Winter storm puts dent in Jefferson City crime

Officer Patrick Duncan patrols the streets of Jefferson City on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017.
Officer Patrick Duncan patrols the streets of Jefferson City on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017.

Crime never takes a holiday, but in the wake of winter storm Jupiter, it came close in Jefferson City.

Jefferson City Police Officer Patrick Duncan said Friday was one of the lightest days he's seen in his time on the force.

"It's hit and miss when you have bad weather," he said. "We can get calls for accidents and be tied up on them while other calls have to wait. But that didn't happen Friday."

Duncan said the department had been preparing through the week based on the weather forecasts.

"To be ready, our evening shift, which normally comes on at 4 p.m., came in at noon," he said.

Over the years, the amount of equipment officers must have with them has grown and the Ford Explorers the department has offer more room for this. But in bad weather, Duncan noted, they provide another benefit.

"They're all-wheel drive, meaning we have an easier time handling all the hills we have here in town," he said as he patrolled the streets Saturday morning. "When we had the Crown Victorias, there were some places we just couldn't get up to if there was snow or ice."

Duncan said there are 21 Explorers in the patrol division and three in the traffic division.

While on patrol, officers will see and check on the homeless in the community. Duncan said if they reach out to them, they try to help as best as they can.

"We of course can refer them to the Salvation Army or there is a program through the Samaritan Center where we can give vouchers for an overnight stay at America's Best Value Inn," he said. "But, many times, these folks are able to take care of themselves and don't want any help. It's the way they want to live.

"I remember one man a few years back who had his tent and generator and lived behind a billboard and was very content," he said.