Police Officer of the Month

March 2007

PFC Jake Bell

PFC Jake Bell Selected as Police Officer of the Month for March 2007.

Chief William McMahon has selected PFC Jake Bell as Police Officer of the Month for March 2007. PFC Bell is assigned as a School Resource Officer at Hammond High School. He demonstrates outstanding police service through his performance and strong work ethic. During the month of March, he had several cases that are noteworthy. Below are just a few examples:

Assault: PFC Bell handled a late reported assault that involved an assault of a teenage victim. The victim had been assaulted while standing in front of her residence when several masked females struck her with eggs. One of the suspects videotaped the incident.

Several weeks later, the victim saw the video on MySpace.Com. The victim recognized one of the suspects; she then made contact with PFC Bell. PFC Bell interviewed the suspect and took possession of the video tape as evidence. The suspect implicated the others involved. In all, PFC Bell charged 4 suspects in the assault.

Destruction of Property/ Gang Activity: PFC Bell observed a student in the hallway of his school with tattoos which PFC Bell recognized gang tattoos. He made contact with the subject, who denied any gang involvement. Bell knew from his vast experience that the subject was not being truthful, and he identified the tattoos as being those of the CRIPS gang. A few weeks later, a school bathroom was tagged with gang related drawings and symbols. The tagging was indicative of CRIPS symbology. Bell had the school administration conduct a check of the known CRIPS member’s locker. This check revealed drawings on his school books and notebooks, which were identical to those in the bathroom. Based on this evidence, PFC Bell charged the CRIPS member with Destruction of Property. Additionally, PFC Bell made contact with the HCPD Intelligence Unit. The CRIPS member was interviewed, and provided valuable information about gang activity occurring locally.

THEFT: PFC Bell was made aware of a theft of cash, gift cards and a cell phone from the girls’ locker room. He obtained a list of possible suspects, and began interviews. One student in particular was extremely nervous and acted suspicious when questioned. The investigation revealed that the student was in possession of the stolen gift cards. She cooperated with PFC Bell, and returned the other stolen items. The student was charged with Theft.

In all, PFC Bell made 13 arrests, conducted 9 student/parent conferences, and performed 11 student mediation sessions. PFC Bell displays professional qualities and characteristics each and everyday he comes to work. He is truly a valued member of the Howard County Police Department.