Congratulation to Officer Alwerdt Officer of the Year.

 I, Chief Dwayne Wheeler is pleased to announce that Taylorville Police Officer Jeremy Alwerdt won Officer of the year 2020 by the optimist club.  I am very proud of all Officer Alwerdt hard work and dedication to duty.

August 31st, 2017 Overdose Awareness Day.

 

 

I went to a round table gathering on August 24th, 2017 with several other Police Chiefs and Dignitaries from my home State of Illinois.  We focused on the Heroin Epidemic and brainstormed what we can do to solve the problem. 

We have answers its if we can get certain laws passed through legislation.  Until then it is up to each community starting with the leaders of every police organization to educate your community on this problem.  Be very proactive against the dealers that are putting this drug in the hands of the addicts and help the addicts recover.  Please as a Police Chief I urge other Chiefs to speak to your members and get a plan to attack this epidemic.  Please reach out to me with any questions or suggestions.

Runner up for Illinois Officer of the Year (American Legion) very humbled to be a finalist July 14th, 2017.

Dwayne Wheeler Police Chief (This is a new day for law enforcement)

"This is a new day for law Enforcement"

"Instead of seeing each other as enemies, police officers and people in the grip of addiction are walking together with one goal:  getting better"

I was honored today to help a young adult get treatment.

Today a young lady contacted the Police Department asking for help with her addiction.  I spoke to this individual and told her that I would help.  I reached out to Tim Ryan and one of his team members called me back within 10 minutes.  I advised him of the situation and was able to have them connect.  This is what police officers need to do.  If we help to save a life and get this person the help they need, it helps the community you serve.

Police Officers to help addicts receive treatment.

Why should Police Officers help addicts get treatment?

Almost every community is affected by the heroin epidemic.  The communities we serve that have a heroin problem tend to have a spike in thefts and burglaries.  The reason for this is the addict needs to support his or her habit. 

What Should a Police Officer do?

The Police officer will arrest a subject for a simple possession charge, the subject will go to the county jail and a bond will be set.  If the subject has no prior background the subject will usually be released on a very small bond or a recognizance bond.  The subject will be released and back to his or her addiction.  The reason for this blog is to educate our police officers on how to help the addict receive treatment to help him or her.  It is proven that helping addicts in your community will lower your crime statistics.