In a recent interview with Local 5's Connor O'Neill, Perry's newly appointed police chief, Jim Archer, shared his experiences and insights regarding his first month in office, the department’s response to a tragic school shooting on January 4th, and the ongoing challenges posed by swatting calls.
Transitioning to Leadership
Chief Archer reflected on the transition from assistant to police chief, noting that his role now encompasses much more administrative work. “As chief, I'm doing a lot more of the policies, making sure people are getting their trainings done, and working out budgets,” he explained, highlighting how leadership demands a shift in focus from operational tasks to broader organizational responsibilities.
This transition marks a significant change in Archer's daily activities, as he now oversees critical policy implementation and resource management crucial for maintaining departmental efficiency and effectiveness.
Response to the January 4th Incident
The conversation then shifted to the tragic school shooting incident that occurred earlier in the year. Chief Archer expressed pride in his department's response, stating that prior training had equipped officers with the necessary skills and techniques to handle such emergencies effectively.
“We had sent all of our officers, especially the day shift officers, to additional training to bring us up to speed with the new techniques when it comes to responding to a shooter in that situation,” he remarked.
Archer emphasized a collaborative response involving students, teachers, administration, and law enforcement. From his perspective as a law enforcement leader, he felt that “it went as best as it could go,” reflecting the department's preparedness and the importance of community cooperation in emergency situations.
Addressing Swatting Calls
Swatting calls have become increasingly frequent in today's society, and Chief Archer addressed the proactive measures his department is taking to combat this disturbing trend. He emphasized the need for a mindset shift among individuals regarding their role in emergency scenarios.
“Most of these incidents are going to be done in five minutes or less," he pointed out, emphasizing that citizens need to view themselves as first responders in critical situations. “We’re giving you permission to act and to take an active role in saving yourself and those around you,” he added, reinforcing the importance of empowerment and awareness among community members.
Rebuilding Community Trust and Recruitment Challenges
In addition to the specifics of the shooting response and management of swatting calls, Chief Archer also touched on broader challenges facing the Perry Police Department, including recruitment struggles and efforts to rebuild community trust.
Chief Archer’s commitments during his first month in office underscore his dedication to not only enhancing the department’s operational capabilities but also fostering a supportive and trusting relationship with the community.
For those interested in gaining deeper insights into Chief Archer's strategies and vision for the department, the full interview is available on the streaming platform, We Are Iowa.
This initial chapter in Chief Archer's leadership journey expresses a clear vision for the Perry Police Department, emphasizing preparedness, community engagement, and trust-building as pillars of effective policing in modern society.
Part 1/5:
Insights from Perry's New Police Chief Jim Archer
In a recent interview with Local 5's Connor O'Neill, Perry's newly appointed police chief, Jim Archer, shared his experiences and insights regarding his first month in office, the department’s response to a tragic school shooting on January 4th, and the ongoing challenges posed by swatting calls.
Transitioning to Leadership
Chief Archer reflected on the transition from assistant to police chief, noting that his role now encompasses much more administrative work. “As chief, I'm doing a lot more of the policies, making sure people are getting their trainings done, and working out budgets,” he explained, highlighting how leadership demands a shift in focus from operational tasks to broader organizational responsibilities.
Part 2/5:
This transition marks a significant change in Archer's daily activities, as he now oversees critical policy implementation and resource management crucial for maintaining departmental efficiency and effectiveness.
Response to the January 4th Incident
The conversation then shifted to the tragic school shooting incident that occurred earlier in the year. Chief Archer expressed pride in his department's response, stating that prior training had equipped officers with the necessary skills and techniques to handle such emergencies effectively.
“We had sent all of our officers, especially the day shift officers, to additional training to bring us up to speed with the new techniques when it comes to responding to a shooter in that situation,” he remarked.
Part 3/5:
Archer emphasized a collaborative response involving students, teachers, administration, and law enforcement. From his perspective as a law enforcement leader, he felt that “it went as best as it could go,” reflecting the department's preparedness and the importance of community cooperation in emergency situations.
Addressing Swatting Calls
Swatting calls have become increasingly frequent in today's society, and Chief Archer addressed the proactive measures his department is taking to combat this disturbing trend. He emphasized the need for a mindset shift among individuals regarding their role in emergency scenarios.
Part 4/5:
“Most of these incidents are going to be done in five minutes or less," he pointed out, emphasizing that citizens need to view themselves as first responders in critical situations. “We’re giving you permission to act and to take an active role in saving yourself and those around you,” he added, reinforcing the importance of empowerment and awareness among community members.
Rebuilding Community Trust and Recruitment Challenges
In addition to the specifics of the shooting response and management of swatting calls, Chief Archer also touched on broader challenges facing the Perry Police Department, including recruitment struggles and efforts to rebuild community trust.
Part 5/5:
Chief Archer’s commitments during his first month in office underscore his dedication to not only enhancing the department’s operational capabilities but also fostering a supportive and trusting relationship with the community.
For those interested in gaining deeper insights into Chief Archer's strategies and vision for the department, the full interview is available on the streaming platform, We Are Iowa.
This initial chapter in Chief Archer's leadership journey expresses a clear vision for the Perry Police Department, emphasizing preparedness, community engagement, and trust-building as pillars of effective policing in modern society.