Police chief reports jump in calls and new in-car cameras; department outlines outreach plans

Gunnison’s police chief updated the council on June public-safety activity and department priorities at the July 15 meeting.

The chief said the department has been busier this year than in past years and that June showed about a 45% increase over the monthly average in reportable calls. He cited several significant incidents, including an aggravated domestic incident involving alleged strangulation and kidnapping that led to multiple felony charges. The chief said officers made seven recent arrests connected to a range of incidents across the valley.

The department installed new in-car camera systems in recent weeks; the chief said grant funding paid for most of the equipment and that he will continue pursuing grant money for ongoing costs. He also noted recent department recognition: an employee of the year award and a first-responders dinner that several council members attended.

The chief outlined community outreach plans (school starting in August, community night out with a police booth and planned participation in local parades and festivals) and asked the council to support ongoing cooperation with those events.

Council members thanked the department for its service and for recent event participation.