WINNEMUCCA — Chief of Police Eric Silva was the guest speaker at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Tuesday (Nov. 8). He took questions from the members and updated them on some of the changes at the Winnemucca Police Department since he was appointed.

One of the topics up for discussion were the changes to the way the WPD patrolled during Halloween – particularly in the Offenhauser subdivision. The Water Canyon neighborhoods are traditionally packed during trick or treating with both pedestrians and vehicles.

In year’s past the scary part of trick or treating wasn’t so much  the ghosts and goblins, but the pedestrians packed into a small space with so many moving vehicles.

This year the police department set up a substation for the neighborhood to help parents and kids who became separated find one another.

Additionally, officers patrolled the neighborhoods in WPD golf carts, which gave them greater mobility in the crowded areas, lessened the number of cars in the neighborhood, and reminded motorists to go carefully.

Reportedly, when the golf carts stopped the officers were mobbed by kids looking for a treat and the special light-up trinket officers were handing out for safety.

Silva said the community can expect more interaction just like this between officers and the public at future events. He said using the golf carts, bicycles, and simply walking the beat allows for more interaction between officers and the public.

He commented, “If people can walk up and talk to the officers it solves problems faster.”

Another audience member asked about the reserve program, which Silva previously announced would be expanding, and the progress the department was making in hiring two additional officers.

After the hiring process began, multiple POST certified officers applied. Silva said it was the city’s preference to hire officers who were already POST certified because it saves $8,000 - $10,000 per person the city doesn’t have to spend on getting personnel trained.

Since there are only two positions open, Silva said he hoped those who were not hired as full-time officers would consider applying for the reserve program. More about the reserve program can be read here:

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and the Winnemucca Police Department are working together to host the training in Humboldt County that is needed to be a reserve officer.

The HCSO purchased the training materials and certified WPD officers are going to help with instruction.  Silva said the two agencies working together can provide the necessary training for less money.

One of the complaints members of the public sometimes voice is the fact officers leave their cars running when they’re parked somewhere, which costs the taxpayers more in fuel. This is true of law enforcement across the board, not just the WPD.

Silva explained in very cold weather it can be hard on a vehicle’s motor and drive train to be turned on and driven right away, which law enforcement officers sometimes have to do, and that can cost taxpayers more in the long run with wear and tear on the vehicle fleet.

However, he added the city’s official policy is if personnel are going to be away from the vehicle for more than five minutes, the car should be turned off.  Officers are not supposed to keep their vehicles running if, for example, they’re at the station writing reports.

Silva also answered a question about the new cell phone law. While residents are now prohibited from talking on their cell phones while driving, unless they have hands-free devices, law enforcement has been exempt from that rule.

Whatever state law may be, Silva said city policy prohibits officers from having their phones to their ear while driving – the exemption notwithstanding. All WPD vehicles have been equipped with a Bluetooth that allows officers to keep both hands on the wheel.

Another Chamber member asked about how the department was keeping up with legislation and court decisions meant to protect the rights of citizens.

Silva said Humboldt County DA Mike Macdonald keeps local law enforcement informed about changes to the law and will in the future hold classes for officers so every step is taken to ensure the rights of the citizens are protected.

Silva also addressed the decision made by the department to purchase two Dodge Chargers for the vehicle fleet.  The purchase of the Dodge Chargers was put out to bid and Liberty Motors won that bid.

He explained Ford is no longer taking orders for the Crown Vic (police interceptor), and they didn't think they would be able to get the new Ford Police Interceptors before September of 2012.  They made a search for a suitable used Ford Crown Vic but none were available.  

The new Dodge Chargers used by the WPD come with V6 engines, as opposed to the V8s formerly used. The chief said the change will save on fuel and in reality the WPD did not need pursuit vehicles with big engines within the city limits.

Silva said the additions to the WPD’s vehicle fleet were made with money budgeted for it by the Winnemucca City Council.

The purchases were necessary because two of their vehicles were recently totaled. With the insurance money, the PD purchased a used 2007 Chevy Tahoe with just 50,000 miles on it from the Bureau of Land Management. The vehicle was intended for the sergeants to use, who tend to travel with more equipment.

The WPD also has new technology that will better facilitate issuing traffic tickets. While few if any appreciate traffic tickets, Silva explained the Brazo hand-held electronic ticket technology speeds up the process of issuing a traffic citation and gets the officer back to patrolling the streets.

The department now has four of the hand-held devices. Two were purchased by the city and two were purchased with a grant from the Frontier Community Coalition.