Box Elder Police Department
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    • 2011 Boy Scout Presentation
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In the News

Box Elder Police Department Put Heels on Ground in Support of WAVI

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On Saturday May 19th, members of the Box Elder Police Department took part in the Working Against Violence, Inc (WAVI) Peace Pro-Motion 5K run/walk.  Officers and staff joined WAVI as they raised money and awareness for the fight against domestic violence and sexual assault in the community.  WAVI provided fun, refreshments, prizes and great activities.

 Participants walked a 5k course from the Memorial Park Bandshell near the bottom of M-Hill, then returned along the same route. Officers and their family members, including children ages 4 to 10 completed the course in 54 minutes!

 However, the highlight of this event was the first annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.”  After walking the 5k route earlier in the morning, men set aside their macho egos and donned high heels to walk around the lake at Memorial Park.  On teetering legs and sore feet, about thirty men raced for several prizes, and in the process raised $15,000 for WAVI programs.  Officer Campbell was dubbed the overall winner, finishing the course ahead of the well-heeled pack to win a prize from Comfort Suites and the Dakotah Steakhouse.  Sgt. Chris Misselt also took home a prize for the best dance in heels, winning $100.00 gift certificate to Red Wing Shoes.

 Though this event was fun and full of laughs, the Pro-Motion 5K and “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes”, truly highlights the work WAVI does to create a community free of domestic abuse and sexual assault through advocacy, education, and support services.  Serving over 2,000 victims last year, this walk is one way to bring awareness of such a serious topic to the community, while having fun.

 For further information on WAVI please call 60-341-3292 or visit their website at www.wavi.org for ways to help or make donations.


Box Elder Police Remind Graduates to Celebrate Safely

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Chris Misselt
Box Elder Police Department


The end of the school year and start of summer is an exciting time for students, parents, and the community around them. It is particularly so for graduating seniors. With their tassels turned and diplomas in hand, they celebrate the culmination of four years of study and take their place as the newest entrants into adulthood. The accomplishments of those students will be celebrated in ways as many and varied as the students themselves.

 The overwhelming majority of students will make smart decisions and experience graduation events safely and responsibly. However, one of the many temptations of students’ graduation celebrations will be to include alcohol. Statistics clearly show that a leading variable in motor vehicle crashes, assaults, injuries, and fatalities is the use of alcohol. The easiest way for students to have a problem-free graduation is to make them alcohol-free. In working toward that end, Box Elder Police want to remind students of these simple realities and penalties of underage drinking:
  • A minor convicted of underage drinking is subject to a $500.00 fine and/or thirty days in jail. Additionally, courts will suspend their driver’s license for at least thirty days and up to one year, even if the offense does not involve a motor vehicle.
  • Adults who furnish alcohol to minors are subject to a $2000.00 fine and/or one year in jail. Their license will likewise be suspended for the same period of time, even if the offense does not involve a motor vehicle.
  • Drivers under the age of 21 can be arrested and convicted of drinking and driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .02%, not the usual .08%, under a law aimed directly at curbing underage drinking and driving.
  • There is no “safe amount” of alcohol that can be consumed without impairment. Even one beverage alters the behavior, judgment, and inhibitions of the drinker. While the presumptive level of intoxication is .08, no amount of alcohol is “safe” when you’re behind the wheel.
  • The use of alcohol early in life creates a substantial risk of alcohol-related problems later in life. The easiest habit to break is one that is never begun!

The involvement of parents in graduation planning is critical. Parents should know who their student will be with, where they will be, how they will travel, and how they can be reached at any time in the event of a problem. Clearly established expectations between parents and their children are key in keeping graduates safe.  

To assist parents and students, Box Elder Police will be conducting extra enforcement activities to deter or enforce any violation that might compromise the safety of our community. Citizens having knowledge of underage drinking parties or impaired drivers on the roadways should call police at (605)394-2151, or 911. Callers may remain anonymous.

Juvenile Curfew

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Officer Kay Luther
Box Elder Police Department

With summer fast approaching it is a great time to remind everyone about the City of Box Elder’s juvenile curfew ordinance.  As with most cities Box Elder adopted the ordinance to serve two main purposes: 1) To protect juveniles from criminal activities occurring after curfew hours, and 2) To reduce crime associated with juvenile delinquency.

According to Ordinance 457 it is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen to wander about or be in any public place either on foot or in a motor vehicle between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless accompanied by their parent, guardian or custodian.

The only exception to the above is if the juvenile in question is commuting to or from a specific destination at the direction of their parent, guardian or custodian. This can include attending special functions with the permission from a parent.

A frequently asked question is, “What are my responsibilities as parent?” Parents are prohibited from allowing the juvenile to violate the ordinance by means of either negligence or inefficient control.  Additionally, if the parent allows the juvenile permission to attend a special event or gathering it should be done by the most practical and direct route possible.

Juveniles found to be in non-compliance with ordinance 457 can be detained by law enforcement for transport to their place of residence or until a parent or guardian can arrive to take custody of them.  If the parents or guardians refuse to accept custody of the juvenile or are otherwise unavailable the juvenile will be taken into custody for placement at the Juvenile Services Center.

If a juvenile refuses to comply with the law enforcement officer by not providing their correct name and address they will be taken into custody to be placed at the Juvenile Services Center. There they will be charged with false impersonation and curfew violation.

A violation of the curfew ordinance is a Class 2 Misdemeanor punishable by a written citation and fine. The parents or guardian will be notified by law enforcement in the event a citation is issued. 

In addition police would also like to remind you that all city parks are closed to the public between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless otherwise allowed by permit. Pets are not allowed in city parks, except on a leash and must be under control at all times.  It is unlawful to possess or consume alcoholic beverages in any city park.  Weapons of any kind to include guns and knives are also prohibited.

A violation of this portion of the ordinance is a Class 2 Misdemeanor punishable by up to a $200.00 fine, 30 days in jail or both. 

Have a safe and enjoyable summer!  For further information please refer to Box Elder City Ordinance 457, or contact Officer Kay Luther at (605)923-1401 or by email at kluther@boxelder.us

Freshman Impact - Caught in the Moment - 2012


Box Elder Officers, Pennington County Sheriff Deputies and South Dakota Highway Patrolman were at Central High School on May 1st and at Douglas High School on May 8th to help man the different learning stations.  “During this time of year when the weather gets warmer and functions such as prom and graduation bring celebrations, it also brings out risk-taking behaviors found in teens.  This event gives parents a great opportunity to sit down and discuss the dangers involved with driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and the lack of seatbelt use”.

“The program is designed to educate Freshman students and their parents on how alcohol and /or drugs affect families and communities. The program highlights what to expect physically, mentally, legally, and criminally when the choice is made to use alcohol and/or drugs”.  (Courtesy of the Pennington County Sheriff’s website)

“The idea for the Freshman Impact program came after a conversation Deputy Rick McPherson had with Pat Carlson, a family friend and federal defense attorney.  Deputy McPherson was talking about the troubling trend of underage drinking issues when Pat encouraged him to be proactive and do something about it.  After this conversation, Deputy McPherson decided to create a program to show teenagers the real consequences of distracted driving, alcohol and drug use.” 

“In late 2005, Deputy McPherson brought the idea to South Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper Kelly Stern. Trooper Stern partnered with Deputy McPherson and the two of them presented the idea to the Wall Schools.  In 2006, the first alcohol and drug awareness program was held in Wall.  The next year, Phillip and Kadoka Schools joined with Wall School creating the Tri-County Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program.  In 2009, the program was started at Douglas High and included New Underwood.” 

“This year, the program will be presented in several different counties and 11 different schools districts in western South Dakota with over 1200 students in attendance and is drawing state-wide attention.  The program also offers a $500 scholarship to a qualifying senior.  Local organizations and individuals support the scholarship program.”

"The program consists of a multiple learning stations for students ranging from a course simulating drunk driving to a presentation showing what happens in a rollover if you are not wearing your seatbelt.  These learning stations are taught by local law enforcement, fire and rescue personnel, and people that have been impacted by the effects of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.  The cornerstone of the program is the mock crash scene and sentencing hearing that gives students a very realistic picture of what happens at an alcohol or drug-related crash and how bad choices will impact lives for years afterward.”  (From the FRESHMAN IMPACT website)

For further information on the program please visit FRESHMAN IMPACT website at: 
http://www.freshmanimpact.com/index.html

Officer Campbell Thanked for Job Well Done

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Officer Joshua Campbell recentley received a letter from Senior Deputy Chris Hislip, Douglas School District Liaison Officer, thanking him for the quick response concerning juveniles distributing prescription medication at school.

Without Officer Campbell's quick response and prompt forwarding of information, Deputy Hislip would have been unable to successfully find the source of the medication as quickly as he did.  This was a great collabrative effort between Box Elder Police Department and Pennington County Sheriff's Office - a job well done!

Box Elder Police Department Honors Pennington County 9-1-1 Communications Center

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The Box Elder Police Department stopped by the Pennington County 9-1-1 Communications Center to thank all the Dispatchers for all the hard work they do for the officers in our City.  They are truly the unsung heros that are a key component to every officers day.  Thank you so much for all you do for the City of Box Elder and the Officers.

(from ntw.911.com)
  "Dispatchers have existed for about as long as the phone has, although they used to be called “switchboard operators” and connected all calls, not just emergency ones.  At that time, operators were often the ones who found the best emergency support, provided additional contact information, and even set off the town fire alarm.

When people were granted the ability to dial phone numbers themselves, many screamed out in terror at the loss of the diligent, early-era dispatchers.  How could they afford to lose these amazing assets?  In brief, they couldn’t.  ”Dial 0 for emergencies” was popular until the beginning of 911 history, which became the official emergency response line in 1968.

Dispatchers continue to adapt to new circumstances, implement new technologies, and save countless lives.  Today, they are the first line of defense between a frantic population and imminent disaster.  They work so hard, don’t you think they deserve a medal or a holiday or something?

Well, that’s what Patricia Anderson thought back in 1981 when she first proposed the idea of a Public Safety Telecommunictors holiday.  The idea was so spot on that it spread through other U.S. areas and eventually made its way onto national legislation.  In 1992, supporters pushed celebrations to a national level by successfully getting the second full week in April declared “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week”—although we mostly shorten it to NTW now, what with our desire to breathe every once in a while—and it has been an official holiday ever since.

The reality is, many people forget about dispatchers.  Throughout dispatching history, focus goes to police officers or firefighters while dispatch personnel are thrust to the shadows.  In fact,  if you search Google, you’ll see that “Police Officer” is 
mentioned 82 times more than “Police Dispatcher” or “911 Dispatcher.”  A lack of recognition may be the status quo, but NTW seeks to remedy that.

In his
1994 Presidential Proclamation, President Clinton described the purpose of NTW well:

    America’s public safety telecommunicators serve our citizens daily in countless ways. The work of these “unseen first responders” is invaluable emergency situations, and each of these dedicated men and women deserves our heartfelt appreciation. . . .  This week is a time for a grateful Nation to show its appreciation and to recognize that our health, safety, and well-being are often dependent on the commitment and steadfast devotion of public safety telecommunicators.

And how do dispatchers celebrate NTW?  It certainly varies from region to region, and has evolved from the start of NTW history, but all across America dispatchers are given a week of recognition for the work they do  each day.  From press conferences to public announcements to banquets to PSAP parties, the week is used to focus on the importance of public safety telecommunicators.

Staying out of the limelight may seem more comfortable for some, but there comes a time to step on stage and be recognized for all that you contribute.  For dispatchers, that time is National Telecommunicators Week."

Easter Bunny Arrives Early to the City of Box Elder

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The fifth annual Box Elder Easter egg hunt was Saturday, March 31st, and hundreds of area residents came with Easter baskets in hand.

Before the hunts began in four age divisions, children were able to meet the Easter Bunny, who arrived with a Box Elder Police escort, and Miss Badlands Teen Amber Lau. They also were able climb aboard Box Elder Volunteer Fire Department engines and vehicles and learn about fire safety.
(courtesy of Rapid City Journal)

Box Elder Police Assist Multiple Agencies in Welcoming the First Family to South Dakota

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On Wednesday, March 28, 2011, First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters, Sasha and Malia paid a brief visit to Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

The Obamas flew into Ellsworth Air Force Base, riding in a 10 car motorcade that traveled through the City of Box Elder on the way to and from the Monument.

(Photo right to left)  Police Chief Timothy P. Ryan, Officer Joshua Campbell, Officer Kay Luther, Sergeant Jason Dubbs and Officer Rick Benn made up the detail that helped ensure safe passage of the First Family through the City.

BJA Grant Assists Box Elder with Updating Concealable Body Armor

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Mayor Al Dial and Sgt. Chris Misselt
Box Elder Police Officers will be sporting new safety equipment, thanks to a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Bulletproof Vest Partnership program.

In the summer of 2011, Box Elder police applied for a BJA grant to replace aging concealable body armor vests worn by officers on patrol. The department proposal requested a 50% match of the proposed 13-vest purchase. The total purchase price for the vests was $8437.00. Funding from the Bulletproof Vest Partnership allows up to a 50% match of that total purchase, or $4218.50. The individual cost of each vest is $649.00, which includes custom fitting and a second carrier system.

According to Mayor Al Dial, “this body armor will ensure our officers have the necessary protection they need as they perform their duties. The grant funding allows us to buy the newest technology on a regular replacement schedule, with considerable savings to the taxpayer.”

“The Bullet Proof Vest Partnership provides one of the most critical resources we can provide our officers”  according to Chief Timothy P. Ryan. “This grant made it possible and now our officers are better protected as they patrol the City of Box Elder.”    

Officers were fit for their armor last month, and the improved, lighter weight vests will be issued this week.   A complete list of FY 2011 BVP awards is available at:
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bvpbasi

Box Elder Police Department Hires a New Officer

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Officer Kay Luther, 28, previously worked for the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office as a corrections officer at the Pennington County Jail. Luther started on Feb. 14 as a patrol officer and fills a vacancy on the force.

“I am very excited to work with the community. I have had the privilege of meeting a great number of people from the area,” Luther said. “The department is a wonderful department and I really couldn’t be happier with my decision.”

Luther is originally from Pierre but attended Douglas Middle School. She served in the U.S. Army and returned to the area in 2007 to work for the sheriff’s office. She is happy to once again be a part of the Box Elder community.  Courtesy of the Rapid City Journal

Letter of Thanks from Flying J Rapid City Manager

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Chief Timothy Ryan recently received the following letter of thanks from Terri Ranta, Flyin J Rapid City Manager.

Vandenberg 5th Graders Graduate from 9 Week DARE Program

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5th graders assemble for DARE Graduation Photo
On January 17 and 19, 2012, fifth grade students from Vandenberg Elementary graduated from a 9 week DARE program taught by Officer Rebecca Edwards.  Officer Edwards asked each student to write about what they had learned in the 9 weeks together, but most importantly what DARE means to them and how they can use it in the future.  The overall 5th Grade Essay Winner was Madison Lobre.  Congratulations! 

In the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program, Officer Edwards taught lessons on the dangers of alcohol, marijuana, drugs, ways to be in charge, how to say no, how to avoid bullying, and how to be a good friend.  The program also helped teach students to use a decision-making model they can refer to for the rest of their lives.

All students got together for a class photo on Friday, January 20th.  Also present were Police Chief Timothy Ryan, City of Box Elder Mayor Al Dial, and Vandenberg Principal Mona Terwilliger.


City of Box Elder Recognized by NATW for 2011 National Night Out Event

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Box Elder Police Department was selected as a National Award Winner for its outstanding participation in the “28th Annual National Night Out” (NNO) crime, drug and violence prevention program by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW).  The earning of this award was a collaborative effort between many city agencies and 28th Security Forces Squadron of Ellsworth AFB.  A special "thank you" goes to the BEVFD Fire Chief Chris Gleason, Director of City of Box Elder Public Works Al Todd, City of Box Elder Mayor Alfred A. Dial, and Commander of 28th SFS Captain Steven K Ohlmeyer.  This was certainly and team effort!
Another special thank you goes to AIC Tonya LaFollette for her coverage of earning this award.  We are very proud to feature her piece that was aired on the Ellsworth AFB web page.

Officers Honored by MADD

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Officer Gunnar Grass and Nick Rosser were honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving during their annual Candlelight Vigil and Red Ribbon Kick Off.  Officer Grass and Rosser were honored for their outstanding job of apprehending drunk drivers.  The Box Elder Police Department has currently made 104 arrests for drunk driving in 2011.

28th Security Forces Squadron Presents Donation to Box Elder Police Department

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On Tuesday, December 6, 2011 Sgt. Eric Soulari of the 28th Security Forces Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base donated $1,000.00 to partner with BEPD's D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program.  Officer Becky Edwards in currently the Box Elder DARE officer.

"D.A.R.E. helps students recognize and resist the many direct and subtle pressures that may influence them to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, inhalants, and other drugs. The D.A.R.E. program offers preventive strategies which help in the development of social competence, communication skills, self-esteem, empathy, decision making, conflict resolution, and positive, healthy choices in life."  (provided courtesy SD DCI website)

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