Knoxville — Lt. Aaron Fuller of the Knoxville Police Department reports that Jennifer Segall, the first full-time female officer in the department's history, has resigned to accept another position.
Fuller said the KPD wishes Segall the best. She had been working as the department's officer assigned to the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement drug task force.
Segall's departure is one of the latest personnel changes with the KPD. Newly-hired officers Lance Eysink and Kyle Eastwood will start their police academy training on Monday.
The department has hired Eric How to fill the position opened through a grant from the federal government. The grant will pay a portion of the officer's salary and benefits for three years. By accepting the grant, the City of Knoxville agreed to keep the officer for a fourth year at City expense. One of the requirements of this grant is that the selected officer must be a veteran.
With the grant-funded position, the City of Knoxville intends to work with the Knoxville School District to pay the expenses for a School Resource Officer. A seasoned member of the KPD will be assigned to this position, but no selection has been made regarding whom it will be.
Fuller is also unsure of whom will replace Segall on the task force, or if the department will start a new search for an officer to fill her position. The department may review applications received for previously advertised available positions.
Burglaries remain under investigation
Motor vehicle burglaries remain a problem for the KPD, and the department is also looking into a string of recent home and business burglaries.
The home burglaries have occurred in different parts of the City. Motor vehicle burglaries have been concentrated near the center of town.
Regardless of where you live or where you park your car, Fuller advises everyone to keep their homes, windows and vehicles locked at all times. He strongly encourages everyone to remove their keys when exiting vehicles.
Fuller suspects teenagers are responsible for the motor vehicle burglaries. The burglars have not damaged any of the vehicles to get inside.
As for the home and business burglaries, Fuller believes there may be a connection. Items taken from homes include cash, change jars and jewelry. Three businesses have been burglarized, but Fuller declined to disclose the names of them.
Fuller asks that if you see something suspicious or if you have any information regarding these burglaries, please contact the KPD.
Easy New Year's Eve
Fuller said there were several OWI charges filed New Year's Eve, and officers responded to a fight. New Year's Eve can be an "up or down" night in the lives of the KPD.
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