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City of Vermillion

Announcements

Vermillion Police Investigate Aggravated Assault
October 9, 2011

At about 00:30am on 10/09/11, medical units found a 20 year old man stumbling down the sidewalk in the 300 block of East Main Street who was bleeding from wounds to the neck and face. The man was transported to and treated at the Vermillion Sanford Hospital and later transported to Sioux Falls. He is stable and recovering.
The Vermillion Police Department is investigating the apparent assault.


Vermillion Police Department Taking Back Unwanted Prescription Drugs
April 30, 2011

Vermillion, SD– On April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Vermillion Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your medications for disposal to Hy-Vee Foods or Davis Pharmacy. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last September, Americans turned in 242,000 pounds—121 tons—of prescription drugs at nearly 4,100 sites operated by the DEA and more than 3,000 state and local law enforcement partners, including the Vermillion Police Department.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.
Four days after last fall’s event, Congress passed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow an “ultimate user” of controlled substance medications to dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them. The Act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long term care facilities to dispose of their residents’ controlled substances in certain instances. DEA has begun drafting regulations to implement the Act.


Vermillion Police Receive Law Enforcement Award
March 27, 2011

Vermillion – The Vermillion Police Department received its second Recognition award from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) at the commission’s recent conference in Bethesda, Maryland. Vermillion is one of two South Dakota agencies that meet the CALEA standards. The Rapid City Police Department is a CALEA Accredited agency.

The CALEA Recognition Program is designed to meet the needs of smaller law enforcement agencies. To qualify, an agency must meet 112 standards from the Standards for Law Enforcement Agencies accreditation manual. The standards address life, health and safety issues, critical legal issues and conditions that reduce risk and high liability exposure. Recognition provides objective evidence of an agency’s commitment to improve resource management and service delivery.

In December 2010, a CALEA assessor spent four days with the Vermillion Police Department inspecting policies and procedures, interviewing staff and generally reviewing the operations of the department to ensure compliance will all the standards. A comprehensive written report was filed with CALEA. Last week the Interim Chief of Police Chad Passick, City Manger John Prescott and Vermillion Police Department CALEA Program Manager Betty Mozak attended a hearing before CALEA commissioners who voted unanimously to present the Vermillion Police Department with CALEA’s Recognition award.


Vermillion Police Investigating Fatal Accident
March 20, 2011

Vermillion, SD – The Vermillion Police Department is investigating a fatal car accident that occurred late Sunday afternoon. Shortly after 4:30 pm, police and emergency services responded to a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Chestnut and South University Street. On arrival, police found that a 32 year old male occupant of the vehicle had died. The other occupant, a 23 year old male, was transported to Sanford Vermillion Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Names of the victims are being withheld at this time pending notification of family.

The investigation is continuing.


Vermillion Police Issue Travel Advisory


Blizzard conditions in the Vermillion area have led Vermillion's police and street department officials to issue a No Travel Advisory for Vermillion area residents. Blowing and drifting snow has made numerous streets dangerous or impassible, and bitter cold wind chills present a danger to those stranded because of the conditions. While this advisory does not amount to a ban on travel, residents are strongly encouraged to avoid any travel which is not absolutely necessary.

Vermillion Police Seeking Law Enforcement Award


Vermillion – In 2008, the Vermillion Police Department received the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) Recognition Award. The program requires departments to submit to a recertification process to include an on-site assessment by a CALEA Assessor every three years. The Assessor will examine all aspects of the department’s policies, procedures, management, operations and support services. The commission’s assessment team is composed of law enforcement officials from similar, out-of-state agencies. Assessing the Vermillion Police Department will be Chief Roy Gordon of the Chevy Chase Village (Maryland) Police Department. The on-site assessment is scheduled starting on December 11th and continuing through December 13th. The results of the assessment will be forwarded to the CALEA Commission. In March 2011, a Commission hearing will make a final determination regarding the reissuing of the Recognition Award to the department.

The CALEA Recognition Program is designed to meet the needs of smaller law enforcement agencies. To qualify, an agency must meet 112 standards from the Standards for Law Enforcement Agencies accreditation manual. The standards address life, health and safety issues; critical legal issues and conditions that reduce risk and high liability exposure. Recognition provides objective confirmation of an agency’s commitment to improve resource management and service delivery.

As part of the on-site assessment, community members are invited to offer comments by calling 605-677-7070 between 9:00 and 11:00 AM on December 13th. Telephone comments are limited to ten minutes and must address the department’s ability to comply with the commission’s standards. Written comments may be mailed to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement, 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, Virginia 20155. A copy of the standards is available by contacting the Vermillion Police Department at 605-677-7070.


Contact: Art Mabry
Chief of Police
605-677-7070


Vermillion Police to Host Open House
October 30, 2010

The Police Department will once again host its annual Open House on October 30th, from 10 am to 1 pm. We will be serving free hot dogs, chips and soda. Since we have a Halloween theme, children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. There will be vehicle tours, Halloween photos, interactive demonstrations, and lots of candy!! Come meet your local officers and learn about what it is we do.

Vermillion Police Set to Launch Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program
September 22, 2010

Attention: Rental Property Owners, Managers and Property Managers. Crime Free Multi-Housing helps reduce the potential for crime to occur. Those interested in this program may contact Luke Trowbridge at the Vermillion Police Department for information or to reserve your seat in the upcoming training. Managers Training: Monday, October 18th

Vermillion Police Arrest 3 Suspects After Second Night of Burglaries
September 9, 2010

The Vermillion Police Department arrested three Yankton residents after responding to a second night of numerous residential burglaries, vehicle burglaries and stolen vehicles. At least seven occupied residences, located in the central and southeast sections of Vermillion, were entered during the night and valuables stolen. Multiple vehicles were entered and more valuables removed. Additionally, two vehicles were stolen. With the assistance of a witness, officers located three suspects hiding after they had attempted to elude capture. A fourth suspect was able to flee and is being sought by police. Arrested were Quincy Brown, 19, Tyler Lanphear, 18 and James Myers, 19, all of Yankton. Each suspect was charged with multiple offenses including Burglary of a Residence at Night, Trespassing, Grand Theft, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle and Possession of Burglary Tools. One of the stolen vehicles and property was recovered by police. The investigation is continuing with additional charges pending. These incidents follow eleven vehicle burglaries the previous night in the 400 block of Carr Street. Vermillion detectives arrested Frank Janreau III, 18, of Vermillion who was charged with eleven counts of Criminal Entry of a Motor Vehicle. Property from those unlawful entries was also recovered. The police do not feel there is a connection between the two night’s events. Vermillion residents who feel they may be the victim of any of these events should contact the Vermillion Police Department at 605-677-7070.

Vermillion Police Arrest Suspect in Numerous Vehicle Burglaries
September 8, 2010

Following the report of 11 vehicle burglaries during the early morning hours of September 7th in and around the 400 block of Carr Street, detectives of the Vermillion Police Department served a search warrant in the 400 block of Stanford Street. As a result of the investigation and search warrant, Frank Janreau III, 18, was arrested and charged with 11 counts of Criminal Entry of a Motor Vehicle and one count of Petty Theft. Property from the thefts was recovered. According to the Vermillion Police Department, this is the second rash of vehicle burglaries they have investigated this year. In May, 10 vehicles were unlawfully entered and property removed. Those incidents are still under investigation. The Vermillion Police Department states it is not unusual to periodically investigate the entry of an unlocked vehicle but the volume of these entries is unusual. Police Chief Art Mabry stated, “We live is a very safe community but even the safest of communities still require the locking of doors. We like to think that isn’t necessary in our community but, in reality, it is necessary everywhere.” Mabry advised it is rare for officers to investigate a burglary where entry was forced. The majority of the time the vehicle or house is left unlocked. According to Mabry, “Suspects refer to this as “Car Hopping” or “Window Shopping” while law enforcement refers to these incidents as crimes of opportunity. Unfortunately, we create the opportunity when we fail to lock our doors.”

Vermillion Police Investigating Injury Hit and Run Accident
August 23, 2010

The Vermillion Police Department is investigating a hit and run accident that occurred Sunday evening in the 300 block of E. Main Street. Officers immediately located the suspect vehicle which was occupied by two females. Both occupants were transported to Vermillion Sanford Hospital for treatment of injuries. The passenger was later transferred to Sioux Falls. The driver was charged with DWI 2nd and vehicular battery. The investigation is continuing.

VPD announces upcoming National Night Out celebration
August 3, 2010

The 27th Annual "National Night Out" will be held on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 from 5-8 pm. This is a night where communities around the nation can band together against crime and drug abuse. Although this is the eighth year that Vermillion is taking part in this event, other communities have been reaping the benefits for over two decades. This year, over 14,625 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world are expected to participate. In all, over 36.7 million people are expected to participate in National Night Out 2010. National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Similar to the past several years, the Vermillion Police Department is again sponsoring a cookout in the northwest corner of Prentis Park from 5pm to 8pm. HyVee will be serving hamburgers or hotdogs, chips, and pop at a cost of $1.00/person. The following is a list of activities that we plan to be available: Dunk Tank Train Rides for kids Lollipop Tree for kids Hole in One Golf for kids Fishing Pond for kids Dinosaur Egg Dig for kids Wheel of Fortune for kids Jumping Castle for kids Music provided by Layne Stewart Neighborhoods in Vermillion are also encouraged to have cookouts of their own if they so wish. If any neighborhoods decide to have a cookout, we are requesting that they notify the police department so officers can stop by and get to know the community on a more personal level. Please join the nation in Giving Crime and Drugs A Going Away Party.
http://www.nationalnightout.org

Vermillion Police Investigating Burglaries
June 1, 2010

Vermillion, SD – The Vermillion Police Department is investigating numerous vehicle burglaries and one residential burglary that occurred during the early morning hours on Sunday, May 30th. The suspects removed small items of value from nine vehicles which were all unlocked at the time of the incident. During the residential burglary a television was removed from the house which was also unlocked. The resident was asleep at the time of the burglary. All the incidents occurred in the northeast section of the city. The Vermillion Police state it is not unusual to periodically investigate the entry of an unlocked vehicle but the extent of these entries along with the residential burglary is unusual. Police Chief Art Mabry stated, “We live is a very safe community but even the safest of communities still require the locking of doors. We like to think that isn’t necessary in our community but, in reality, it is necessary everywhere.” Mabry advised it is rare for officers to investigate a burglary where entry was forced. The vast majority of the time the vehicle or house is left unlocked. According to Mabry, “Law enforcement refers to these incidents as crimes of opportunity. Unfortunately, we create the opportunity when we fail to lock our doors.” Contacts: Art Mabry Chief of Police Vermillion Police Department (677-7070)

Annual Bike Extravaganza
May 22, 2010

**Vermillion Police Department’s Bike Extravaganza** Join Vermillion Police Officers in Bike Events on Saturday, May 22nd from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Vermillion High School Join Vermillion Police Officers for the following events: .Bike Obstacle Course and Games .Helmet Hook Up Station .Bike Inspection Station .Bike Parade at 12:00 .Prizes and Awards Ceremony following the Bike Parade .Hot dogs, and Chips

Vermillion Balcony Collapse - Press Release
April 25, 2010

**** PRESS RELEASE **** Balcony Collapse Results in Injuries April 25, 2010 Vermillion, SD – Vermillion Police, EMS and Fire units responded to a balcony collapse in the 20 block of W. Main Street. The balcony was attached to a second floor apartment. Approximately ten (10) people were on the balcony at 2:30 AM when it fell. EMS crews transported six (6) to the Vermillion Sanford Hospital for treatment. Additional victims later arrived at the hospital for treatment. Contacts: Art Mabry Chief of Police Vermillion Police Department (677-7070)

Local Businesses Targeted by Counterfeiters
March 26, 2010

Within the past week, several businesses in Vermillion were presented counterfeit money. The majority of the counterfeit cash was $50 bills. While the counterfeit bills have a generally authentic appearance, they do not contain several features that legitimate bills do. The counterfeit bills do not have a security strip or the blue and red fibers. The counterfeit bills are also more faded in color. The easiest way to detect that a bill is counterfeit is to use a universal counterfeit detector pen. When a legitimate bill is marked with this pen, the mark appears a yellowish color. When a counterfeit bill is marked with the pen, the mark is black. These pens can be found in any office supply store. If a counterfeit bill is presented to you or your business, attempt to identify the person and call the Vermillion Police Department. If you are unable to identify the person, attempt to get a license plate number of the suspect's vehicle. Those with non-emergency information related to these incidents are asked to contact Detective Crystal Brady at (605) 677-7070.

Heroes Behind the Badges Blood Drive Success
January 11, 2010

On Monday, January 11, Vermillion hosted the Community Blood Bank as part of the "Heroes Behind the Badges" blood drive. This very worthwhile program encourages community members annually to donate blood to replenish the supply of the Community Blood Bank, which supplies blood and blood products to Vermillion. Historically, this is the largest drive in Vermillion. A huge "thank you" goes out to the Vermillion community for its participation in this event. In total, 81 donations of blood were received Monday - donations which help to replenish and supply local needs. Again, thank you to all who participated.

Phishing Scam Alert
December 7, 2009

Several people in Vermillion have received customer satisfaction survey emails claiming to be from Walmart. The emails states, “You have been selected to access the Walmart 2 Step Survey and win a $150.00 gift certificate.” The email asks that you click on a hyperlink to complete a form and receive the gift certificate. This email is a phishing scam. Do not complete the form requested. Delete this email immediately.

Vermillion Police Address False Crime Reports
December 1, 2009

The Vermillion Police Department, with assistance from the USD Public Safety, arrested Shelby Harkness, 18, for making a false report regarding threatening text messages. Last Tuesday Harkness reported that a former boyfriend, who resides in Nebraska, sent her threatening text messages. During the initial report, she stated she had observed him in the area after receiving the messages and hid from him. Later in the day, Harkness contacted USD Public Safety stating she had observed him inside the Dakota Dome. Officers from USD and the Vermillion Police Department responded to the Dome but were unable to locate the former boyfriend or his vehicle. Nebraska law enforcement was contacted and verified that the vehicle was at his residence. The investigation revealed that Harkness made up the story regarding the threatening text messages and observing him in the area. Vermillion Police Chief, Art Mabry, stated, “We are seeing an increase in false reports involving significant others, former relationships and child custody issues.” According to Mabry, based on the initial report, this case, like others, required immediate and significant resources. As a result, other cases and responsibilities receive limited attention until the case is resolved. Mabry further stated, “In addition to wasted resources, people’s lives can be ruined by these allegations even when they are proved to be false. Educational opportunities such as medical or law school, employment and relationships are often lost for both the person making the false allegation and the victim of the allegation.” Mabry said the investigation is continuing to determine if more serious charges are warranted concerning statements made by Harkness when obtaining a Temporary Protection Order for her former boyfriend.

Law Enforcement Explorers


The Vermillion Police Departmetnt is seeking individuals aged 14 to 21 interested in joining our local Law Enforcement Explorers post. Exploring is an excellent way to learn about a career in law enforcement while learning about tactics, techniques, and getting to know local officers. Contact Officer Luke Trowbridge for more information by calling (605) 677-7070, or email him at ltrowbridge@vermillionpd.org.
http://www.learningforlife.org/exploring/lawenforcement/index.html