Did you know the Bluefield Police Department handled over 25,000 emergency calls last year? This team is the backbone of law enforcement in Bluefield, West Virginia. They work hard to keep your community safe. In this report, we’ll cover the latest news and updates from the Bluefield Police Department.
The Bluefield Police Department aims to build trust and positive relationships with the community. They run community outreach programs and public safety initiatives. Stay with us as we share the latest news and updates from the Bluefield Police Department.
Bluefield Police Department Awarded Two Major Grants
The Bluefield Police Department has won two big grants from the U.S. Department of Justice. These grants show their dedication to helping the community and taking care of their officers.
Law Enforcement Mental Health & Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Grant
The Bluefield Police Department got a LEMHWA grant, one of 61 in the country and the only one in West Virginia. This money will help with training and support for officer mental health in Mercer and nearby counties. They want to make their officers stronger and better for the community.
Community Policing Development (CPD) Microgrant
The Bluefield Police Department also got a CPD Microgrant, one of 86 in the nation and the only one in West Virginia. This grant will help officers teach mental health and wellness to local youth. They aim to build stronger community ties and a safer place for everyone.
These grants show the Bluefield Police Department’s strong commitment to their officers and the community. They’re starting new programs that will make a big difference and be a role model for other police departments.
Bluefield Police Department News: Latest Updates
Stay informed about the latest news from the Bluefield Police Department. They work hard to keep our community safe. Here, you’ll find updates on recent activities, public safety alerts, and crime reports.
The Bluefield Police Department is proud to share their news and achievements. They are dedicated to keeping Bluefield residents safe. You can stay updated on their efforts to fight crime and improve public safety.
In the last month, the Bluefield Police Department handled several incidents. This includes property crimes and an assault report. They’ve increased patrols and ask residents to report any suspicious activity. Public safety alerts have been issued to keep everyone informed.
Also, the department has released the latest crime statistics. The numbers show a slight decrease in crime, thanks to their efforts. You can find detailed crime reports on their website to stay informed about your community’s safety.
The Bluefield Police Department is committed to building strong relationships with the community. They provide top-notch public safety services. Residents are encouraged to stay involved and report any concerns to help protect and serve Bluefield.
Bluefield Crime Reports and Statistics
The Bluefield Police Department works hard to keep the community updated on crime. They report that the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office handled 1,119 crimes. Meanwhile, the Bluefield, Virginia Police Department dealt with 545 cases. Nearby, the Richlands and Tazewell Police Departments reported 324 and 194 cases, respectively.
In Virginia, violent crime rose by 1.3% in 2023, with 20,824 incidents. Yet, homicides dropped from 621 to 520. The murder rate per 100,000 people also fell from 7.14 to 5.96.
| Crime Category | 2022 Data | 2023 Data | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Arrests | – | 18% Increase | – |
| Individuals Under 18 Arrested | – | 51% Increase | – |
| Cocaine and Crack Cocaine Seizures | – | 43% and 39% Increase, respectively | – |
| Narcotics Seizures | – | 42% Increase | – |
| Motor Vehicle Thefts and Attempted Thefts | – | 8% Increase | – |
| Burglary | – | 3.3% Decrease | – |
| Fraud Offenses | – | 2.7% Increase | – |
| Hate Crime Incidents | – | 271, with 66.4% racially or ethnically motivated | – |
These numbers give a clear picture of Bluefield’s crime situation. They help the community understand the challenges faced by the police. Stay updated with the Bluefield Police Department for more on crime reports and statistics.
Community Policing Initiatives
The Bluefield Police Department works hard to engage with the community. They aim to build trust, improve safety, and tackle community issues. This is done by partnering with local residents.
Fostering Community Engagement
The Bluefield Police Department is active in the National Night Out event. This event, held in over 17,000 communities, brings people and police together. It features block parties, cook-outs, and more.
For years, the Bluefield Police Department has joined in National Night Out. Officers and locals enjoy fun events. There are K9 demos, free food, activities for kids, and chances to meet local services.
But National Night Out is just the start. The department also runs other outreach programs. These include officer-led events and solving problems together. Their goal is to make Bluefield a safe and lively place for everyone.
| Event | Location | Participation | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Night Out | Multiple locations in Bluefield | Involved officers and community members | K9 demonstrations, free food and drinks, activities for children, community resource booths |
| Officer-led Community Events | Various neighborhoods in Bluefield | Organized by Bluefield Police Department | Block parties, cook-outs, community discussions |
| Collaborative Problem-Solving Efforts | Throughout the Bluefield community | Partnered with local organizations and residents | Identifying and addressing community concerns, developing solutions |
Officer Profiles and Recognitions
The Bluefield Police Department is proud to highlight the hard work of its officers. These dedicated individuals go the extra mile to keep the community safe. Meet some of the outstanding officers who are part of the Bluefield law enforcement team.
Corporal Ronnie M. Gaskins has shown great skill in solving cases. In 2013, he got CODIS hits from Allegheny County, PA, and the Pennsylvania State Police. These helped solve several breaking and entering cases.
First Lieutenant Robert Simon saved lives by acting fast. When a Ford Ranger hit a Dodge Daytona head-on, Simon’s quick actions stopped the vehicles from crashing. This could have saved many lives.
| Officer | Achievements |
|---|---|
| Corporal Daniel W. Burge | Provided immediate aid to an elderly female trapped in a Chrysler PT Cruiser after it had crashed and overturned on US Route 219 in Tucker County. |
| Senior Trooper James R. Coburn | Intercepted a pursuit of a stolen Bluefield City Police cruiser, fatally wounding the suspect after the suspect gained control of an officer’s service weapon. |
| Senior Trooper Luther R. White | Displayed exemplary courage during an incident where an assailant was firing an assault rifle at the Federal Building and was ultimately shot and incapacitated by another officer. |
| Trooper First Class Leslie T. Goldie, Jr. | Assisted in rescuing a small child trapped in a vehicle that had flipped several times and come to rest on its top on US 119 in Boone County. |
These officers are just a few examples of the dedication in the Bluefield Police Department. The department is proud to honor their achievements. They make a big difference in the city.
Conclusion
The Bluefield Police Department is key to the local community. It offers important law enforcement, outreach, and safety efforts. This article keeps readers updated on the department’s work to keep Bluefield safe and lively.
The department has won big grants, like the LEMHWA Grant and the CPD Microgrant. These show its effort to help officers and build community bonds. Awards to Della Clark, Ricky Proffitt, and Jacob Howard highlight the department’s commitment to serving Bluefield well.
The department faces challenges, like pay scale changes for officers. The city is working hard to support its police and keep their pay fair. The delay in salary changes shows the city’s careful approach to solving these issues for everyone’s benefit.