Walk-throughs reduce bad behavior in Celina bars

CELINA - Police walk-throughs of downtown bars are believed to have contributed to a general reduction in unruly behavior, city officials said this week.

Officials at this week's regular council meeting also learned a longtime police veteran will be leaving the force and the department is cracking down on owners of junk vehicles.

"I believe this is amazing here compared to what we put up with a few years ago," councilman June Scott said about the drop in bar-related police reports. "My accolades then go to the police department for this. So, Chief, nice job on this."

Councilman Jeff Larmore said officials made it clear years ago that they would shut down an establishment if need be.

"So I think that kind of sent a message downtown to some of these bar owners to keep their ship right," he said.

Police Chief Tom Wale in 2014 initiated random police walk-throughs in downtown bars on weekends in response to increasing calls for police assistance.

Wale said the officers make random appearances at bars, assessing behavior and looking for potential underage alcohol violations. Wale noted he reinforces to his officers not to come across as "hard-cases" when they make their checks.

"Make positive contacts. Talk to the bartender. Make sure they're not having problems," Wale said. "Say 'hi' to people. Smile. That kind of thing."

However, officers respond accordingly if they witness a violation, Wale stressed.

Police calls for various reasons - drunken or disorderly behavior, investigation of liquor permit, fights, assaults, menacing threats, business checks, traffic stops, etc. - dropped from 103 in 2017 to 55 so far this year at Boots and Bourbon; 72 in 2017 to 6 so far this year at Speak Easy & Ale House; and 104 in 2017 to 61 so far this year at Sidetrack Bar & Grill, according to police reports presented to councilors.

Touching on other police matters, city safety service director Tom Hitchcock pointed to 30 junk vehicle reports that resulted in either charges filed, vehicles removed, notices filed or other action.

"So right now … we're just encouraging any residents that believe they have a junk vehicle in their neighborhood to contact the police department, and we will put somebody on it," Hitchcock said.

Wale announced Sgt. Kent Taylor's last day with the department is today. He is retiring after serving the city for more than 25 years.

"He's been an asset. He's been very good at his job," Wale said. "He's helped some of the younger guys on the ropes a little bit."

The police department is seeking two new patrol officers and will host a competitive examination at 9 a.m. Nov. 16 at the Mercer County Central Services Building. So far only three qualified candidates have applied, Wale said.

The test application deadline is 4 p.m. today at the city administration building.