Pikeville Police Department
Protecting and Enhancing Small Town Life
Community Watch Program
Community Joining Hands
The Pikeville Police Department is proud to announce the introduction of a groundbreaking program called “Community Joining Hands” to the residents of Pikeville, Tennessee. This program is built on the principles of community-oriented policing, which seeks to establish strong relationships between law enforcement officers and community members.
Meetings
Periodic meetings will be used to develop programs to heighten awareness of, and proper response to, suspected or actual criminal activity. Speakers from law enforcement, as well as from a wide range of community organizations can address many topics of interest to the community. Meetings will take place quarterly at City Hall.
The next “Community Joining Hands” Meeting will be announced at a later time.
The topic for the meeting on Monday, August 12th, will be “Internet Crimes Against Children“.
Crime statistics for the period of April 1st through July 31st will also be discussed.
Remember to have your questions, suggestions or ideas ready!!
All past Community Joining Hands Meetings are listed below.
Monday, August 12, 2024
On Monday, August 12th, the Community Joining Hands meeting was conducted by Lieutenant Ricky Hodge.
Lieutenant Hodge began with a PowerPoint presentation filled with important information regarding Internet Crimes Against Children. Kevin Starr, from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations – Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, was a guest speaker and presented excellent information to all attendees. It is clear that the Pikeville Police Department is dedicated to keeping our children safe online.
Lieutenant Hodge also discussed the Police Departments number of warnings, tickets and arrests from April 1st through June 30th.
Monday, April 8, 2024
On Monday, April 8th, the Community Joining Hands meeting was conducted, and Assistant Chief Decker welcomed everyone to the meeting. He first introduced the Board of Aldermen that were in attendance, along with the members of the Pikeville Police Department.
Asst Chief Decker then began with a PowerPoint presentation filled with important information regarding Traffic Safety. Topics covered were 10 Things to Know If You Encounter Trouble On The Road, Aggressive Driving, Road Rage, Tennessee Move Over Law, Distracted Driving, Hands Free Tennessee, the Eddie Conrad Act, and Drowsy Driving. It is clear that the Pikeville Police Department is dedicated to keeping the community safe and informed about road safety.
Assistant Chief Decker also discussed the Police Departments number of warnings, tickets and arrests from January 1st through March 31st.
One important takeaway from the meeting was the upcoming visits from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, mentioned by Chief Byrd, to local schools to monitor motorists in school zones. This proactive approach to ensuring the safety of students and pedestrians is commendable and shows a commitment to protecting the community.
Cliff Fowler’s observation and concern about motorists texting while driving on Main Street highlights the importance of community members being vigilant and speaking up about safety issues. It’s clear that there is a need for increased enforcement to address this dangerous behavior.
Overall, the meeting was a success in raising awareness and promoting safe driving practices in Pikeville. The next meeting in August will provide another opportunity for community members to come together and continue the conversation about traffic safety.
Monday, January 8, 2024
On Monday, January 8th, the Community Joining Hands meeting was conducted, and Assistant Chief Decker warmly welcomed all the attendees. During the gathering, he introduced the members of the Pikeville Police Department. During the Powerpoint presentation, Asst. Chief Decker provided everyone with important contact numbers for emergency situations. Additionally, he shared detailed crime statistics from October 1 through December 31, allowing the community to stay informed about the ongoing safety concerns.
The meeting primarily focused on Fentanyl and the use of Narcan. During the meeting there were discussions regarding the dangers of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. Attendees were educated on what fentanyl looks like, as it can come in the form of pills, powders, or patches. It is often used through ingestion, injection, or smoking. The drug quickly binds to opioid receptors in the brain, causing a rapid onset of powerful effects such as euphoria and respiratory depression. Fentanyl is extremely dangerous due to its high potency and the risk of overdose, especially when laced with other substances. Attendees were also advised to be vigilant of signs of fentanyl paraphernalia in public spaces, such as small bags, pill bottles, or syringes. The importance of education and prevention strategies to combat the fentanyl epidemic was emphasized during the meeting.
Assistant Chief Decker showed a graphic illustrating the troubling state of Tennessee’s opioid crisis. The graphic revealed the high rates of opioid painkiller prescriptions, nonfatal overdoses, and the alarmingly increasing number of fatal overdoses in the state. These statistics are a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to combat the opioid epidemic and save lives in our community. Assistant Chief Decker’s commitment to addressing this issue is commendable, and it is clear that he and the Pikeville Police Department is dedicated to making a difference in the fight against opioid addiction.
The remaining portion of the PowerPoint presentation was led by various members of the Pikeville Police Department, who focused on Addiction 101. They delved into the nature of addiction, explaining its physiological and psychological effects on individuals. They also discussed the importance of recovery and various treatment options available for those struggling with addiction. The officers emphasized the need for community support and resources to assist those in recovery, and provided valuable insights on how law enforcement can play a role in addressing the addiction crisis in Pikeville. Overall, the presentation shed light on the complexities of addiction and highlighted the importance of education, prevention, and support in tackling this widespread issue.
To ensure continued community engagement and collaboration, Assistant Chief Decker announced that the next meeting would be held on Monday, April 8, 2024. This upcoming meeting will be held at 6:30 pm in the City Hall Banquet Room, providing an opportunity for community members to gather, share concerns, and work together to enhance the safety and well-being of the neighborhood.
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
On Tuesday, October 10th, the Community Joining Hands meeting was conducted, and Assistant Chief Decker warmly welcomed all the attendees. During the gathering, he introduced the members of the Pikeville Police Department. During the powerpoint presentation, Asst. Chief Decker provided everyone with important contact numbers for emergency situations. Additionally, he shared detailed crime statistics from July 1 through September 30, allowing the community to stay informed about the ongoing safety concerns.
The meeting primarily focused on holiday safety and crime prevention. A range of useful tips were shared, covering various aspects such as home safety, handling strangers at the door, ensuring security while leaving for vacations, and post-holiday safety precautions. To demonstrate and emphasize these guidelines, three informative videos on holiday safety were screened, enhancing the understanding of potential risks and prevention methods.
Furthermore, the gathering shed light on four essential awareness campaigns. These campaigns aimed to prioritize the safety of pedestrians, educate young drivers about responsible behavior on the road, emphasize the importance of school bus safety, and raise awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving. By highlighting National Pedestrian Safety Month, National Teen Driver Safety Week, School Bus Safety Week, and Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, the meeting enabled the community to actively participate and actively work toward a safer environment.
To ensure continued community engagement and collaboration, Assistant Chief Decker announced that the next meeting would be held on Monday, January 8, 2024. This upcoming meeting will be held at 6:30 pm in the City Hall Banquet Room, providing an opportunity for community members to gather, share concerns, and work together to enhance the safety and well-being of the neighborhood.
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
The meeting covered various significant topics related to fraud and scams that specifically target the elderly population. One of the areas discussed was Charity Scams, where con artists take advantage of people’s goodwill and exploit their generosity for personal gain. Attendees were provided with valuable insights into detecting and avoiding such scams.
Another area highlighted was Mail Fraud, a common scheme that often targets vulnerable individuals, including the elderly. Sergeant Ricky Hodge emphasized the importance of being cautious when responding to suspicious mails or providing personal information. The attendees were empowered with practical tips to protect themselves and their loved ones from falling prey to these scams.
The meeting also delved into the alarming rise of IRS scams, where scammers impersonate Internal Revenue Service officials to extort money or sensitive information from unsuspecting victims. The attendees were educated on how to differentiate between legitimate IRS communications and fraudulent attempts.
A representative from Citizens Tri-County Bank highlighted two remarkable incidents where their well-trained tellers successfully prevented an elderly person from falling victim to a potential scam. By swiftly recognizing the signs and acting accordingly, the teller was able to foil the transaction, ensuring that the elderly customer didn’t lose a large amount of money.
Throughout the meeting, the residents of Pikeville actively engaged in the discussion, raising various questions and sharing their concerns regarding the safety of their community’s elderly population. Assistant Chief Decker and Sergeant Hodge addressed each query, providing reassurance and guidance to ensure that the attendees felt empowered and equipped to combat fraud and scams affecting the elderly.
During the meeting, crime statistics for the period of April 1st through June 30th were thoroughly analyzed and discussed.
As the meeting drew to a close, the importance of community collaboration and vigilance was emphasized. Assistant Chief Decker expressed his gratitude to the attendees for their active participation and encouraged them to spread the knowledge gained to their friends and family. By working together, Pikeville residents aim to create a safer environment for their elderly population, ensuring they can live their lives free from the devious schemes of fraudsters and scammers.
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
The atmosphere at our first Community Joining Hands meeting was filled with excitement and anticipation. It was truly heartwarming to see the turnout and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to attend!
Mayor Cagle began the event by welcoming the attendees and expressing his gratitude for their presence. He then proceeded to introduce a distinguished panel of speakers, which included Chief of Police Ronnie Byrd, Assistant Chief David Decker, Sergeant Ricky Hodge, and Patrolman Tristan Jordan. Each police officer had the opportunity to introduce themselves, allowing the community members to familiarize themselves with the dedicated individuals who protect and serve their town.
The meeting commenced with a PowerPoint presentation that provided valuable information about various aspects of community safety and crime prevention. It was insightful and engaging, providing the community members with practical tips and advice. The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a Tip Sheet, a comprehensive resource that can be used to report criminal activity. This valuable tool will undoubtedly empower our residents to play an active role in maintaining the safety and security of Pikeville.
Throughout the meeting, numerous topics were discussed, giving community members the opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions. It was heartening to see the level of engagement and enthusiasm displayed by the residents. The police officers patiently listened to each query and addressed them with clarity and compassion.
It was truly a sight to behold, witnessing the residents of Pikeville band together to make their town a safer place. The success of this meeting would not have been possible without the active participation and support of the community. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended and made this event a resounding success. We look forward to working together in the future to continue fostering a strong and united community that stands against crime.
