CHPD News

Council Approves Financing for New CHPD

During the July 2nd, 2018 Charlestown City Council Meeting, the council entertained an ordinance to approve the financing of the construction of a new Charlestown Police Headquarters facility.  The ordinance passed 4-1 on a second and final reading, with councilwoman Tina Barnes abstaining from the vote. The new facility will be located next to the existing station at 701 Main Street; and will be financed through locally through the New Washington State Bank.  Paul Wheatley, president and founder of The Wheatley Group, LLC, is contracted to develop the new station along with GM Development.  Wheatley said the construction design should be ready in the next three to four weeks. Construction crews should be able to break ground by the end of the month, he said. If construction begins in the next three weeks, the project will likely be completed by late spring of 2019.  Wheatley said he is excited to give…


CHPD Operation Business Check Expands

For several decades, the Charlestown Police Department has maintained an organized program of performing security checks of businesses inside the city and their associated properties after hours; and especially during the early morning (higher property crime instance) time periods.  The program, called Operation Business Check-of which several Charlestown businesses are already familiar with, provides department patrol officers with vital security and contact information about registered businesses; which greatly assists officers when finding or responding to a problem. A brand NEW facet of Operation Business Check is receiving timely business crime and security alerts, notifications, and information via email; designed to keep Charlestown businesses informed of local crime trends and information to help employees prevent becoming a victim. Simply complete the CONFIDENTIAL ON-LINE REGISTRATION FORM to add, update and/or renew your business’s participation in Charlestown Police Department’s Operation Business Check.  Whether your Charlestown Business has a physical store front or not, registration…


Free Crisis Text Line 741-741

If you find yourself stressed, depressed, lonely or sad……the Crisis Text line is free, confidential, and might help.  Being in crisis, doesn’t just mean possibly being suicidal; it’s any painful emotion for which you need support.   Text “Connect” to 741-741 and a trained crisis counselor will text with you about anything on your mind; completely free, confidential, nationwide and available anytime of the day or week.  Over 90% of text requests are answered within five minutes, and texting fees are waived by AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile…..and will not appear on your bill.  Life is tough sometimes, try a different perspective by trained counselor who only want to help you, during a personal crisis.  This is a public service message provided through the Charlestown Police Department, by Life Springs Health Services.  For more information, visit www.lifespringshealthsystems.org or call 812-280-2080.


Security Reminder-Auto Theft Increase

The Southern Indiana area law enforcement, over the past two months and especially during the past two weeks, has noted an unusually high increase in vehicle thefts.  Please take an extra moment when leaving your vehicles unattended:  ensuring that all doors and hatches are closed and LOCKED, that a SPARE KEY is not readily accessible inside, ALARMS are set (if equipped), and parked under as much LIGHTING as possible to help deter thieves. Additionally, it is a great idea to have a copy of your vehicle’s insurance card accessible away from the vehicle (such as a snap shot picture of it saved in your cell phone).  Taking simple steps to protect your property from crime go a long way in the end, and are proven to deter and prevent becoming a victim. For more crime prevention tips, including personal safety, home security, small business, and bike safety; visit the Charlestown…


Fraud Alert: Home Shoppers and Renters Beware

The Charlestown Police Department has recently received a few complaints regarding attempts to fraud individuals looking for homes to rent or sell.  The scam involves individuals posting ads on social media and sell websites; including Craigslist, claiming to be responsible for area homes already up for sale or rent.  These scammers are asking for a “good faith” down payment or “deposit to secure” a home of interest; before being able to see its interior.  The scammers collect the down payment or deposit, usually through electronic transfer methods, and are never hear from or able to be contacted again. Don’t fall prey to a scammer, always protect yourself and be extremely cautious when entertaining business deals. Never make business deals over the phone or internet, they are meant for in person. Never pay money to secure a deal before having a chance to physically and thoroughly inspect your purchase. Never provide…