South DSM News

During its March 6 meeting, the Indianola City Council discussed the state of the city's first responders and departments, during which it heard the annual report from Police Chief Brian Sher.

Sher told the board about the police department’s staffing changes; including his own promotion to chief, other promotions to captain and lieutenant, one new-officer hire and other changes in clerical staff. Additionally, six officers became drone certified this past year.

Sher also gave a report on the department’s use of body cameras, which began on June 1. He shared that everything has gone well with them so far, and they have been "a big plus" for the department in terms of documenting and verifying seizures, evidence collection, and providing additional safety for officers. He explained that using video evidence in court made things easier and simpler, and it also protects officers from potential complaints of abuse.

"So the takeaway from the body cameras is I want to thank you guys for funding that," Sher told the council. "It makes our jobs easier. It really does. It’s so transparent, complaints have been almost nonexistent and the ones we have had, just press play. It's that simple."

The police chief shared some videos from the cameras showing officers efficiently solving a domestic abuse investigation in which a citizen tried to hit an officer. The suspect was promptly controlled and arrested by the officers without further incident.

Sher also told the council about the drone program, in which the department has used drones in 16 missions, including a mentally unstable individual with a weapon to missing persons case.

The drones will also aid in the K9 program the department started, helping scout alongside the dog as it searches. The new K9 started with the program on March 6, continuing his training with his new handler Ofc. Trey Nixon. Sher noted that the K9 will assist with the department’s revival of the DARE program in schools.