Big Bend Police Department has new Web site, new officers
A new Web site, new police officers and new equipment are just a few of the recent updates made in the Village of Big Bend Police Department.
Police Chief Michael Hartert has been working hard to get the department's new Web site up, it is now functional and can be reached through the village's site at www.villageofbigbend.com. Click on the Police Department link on the left side of the page.
"I'm trying to add content to it as often as possible," said Hartert. The site offers information such as safety tips and community happenings, which include a weekly police blotter.
New dispatch service
In January, the department switched from being dispatched through the Mukwonago Police Department to Waukesha County Communications. This change means more efficient, cost-effective service for the village, Hartert said. Before January, 9-1-1 calls would automatically be transferred to the Waukesha County Communications (WCC), whose operators would then determine whether the emergency was in Big Bend and if so, transfer the call to the Mukwonago dispatcher, who would then call the squad for response. Under the new system, 9-1-1 calls are immediately dispatched to the squad on the same radio frequency as the Waukesha Sheriff's Departmen,t which allows deputies in the area to immediately respond to assist if needed.
"It should be noted that the Mukwonago Police Department and its dispatch center remain, in my mind, to be among the best in the state," Hartert wrote on the site. "The change was made in the name of efficiency and cost effectiveness. We will continue to evaluate any dispatch services."
New equipment
Along the same lines, there is a new computer in the new squad car, which allows officers to perform checks on license plates and people without using air time on the radio, as well as to send and receive messages from other departments. The computer also contains business contacts and community providers' information. Where officers once had to call dispatch for questions on vehicles or various people, officers can save time and air time by looking up the information right from the squad car.
The department also has a Taser and all officers have been trained on it.
New officers
Finally, Hartert explained that he has hired two new part-time police officers, who bring a wealth of experience to the village.
John Andrews is a young retiree from Milwaukee, where he served as a detective lieutenant. He also currently serves as a lieutenant with Milwaukee Area Technical College's security department.
Paul Schmidt is a Town of East Troy sergeant. The two will be sworn in before the Village Board on April 2.
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