Emma Koehler
AGvocate Digitalist Visionary
It’s 2022 and public safety entities must adapt
How Cedar Falls police and fire departments are converging to better serve the community
EMMA KOEHLER
2022
So many challenges have come to light in recent years that have impacted the entire nation. Racial equality, economic unrest, firearm legislation and police reform are just some events that have a direct link to push change within public safety.
“We’re trying to provide the highest level of law enforcement service to our citizens, we’re always trying to be better, we’re always trying to find new ways to provide better service,” said candidate for Cedar Falls police chief, Jeff Sitzmann.
Public safety of Cedar Falls is one community in Iowa that has adapted the use of a Public Safety Officer (PSO) model. This allows for police officers, firefighters and other public safety officials to cross-train and become qualified to serve in multiple positions. This is just one way Cedar Falls public safety entities are adapting in 2022.
“It [the PSO model] isn’t going anywhere here in Cedar Falls,” said Sitzmann. “The reason being, our people are brought in and they receive excellent training and we have shown that it works. We’re effectively responding to police and fire emergencies. I think you’re going to see more of our officers going back and forth between departments, with the goal of more officers getting well trained and getting experience in both disciplines,” he said.
At the police chief meet and greet held for the Cedar Falls community to interact with the two candidates for Cedar Falls police chief, many emerging and current issues were addressed by Director of Public Safety and previous police chief, Craig Berte as well as candidate Jeff Sitzmann. Other candidate Mark Howard would be available for the public the following evening.
Issues discussed included police and fire recruitment, civil unrest, media portrayal of police, mental health and firearm concerns. With all these concerns and issues, Sitzmann had full confidence in Cedar Falls officers.
“I want our officers going out on the streets today with the goal to be problem solvers,” said Sitzmann.
Recruitment for public safety officers has become a concern across the board. Sitzmann recognized this concern and is prepared for how to combat it through public awareness.
“Right now law enforcement throughout the country has experienced a decline, we’re having a very difficult time finding quality applicants that want to become part of law enforcement. Part of that is the culture that we are in today,” said Sitzmann.
He also recognizes it is a difficult time to be a police officer, and today young individuals have a lot of different options for their future and this career may be less appealing. However, he shares such a position has been very honorable for him and hopes this changes.
Along with training opportunities, Sitzmann mentioned bringing in mental health education to the community. He recognizes the current crisis and believes the solution involves expanding services, educating the public and having these services easily accessible.
“In terms of mental health, it’s obvious the crisis has gotten worse since the pandemic and that certainly did not help our situation right now, “ said Sitzmann, “There’s just not enough mental health services available.”
Of firearm concerns and school shootings, Sitzmann also sees training as the solution.
“Our response is training, we obviously hope and pray that we don’t have this situation but the trend indicates that something like this could happen at anytime,” said Sitzmann. “We work with the school system and their school safety program, we have a school resource officer at the schools who is very, very well trained and well versed,” he said.
Of the two candidates, Howard was selected as Cedar Falls police chief. He will become active in his new position starting Nov. 8.
Berte’s advice for the new chief is as stated, “Make sure you’re willing to collaborate with other departments and divisions. You hear the title police chief or fire chief and you think you run the fire department or the police department and actually in the city, it’s an effort among the city as the city departments work together. You got to have someone who’s willing collaborate and work together for the common good of Cedar Falls.”