promote a closer relationship with Town businesses, churches, and neighborhood watch groups

The Collierville Police Department in its efforts to work more closely with our Town of Collierville churches, businesses, and neighborhood watch groups has created the Collierville Police Alert Service. Our goal is to promote stronger communication and interaction between your Police Department and each of these groups.

The concept is simple and easy to use. The Collierville Police Department will maintain a list of church, business, and neighborhood watch representatives from those participating in the service and will distribute through those representatives information from the latest crime trends in Collierville that could potentially be relevant and/or affect their organizations, to updates on events and activities at the Collierville Police Department. These representatives will receive email notifications when certain crimes occur close to their businesses, churches, or subdivisions, along with maintaining an open line of communication between our organizations to ensure high levels of service by Officers in our community.

With this type of information sharing, it is the belief of the Collierville Police Department that we can work closely with these groups through the C.P.A.S. program to better serve the community as a whole.

“The Collierville Police Department is excited about the alert program and the potential positive impact that it could have on the community. It also affords the department the opportunity to accomplish one of the Board of Mayor and Alderman’s goals of better communications between the Town and the citizens. Please join us in our efforts to make Collierville a safe community in which to live, work or play”. –Collierville Chief of Police L.E. Goodwin.

Please click here to register for this program.

For more information on the program, please contact Lt. David Townsend at 457-2560.

 

Copyright 2004, Collierville Police Department