Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Ordinance also prohibits city employees from carrying on duty.
No one will be allowed to carry weapons into any city of Oak Creek building under an ordinance unanimously passed by the Common Council Tuesday. The ordinance was approved ahead of the state's concealed-carry law that takes effect Nov. 1, though it prohibits weapons of any kind - concealed or otherwise. Also as part of the ordinance, city employees (except for law enforcement officers) cannot carry weapons while on the job. The new rules do not apply on the grounds around city buildings or in municipal parks. It's only within buildings, such as City Hall or the public library. Signs will be posted near the entrance of those facilities. A violation of the ordinance would be a criminal offense and reviewed by the district attorney's office. …
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Changes coming for police officers, dispatchers.
The Oak Creek Police Department is formulating plans about how it will address new issues presented by the state's concealed carry law, which goes into effect Nov. 1. Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards said he is putting together information for city officials and schools about the new law. Officers will receive training on what they can and can't do, and the department is getting clarification from the state on a few lingering issues. In addition, the city of Oak Creek is expected to adopt its own ordinances pertaining to the law and fines for violating it. Change is coming The biggest adjustment for patrol officers and dispatchers will be asking more questions in situations involving a person with a gun. Officers will need to ask for a…
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Department wants to avoid problems seen in Kenosha on Tuesday.
The Oak Creek Police Department is adjusting security for today's Paul Ryan listening session after what happened at the Congressman's town-hall meeting in Kenosha on Tuesday. According to news reports, Ryan was forced to leave with police after protesters surrounded his car. Police Chief John Edwards said he couldn't go into detail about what the department will do, but said police are working to avoid those problems happening in Oak Creek today. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. inside the municipal courtroom.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Police chief says complaints not unusual near truck stops, though they have dwindled over the years.
Oak Creek police received prostitution complaints in two separate incidents over the weekend near the truck stops on Ryan Road. An employee at the Value Inn, 9420 S. 20th St., said several customers came into the office Friday about 9 p.m. to report a woman knocking on doors and soliciting them. The woman left before officers arrived. Two days later, a Love's Travel Stop employee called police about 9:45 p.m. with a similar report - that a woman was knocking on semi-truck doors "offering services" to drivers in the lot. A 40-year-old woman from Ohio was cited in the incident. Love's, 9650 S. 20th St., is across the street from the Value Inn near the Ryan Road off-ramp. Police Chief John Edwards said it's not rare for the police department …
Friday, March 4, 2011
Three others in Oak Creek Police Department earn promotion.
John Edwards was formally sworn in as police chief of Oak Creek Friday afternoon. Edwards was named to the position last month to replace the retiring Tom Bauer. He has served in the police department for more than 25 years, beginning his career as a patrol officer before moving up to the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant and captain. His career also includes being shot in the line of duty. Mayor Dick Bolender and police Capt. Michael Bolender noted it as just one example of what Edwards has been through to get to this point. "This is the story of a fighter," Michael Bolender said. "John fought back and became the same great cop he had been prior to the shooting." Edwards said he views the police chief's role as one of support - to make sure…
Friday, February 4, 2011
Edwards has served police department for quarter century.
(Updated 4:43 p.m.) Acting Police Chief John Edwards can remove the "acting" from his title. Edwards has been named the permanent replacement for former Police Chief Tom Bauer, who retired last July. The Oak Creek Police and Fire Commission appointed Edwards to the position Thursday night. Edwards has served in the police department for more than 25 years, beginning his career as a patrol officer before moving up to the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant and captain. He was named acting chief when Bauer retired in July. Edwards said Friday the police chief position has "such responsibility, and for them to have the faith in me to do it is humbling." He was relieved the commission's search process was over so the department can begin moving …
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Police Department has been without a permanent chief since July.
The Oak Creek Police Department will go into the new year without a permanent police chief yet named. The city has been without one since July, when Thomas Bauer announced his retirement. In his place, police Capt. John Edwards has served as the acting chief and is one of three finalists for the position. The other two are also within the Oak Creek police force - Lt. Steven Anderson and Lt. Brian Murphy. Police and Fire Commission Chairwoman Terry Peterson could not be reached for comment. The commission met as recently as Dec. 16, though that meeting was in closed session. Peterson previously has said she hoped a selection was made by the end of the year, but added the search was a thorough process. The commission has not ruled out …
Dean in O.C.
12:46 pm on Thursday, October 20, 2011
This just means that everyone working in City Hall is less safe. Only the criminals who will not obey this law nor any other can pack heat. In addition, if somebody sues the City because of this, the money better come out of Mayor and Aldermen's pockets and not our tax dollars! more ›