Maysville Police Department Specialized Units & Communications Division

Maysville Police Department Specialized Units

ERT

The Emergency Response Team (ERT) was organized in 1999 as a way to better prepare for incidents like the Columbine High School shooting in Columbine, Colorado. ERT personnel are trained to handle situations that are beyond the capabilities of regular patrol officers. Team members must show a high level of dedication because they may be called upon at anytime to perform their duties. In addition, ERT members must also demonstrate the ability to handle both the physical and mental challenges of being part of this specialized team.

The tactical unit can be called upon to handle incidents such as a barricaded subject, hostage situation, an active shooter, or to serve a high-risk warrant.

In addition to monthly training, all new members are required to complete an eighty-hour tactical school. Some members also have specialized training in hostage negotiations and medical support. Team members are trained to use special weapons and devices available only to the ERT, and we are currently working to get a team member sniper trained which, in many cases, could help the team complete objectives during a call out.

K-9

The Maysville Police Department maintains a Canine Team of Officer Kelly Prater and his canine Misho. The K-9 team is trained in narcotics detection, criminal apprehension, building search, tracking and article search.
The Maysville Police Department is proud to have had a K-9 program since 1976.

CIS

The Criminal Investigations Section is handled by the Maysville Police Department Detective Division and provides a vast array of services to the community. CIS primarily handles all felony cases and some misdemeanor cases including, but not limited to, drug investigations, burglaries, robberies, major thefts, Identity thefts, missing persons, and sexual abuse cases. Additional duties of an Investigator include video taping and crime scene photography, evidence collection, witness and suspect interviews, identifying and apprehending offenders, preparing cases for trial, and maintaining liaison with prosecutors, courts, and corrections. If you have any information you believe may be useful to Investigators, please contact Lieutenant Horch at 606-564-9411 or Email jhorch@maysvillepolice.com.

Bike Patrol Division

The Bike Patrol Division was organized in 1998 and consists of five sworn Officers who regularly patrol the city 24 hours a day. Bicycle Officers are flexible in where they can go allowing them to make contacts and to patrol areas that they would be unable to from a vehicle, including recreational parks and small businesses. Bike Patrol Division Officers wear a different uniform -- black shorts, gray shirts, and helmet – that helps the community readily identify them. The Bike Patrol is also utilized for special events, parades, and city functions. The Maysville Bike Patrol Division is an asset to both the department and the community in that it puts Officers closer to the people.


Accident Reconstruction

The Accident Reconstruction and Traffic Collision Investigation Division was organized in 1999, and consists of two sworn Officers who have received extensive training which allows them to effectively investigate serious traffic collisions. Officers are responsible for determining the cause of the collision and preserving any evidence from the scene, which may be needed, in a criminal prosecution as a result of the traffic collision.

Communications Division

The Maysville Police Department Communications Division consists of one Communications Supervisor, and five full-time Communications Officers providing 24-hour service to the Maysville/Mason county area. The Communications Division is responsible for answering and dispatching assistance calls for the Maysville Police Department, the Maysville Fire Department and Emergency Services (EMS), the Mason County Sheriff Department, along with seven volunteer departments and brother agencies.

The Communications Division handles all calls through the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) terminal, which allows for improved responder tracking, along with call and record accuracy. Communications Officers must attend a four-week training academy, as well as additional classes each year to maintain certification. It is the duty of the Communications Officer to assist the community, along with their responding units, during stressful situations with empathy and grace.