EGPD in the community

Police in general are protectors; problem solvers; investigators; negotiators; and a sense of authority. But they are also educators; role models; and friends. Nowhere is that more true than in Eagle Grove. A couple week’s ago we took a look at the Eagle Grove Police Department and the idea of community policing, this week, we take a look at how the department is making a connection on a different level - by interacting with the people, especially the youth of the community.

One of the ways they are doing this is by bringing back the D.A.R.E. Program, now in it’s third year at Robert Blue Middle School after a long hiatus. It is lead by Officer Garrett Quintus.

“We’ve been getting a lot of really good feedback on it,” said Chief Ray Beltran.

But Quintus isn’t the only officer they see in school. “I really encourage the officers to go into the schools, to be present...to make connections with students and staff,” said Beltran. “The kids seem to really like seeing us there...and enjoy giving us high-fives in the hallway.”

Read the full story in the December 7 edition.