POLICE DEPARTMENT
Administrative Division
Bryan Gums, Chief of Police
307 Third Avenue / PO Box 270
Brookings, SD 57006
605-692-2113 Phone
605-697-8351 Fax
bgums@brookingsleo.com
The administrative division is comprised of the Chief and Assistant
Chief, and two civilian employees. The primary function of the administration
division is to oversee daily operations, process the flow of information
and provide the necessary resources for the other divisions to carry
out their functions within the confines of allocated funding resources.
School Resource Officer
One police officer is assigned to the Middle school and High school
for duty during the school year. The officer’s responsibilities
include assisting school officials with truancy issues and crimes that
occur on school campuses. The SRO officer also provides a vital link
to young people through education programs and daily interactions. During
extended school breaks, the officer is assigned back to the patrol division.
B.A.T.T. – Brookings Area Tactical Team
Five officers from the Brookings Police Department, along with members
of the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office, the South Dakota Department
of Criminal Investigations and the University Police Department comprise
the Brookings Area Tactical Team.
The tactical team’s primary responsibility is to respond to critical,
high risk events beyond that of normal law enforcement functions such
as hostage rescue or barricaded subject situations. These team members
train together on a monthly basis utilizing special weapons and equipment
such as sniper rifles, automatic weapons, forcible entry equipment and
other specialized tools to assist in safely resolving the situations
they encounter
The members of the B.A.T.T. team voluntarily place themselves in situations
involving extreme risk and great personal danger in their service to
the community.
D.A.R.E. – Drug Abuse Resistance
Education
Six certified D.A.R.E. instructors teach this invaluable drug education
program to elementary and middle school students over a sixteen week
period. The officers spend time in the classrooms during a one hour
lesson each week, as well as participating in other school functions.
S.A.L.T. – Seniors and Law Enforcement Together
Members of the Brookings Police Department and area senior citizens
representing various local groups meet on a monthly basis to discuss
important issues related to the needs of senior citizens. Topics discussed
include crime prevention techniques, scam and fraud information and
other issues identified as areas of concern. This group was responsible
for implementing the File for Life program and obtaining reconditioned
cellular telephones which may be checked out free of charge by senior
citizens as they travel.
Coffee with Cops
Officers travel to assisted living centers and senior citizen centers
to discuss issues of importance to area seniors as requested. Again,
this allows our senior citizens the opportunity to obtain information
on topics of concern.
Community Crime Prevention
Selected, specially trained officers provide educational programs throughout
the City related to crime prevention, neighborhood watch, home security,
child safety and other topics of interest to our citizens. These programs
are designed to inform and empower citizens on how to make their homes,
streets and neighborhoods a safer place to live, while assisting the
police department in identifying crimes and those responsible for criminal
activities.
Crime Free Multi-Housing Project
Two specially trained officers from the department assist multi-housing
managers and owners on how to improve resident safety and security in
these unique residential settings. The officers conduct residence inspections
and make recommendations and suggestions for improvements to building
security and resident safety.
Safety Restraint Education
Several officers have received intensive training and certification
on the use of seat restraint devices as well as receiving certification
as child safety seat installation and inspection technicians. Due to
this training and certification, Brookings Police Department is designated
as an official Child Safety Seat Installation Station by the National
Highway Safety Administration. These certifications allow officers to
inspect child safety seats for proper use and installation in vehicles.
Additionally, through these programs the Brookings Police Department
is able to provide child safety seats free of charge to persons who
cannot afford to purchase a seat for the children. Officers also provide
ongoing public education to promote the use of seat belts and restraint
devices in vehicles.
Salvation Army Commodities Distribution
Established in March of 2003, the Brookings Police Department in partnership
with the Salvation Army began a commodities distribution program to
area residents on fixed incomes. Through this program, the Salvation
Army looks to partner with organizations that have the resources and
contacts within a community to reach the target population. Once a month,
the Salvation Army drops off pre-packaged boxes of non-perishable food
items such as canned fruits and vegetables and dry goods such as rice
and pasta.
The police department solicits applications from eligible citizens based
on age and income guidelines, and then coordinates the distribution
of the commodity boxes to the recipients. The recipients are able to
either pick up their commodities at the police department, or in the
case of home bound individuals, the commodities are delivered to their
homes by community volunteers and law enforcement personnel. Currently,
the police department coordinates delivery of commodities to over 115
area residents.
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