Volume 11 | February 2019
Cedar Rapids Police Department
Monthly News and Information
Welcome to the Official Monthly Newsletter of the Cedar Rapids Police Department. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and continue to make Cedar Rapids a safe place to live, work, or visit.
Community Engagement and News
Thank you for the opportunity to connect with you through several activities and events over the past month. Here are highlights of a few of those events, along with some news and information.
The Police Department and Fire Department partnered with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders for "Guns 'N Hoses" Night at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena on February 2nd. Police Chief Wayne Jerman and Assistant Fire Chief Greg Smith met on the ice for the ceremonial puck drop. McGruff the Crime Dog greeted fans before competing in the human slingshot bowling competition. Fans had the opportunity to bid on special police and fire jerseys that were worn by the hockey players. Proceeds from the jerseys and a portion of the ticket sales were donated to the Police Department and Fire Department Honor Guards.
The Police Department showed their support for hospitalized veterans by participating in KHAK 's Valentines for Veterans program. The program encourages the community to come together by supplying Valentine's Day c ards for the veterans hospitalized at the Iowa City Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System. E ach year just before Valentine's Day, KHAK 98.1 FM helps salute Iowa's hospitalized veterans by making homemade Valentines for vets. Radio personalities from KHAK personally deliver the Valentines. The veterans love the sweet notes and some even get emotional as they are thanked for their service.
The Cedar Rapids Police Department held a mini-academy for high school students that are interested in a law enforcement career. The class curriculum consisted of education about the Special Response Team, Hazardous Devices Unit, K-9 Unit, Crime Scene Unit and other informational blocks. The students also had the opportunity to learn defensive tactics. The students visited the Police Station on January 18th. The program was sponsored through Kirkwood Community College's Workplace Learning Connection. This program is a great way of gaining insight into possible career paths for students after high school.

Officer Shannon Sampson assisted Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig by providing "security" so that the 2019 Tractorcade route would be kept secret until the formal presentation at the WMT Ag Expo at Hawkeye Downs on January 8th. Hundreds of farmers and those interested in Iowa agriculture, including tractor enthusiasts, gather each year at the Expo in anticipation of the Tractorcade route. For more information about the 2019 Tractorcade route, visit WMT Radio .

There is a prescription drug drop-off box available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the vestibule of the Police Station at 505 1st Street SW. This is an excellent way to dispose of expired or unused prescription medication. All medications are accepted in pill or patch form. Many pharmacies participate in the TakeAway Program , which provides an additional option for medication disposal. Medications in liquid form, and sharps or needles are not accepted.
After January 1, 2019, massage therapists operating in Cedar Rapids need to obtain a license from the City of Cedar Rapids in addition to their required state license. The licensing period ends on February 28, 2019. The ordinance was passed to eliminate the operation of illicit massage businesses. The ordinance allows the City to placard properties where there is probable cause that prostitution or human trafficking is occurring. For license information, visit the City website .

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas that is virtually impossible to detect through your senses alone. A byproduct of many gas-burning heating units, this gas is hazardous to people’s health and may even be deadly without prompt medical attention following prolonged exposure.

Here are 5 tips to help stay safe from carbon monoxide poisoning while beating the chill.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
  • Get a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm for every level of your home. A CO alarm will alert you when it senses an unusual increase of carbon monoxide in the air.
  • Get your heating systems and chimneys inspected. Regular maintenance and cleaning duties performed on your central heating system can keep you safe from carbon monoxide. Having your chimney cleaned will remove any obstructions that might prevent CO and other gases from exiting your home as normal.
  • Keep your home well ventilated. Ensure that there is proper ventilation around combustion systems like your heating devices or your fireplace.
  • Know what symptoms to look for. Someone suffering from CO poisoning will display a red face and lips and may experience sleepiness and/or headaches in the early stages. Patients in more advanced stages exhibit symptoms like mental confusion or feeling faint. Call 911 if you think there is a problem.
  • Never run an engine indoors or in enclosed spaces. Gas generators, car engines, and grills should only be used outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.
 
Upcoming Events
Join your neighbors and police officers for coffee and conversation at Coffee with a Cop. There is no agenda or speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the police officers in your neighborhood. Join us from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, February 21st, at Coffee Emporium, 200 3rd Avenue SE. The Police Department works with local businesses to encourage opportunities to connect with local residents. If you know of a business that would be interested in hosting a Coffee with a Cop event, please contact Sergeant Laura Faircloth at 319-286-5425 or email ( l.faircloth@cedar-rapids.org ).
The Police Department will be hosting three Youth Academies this summer for children entering Kindergarten through 8 th Grade. The two-day Youth Academy is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many kids! During the Academy, children will meet a K-9, tour the Police Station, learn about the Crime Scene Unit and Special Response Team, participate in safety games/activities, and so much more! Registration will open at the end of February and more information will be posted on the Police Department Facebook page and Police Department website . Classes fill up very quickly, so we encourage early registration.
PAWS for Love is a gala event featuring a silent auction, live music by the George Jazz Group, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and good company. It is hosted by the Friends Helping Friends Foundation of Cedar Rapids, a nonprofit support group dedicated to improving the quality of life for both the citizens of our community and the four-legged companions at Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control. With more than 100 incredible auction items to bid on - both silent and live! - you're sure to find something you just can't resist! Items include personal and pet pampering services and gift baskets, sports, auto, games, art, entertainment, jewelry, and awesome get-away packages. The event is held at Eastbank Venue, 97 3rd Avenue SW, on Saturday, February 16, 2019 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. Purchase tickets today!
Cedar Rapids Police Department Community Outreach Division | 319-286-5425 | Email | Website